Justification:
By Faith Alone?
A Theology Internet Debate
between Eric Ewanco
eje@world.std.com
and
Andrew Webb
ajwebb@pop.erols.com
Wednesday, April 10th to Tuesday, April 16th
0. Logistics
This two-person debate is transmitted over the Internet in both electronic mail
form and HTML form available via web browsers. If you are receiving this via
electronic mail, you are on the auditor distribution list. To remove yourself
or add yourself to the email distribution list, send email to eje@world.std.com. This is a human,
not an autoresponder, and the debate is not a mailing list, discussion list, or
listserv, but a private, manual distribution list for the purpose of publishing
the proceedings of the debate. Anyone can read the HTML version on the web
without subscribing; the HTML version has some formatting and hyperlinks which
the email version does not.
Readers may be interested in using the online WWW Bible Gateway,
http://www.gospelcom.net/bible,
for checking Scripture references across several different translations and for
doing Bible searches.
1. Introduction
The theological issue of justification was the cause of the 16th Century
Reformation which caused the division between the Catholic Church and
the Reformed, or Protestant, Churches. The pioneers of the Reformation were
Martin Luther and John Calvin.
The Reformers argued, on the basis of Scripture alone ("sola scriptura")
that we are justified by "faith alone" ("sola fide").
The question of this debate today is whether in fact, on the basis of
Scripture alone, we may say that we are justified by faith alone.
The affirmative side is argued by Mr. Webb, a Reformed Christian. The
negative side is argued by Mr. Ewanco, a Catholic Christian. The basis for
proof will be the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Holy Scriptures according
to the shorter Reformed canon.
2. Format
The format of the debate will not be a strict one. We have seven days in which
to make our points and draw our conclusions, alternating back and forth between
Mr. Webb and Mr. Ewanco. Naturally all will be done in Christian charity, that
is, agape love!
Please note that this is not a discussion open to audience participation;
those on the distribution list are auditors. We unfortunately do not have the
resources at this time to dedicate a public discussion forum for this topic.
However auditors are welcome to ask questions privately to the debaters over
email.
We will begin with some personal introductions.
3. Preliminary Disclaimers
Both Mr. Webb and Mr. Ewanco officially represent only themselves acting as
private Christian believers, and do not speak authoritatively for any church,
organization, or employer. Nothing in this debate should be construed as
representing the opinion of their employers or Internet service providers.
Mr. Ewanco will present an argument which to the best of his knowledge and
ability is in complete conformance to orthodox Catholic Christian teaching, but
as an amateur layman he has no ecclesiastical teaching authority.
Mr. Webb will present an argument which he believes conforms to the
essentials of the historic Christian faith as taught by scripture. He too,
is a layman and cannot claim to be in any way authoritative.
4. Hypertext Proceedings of Debate
Below is a list of exchanges in the debate. Links lacking hypertext
sensitivity (i.e. not "clickable") have not yet been published.
Biographical Introductions (10 April 1996)
Andrew Webb /
Eric Ewanco
Round 1 (10 April 1996)
Andrew Webb /
Eric Ewanco
Round 2 (12-13 April 1996)
Andrew Webb /
Eric Ewanco
Round 3 (14-15 April 1996)
Andrew Webb (Part 1/1) /
Eric Ewanco
Last updated 16 April 1996, 12am by
eje@world.std.com