Sola scriptura is a theological doctrine that asserts the Bible is the sole authority for Christian faith and practice. This principle emerged during the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing that Scripture alone is sufficient for understanding God's will, without the need for additional traditions or teachings from the Catholic Church. Proponents of sola scriptura believe that all necessary truths for salvation and moral guidance are contained within the Old Testament and New Testament. This doctrine encourages individuals to read and interpret the Bible personally, fostering a direct relationship with God without intermediaries.