Welcome, Patrick. I’m not sure what the actual difference is between “God-breathed” and “inspired.” To me they read the same. The Catholic Church affirms that the Scriptures are indeed inspired by God through the work of the Holy Spirit.

If I recall correctly, the word for Spirit is the same or similar to the word for breath (in Hebrew) therefore meaning the same thing. I just don’t see how this strengthens one’s argument that the Christian faith is one by Scripture Alone.

The whole verse is, [quote:3mmghi9k]”All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”[/quote:3mmghi9k]
I just don’t see how this proves that we are to be using the Bible alone. The truth is that Sola Scriptura isn’t even biblical – it’s not in the Bible!

The interesting thing about 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is that when it was written the only Scriptures were the Hebrew Scriptures (i.e. the Old Testament). There wasn’t a New Testament to refer to the teachings of Jesus yet. Check out Romans 15:4 and 2 Peter 1:19-21. Romans basically affirms the “all previous Scripture” argument I am making. Peter is even more interesting. Read it http://www.usccb.org/bible/2pt/1:19, especially verse 21, and the footnotes from the New American Bible http://www.usccb.org/bible/2pt/1:19#69001020-1. I think it really helps clarify what “God-breathed” means.