Formal principle Totally Explained

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In Christian theology, a formal principle in contrast to material principle is the authority which forms or shapes the doctrinal system of a religion, religious movement or tradition or a religious body or organization. Formal principles tend to be texts or revered leaders of the religion or tradition. If the formal principle is properly identified, a scholar will know where to look to understand the teachings of a religion. Here are some examples of the formal and material principles in the major branches of Christianity:

Reformed Church Bodies --
- Calvin’s Material Principle: central concept is the glory of God.
- Formal Principle: the Bible is the standard for all conduct.
The American Baptist Bodies --
- Material Principle: The Absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ.
- Formal Principle: The sovereignty of the soul under God in all religious matters.
Roman Catholic Bodies --
- Formal Principle: Scripture, Tradition and Reason.
- Material Principle: "Man's soul, since it comes directly from God, is good and strives for reunion with God, realized in the beatific vision of God."1
Lutheran Bodies --
- Formal Principle: Sola Scriptura (according to the Scriptures Alone).
- Material Principle: Justification by faith alone (Sola Fide).
Eastern Orthodox Bodies --
- Formal Principle: the Holy Scriptures and "sacred" tradition.
- Material Principle: "Christ became man that we might become divine" St. Athanasius, for example deification of man.
The Anglican Bodies --
- Formal Principle: The Bible (66 books) are the only standard of doctrine.
- Material Principle:
  - Low Church -- doctrine of God's grace,
  - High Church -- corporate worship,
  - Broad Church -- a life which conforms to the ethical teachings of Jesus.
- The Methodist Bodies --
  - Formal Principle: Scripture, reason, teachings of the ancient Church.
  - Material Principle: the perfected man, for example entire sanctification.

Mayer. F.E. The Religious Bodies of America, Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1956, p.47
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