It's definitely not a Reformed doctrine. It was generally a bad doctrine from the outset, but now is even worse in its application. Soul Competency roots are based in the distrust of institutions, especially those institutions telling Christians what to believe. It expresses individual autonomy from the church. I guess it is the difference between solo Scriptura and sola Scriptura. The doctrine allows for the Holy Spirit guiding an individual to the proper interpretation of the Bible. Instead of the Bible being objective, it now becomes subjective. Each believer may have a different understanding. I don't think that was the intent of the original doctrine, but when you leave it for the individual for his/hers understanding; that is what you get - anarchy or chaos.

I guess the argument back to us is that we do not trust the Holy Spirit's guidance. It is not that, but when an individual declares the Holy Spirit's guidance to an erroneous interpretation the fault lies with the person, not the Holy Spirit.

In a way it puts into motion the idea of continuiing revelation. As I said, it was not the original intent. But when men becomes the barometer standard, that is what we get.

John Chaney

"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ." Colossians 2:7