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Historical Theology I : MMT201  /  The Apostolic Quadrilateral (Intensive Week – Day 1b)  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
Terry Clifton says the “SCAR” rule moves from “most absolute to most fuzzy” (Scripture ? Christocentric ? Antiquity ? Real); where do you personally feel most resistance to that ordering, and what would have to change in you for Scripture to function as “bedrock” rather than as one authority among several?
Another way to ask: Clifton says the “SCAR” rule goes from most clear to most unclear (Scripture → Christ-centered → ancient church → real life). Where do you resist that order most, and what would need to change in you for Scripture to feel like the solid foundation instead of just one voice among others?

Direct Answer Based on Terry Clifton’s teaching, resistance usually shows up where we want something “less absolute” than Scripture to settle our questions—like respected tradition, a leader’s voice, or what feels workable in real life. For Scripture to function as “bedrock,” we would have to yield our need for other authorities to have equal (or higher) weight and let the Bible be the final court of appeal.

Support from Transcript:

  • He frames SCAR “from most absolute to the most fuzzy,” with Scripture as “my bedrock one.”
  • He defines Scripture as: “The Bible is received as the sole and fallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. End of story.”
  • He warns that moving authority to a later benchmark (“150… 325… after this council”) only “move[s] the canon debates… to that century.”
  • He emphasizes early Christians ask, “what are they relying on for authority?” and answers: “It is the Word of God… the scriptures.”
  • He says the later categories get “fluffier,” implying we should not let “real” community experience or “antiquity” override Scripture.
Discussion Follow-ups What competing authority do you most instinctively treat as ‘bedrock’—church tradition, a favorite teacher, spiritual experiences, or practicality? What habits would help Scripture become your reflexive starting point?

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