Which position was taken by the Council of Trent on interpretation of the Bible?

Which position was taken by the Council of Trent on interpretation of the Bible?

• A. Church tradition holds no authority over the Bible
• B. All interpretations of the Bible were equally valid
• C. The Church's interpretation of the Bible was final and others were considered heresy
• D. Individuals were encouraged to interpret the Bible without guidance

Answer: (C)

The position taken by the Council of Trent regarding the interpretation of the Bible emphasized the authority of the Church in providing the definitive interpretation of Scripture. This was a response to the Protestant Reformation, which encouraged individual interpretation of the Bible based on personal understanding and reason. The Council asserted that only the Church had the authority to interpret the Bible correctly, which meant that other interpretations that deviated from Church doctrine were considered heretical. This was part of a broader effort to establish doctrinal unity and prevent the fragmentation of Christian beliefs that had emerged as a result of the Reformation. By affirming the Church's interpretation as final, the Council sought to uphold the traditions and teachings of the Catholic faith as essential for maintaining religious order and unity among its followers.

The position taken by the Council of Trent regarding the interpretation of the Bible emphasized the authority of the Church in providing the definitive interpretation of Scripture. This was a response to the Protestant Reformation, which encouraged individual interpretation of the Bible based on personal understanding and reason. The Council asserted that only the Church had the authority to interpret the Bible correctly, which meant that other interpretations that deviated from Church doctrine were considered heretical. This was part of a broader effort to establish doctrinal unity and prevent the fragmentation of Christian beliefs that had emerged as a result of the Reformation. By affirming the Church's interpretation as final, the Council sought to uphold the traditions and teachings of the Catholic faith as essential for maintaining religious order and unity among its followers.