Prima Scriptura - Eastern Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodoxy also teaches prima scriptura. An analogy is made where the entirety of church life is compared to a jeweled pendant, of which the most precious gem is the large diamond in the center, representing scripture. The other gems represent other parts of the Holy Tradition. While none of the other jewels are equal to the diamond, they nonetheless contribute to its beauty; the diamond looks best as part of the whole pendant (i. e., when viewed within the context of Church tradition). Sola scriptura, which is analogous to ripping the diamond out of the pendant because one prefers to view it on its own, only detracts from the diamond's beauty and value.