... sola scriptura. Prior to this the Catholic hierarchy believed itself to have exclusive understanding and knowledge of the Bible thus giving it an infallible status as an essential part of one's search for salvation. Contrastingly, Luther taught, "Scripture alone is the true Lord and master of all writings and doctrine on earth"2. This is Luther's theological principle of sola scriptura, by the Bible alone, making it the sole authority of Christian doctrine and practice. Through this principle Luther "sought to free it from arbitrary interpretation through fixed morns"3 in teaching that the individual could reach an understanding of the Bible not through the aid of the Church but through inspiration from the Holy Spirit when reading the Bible. Whilst this theological principle of sola scriptura may appear simple such a sweeping statement would be incorrect due to the principle's vast consequences. From analysis of these direct and indirect consequences it ...

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