Debate: "The Bible Teaches Catholic Authority, not Sola Scriptura"

Watch as Dr. James White debates Alex of Voice Of Reason on the topic of the authority for the church.

Topic/Resolution: "The Bible Teaches Catholic Authority, not Sola Scriptura."

The Debaters stipulate the following definitions.
Sola Scriptura: "The Scriptures are the sole infallible rule of faith for the church."
Catholic Authority: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium.

Alex is a lifelong Catholic who has always been passionate about sharing the faith. He quickly became known as a teenage prodigy in his local community after becoming a catechist and apologist at age 16, teaching not only other teenagers, but even adults in parochial faith formation. In 2023, Alex applied his knowledge and skills to the world of social media and is now popularly known as Voice of Reason. He quickly amassed a large following on Tik-Tok and Instagram @voiceofreason_clips and on YouTube @voiceofreason_. Today's debate will be only his third ever public debate, and his first one in person.

Dr. White is a Christian apologist, author, and theologian. He is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a pastor of Apologia Church, home of the End Abortion Now ministry. Dr. White has authored more than twenty-four books, including 'The Roman Catholic Controversy' and 'Scripture Alone.' He is a professor, an accomplished debater, and has engaged in public debates with leading proponents of various worldviews. Dr. White also hosts 'The Dividing Line,' a webcast dedicated to theological discussions. Today's debate will be his 190th public debate. James has been married to Kelli for 42 years, and is a grandfather with five living grandchildren.

Debate Format:
1. Opening
• Pastor James Medina’s Opening Remarks
• Moderator Michael Dill Introduction
2. Opening statements (34 minutes)
• Alex (17 minutes)
• Dr. White (17 minutes)
3. First round of rebuttals (14 minutes)
• Dr. White (7 minutes)
• Alex (7 minutes)
4. Second round of rebuttals (14 minutes)
• Dr. White (7 minutes)
• Alex (7 minutes)
5. Break (15 minutes)
6. Cross-examination (20 minutes)
• Alex questions Dr. White (10 minutes)
• Dr. White questions Alex (10 minutes)
7. Audience Q&A (18 minutes, potentially 24 minutes)
• Question 1 for Alex (3 minutes)
• Question 2 for Dr. White (3 minutes)
• Question 3 for Alex (3 minutes)
• Question 4 for Dr. White (3 minutes)
• Question 5 for both Alex and B (3 minutes each, Time permitting)
8. Closing statements (10 minutes)
• Alex (5 minutes)
• Dr. White (5 minutes)