What is the basis upon which believers must accept the authority of Scripture and the inspiration of Scripture? The author argues that the main basis should be in Scripture's own witness. In the process, the claim by the Roman Catholic church for tradition as a source of authority in the believer's life is refuted based on Scripture.

When Augustine became bishop of Hippo in 395 AD, he was compelled to deal with a schism which had existed in the church for 85 years. The schism consisted of mutual hostility and distrust. Both groups had the same episcopal constitution, the same priesthood, the same Creed and Sacraments. The schism existed on two levels. The first was over the concern for purity in the Christian life and worldly separation while the second point of contention was doctrinal.