Scripture & Tradition

What Are Scripture and Tradition?

Catholics believe that God has revealed Himself to humanity and that this revelation has been faithfully handed on through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Sacred Scripture is the written Word of God. Sacred Tradition is the living transmission of the faith handed down from the Apostles.

Scripture and Tradition are not enemies. They work together as one sacred deposit of the Word of God entrusted to the Church.

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Divine Revelation

Divine Revelation is God making Himself and His saving plan known to humanity.

God revealed Himself through creation, through the prophets, through the history of Israel, and most fully through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the fullness of God’s revelation.

Sacred Scripture

Sacred Scripture is the inspired written Word of God.

The Bible was written by human authors under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

Catholics believe Scripture truly teaches what God wanted written for our salvation.

“All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

Sacred Tradition

Sacred Tradition is the living transmission of the faith received from Christ and the Apostles.

Before the New Testament was written, the Gospel was preached, taught, celebrated, and lived within the Church.

Tradition does not mean human customs or personal opinions. Sacred Tradition means the apostolic faith handed on in the life, worship, and teaching of the Church.

The Bible Came From the Church

The early Christians did not begin with a printed New Testament.

The Church preached the Gospel, celebrated the sacraments, and handed on the faith before the New Testament canon was formally recognized.

Guided by the Holy Ghost, the Church recognized which writings were inspired and belonged in the Bible.

This is why Catholics do not see the Bible as separated from the Church, but as a gift entrusted to the Church.

Scripture and Tradition Work Together

Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition flow from the same divine source.

Both communicate the Word of God. Both are guarded and authentically interpreted by the Church’s teaching authority, the Magisterium.

Catholics do not believe Tradition adds a second gospel. Rather, Scripture and Tradition together preserve the one Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Role of the Magisterium

The Magisterium is the teaching authority of the Church: the Pope and the bishops united with him.

The Magisterium does not stand above the Word of God. It serves the Word of God.

Its task is to faithfully preserve, explain, and defend what God has revealed through Scripture and Tradition.

Common Misunderstandings

Tradition Is Not Merely Human Custom

Sacred Tradition is not the same as local customs or habits. It is the apostolic faith handed down from the beginning.

Catholics Do Not Reject the Bible

Catholics believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and read it within the life of the Church.

Tradition Does Not Replace Scripture

Scripture and Tradition belong together and serve the same Gospel.

The Church Does Not Invent Revelation

Public revelation was completed in Christ and handed on by the Apostles. The Church preserves and explains what has been revealed.

Why This Matters

Without Sacred Tradition, Christians would not know with certainty which books belong in the Bible.

Without the Church’s teaching authority, Scripture can be interpreted in conflicting ways.

Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium work together to preserve the truth Christ entrusted to His Church.

“The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 3:15

Key Truths About Scripture and Tradition

• God’s revelation is handed on through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
• Sacred Scripture is the inspired written Word of God.
• Sacred Tradition is the apostolic faith handed down in the Church.
• Scripture and Tradition flow from the same divine source.
• The Bible was entrusted to the Church.
• The Magisterium authentically interprets Scripture and Tradition.
• The Church does not invent new public revelation.
• Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium serve the one Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What Does This Mean For Me?

God has not left His people confused or abandoned.

He gave His Church Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium so that the Gospel could be faithfully preserved and handed on through every generation.

Catholics read the Bible with love and reverence, within the living faith of the Church Christ founded.

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Now that you understand Scripture and Tradition, the next major section is: Salvation

Learn what salvation is, why we need grace, and how Christ brings us into eternal life.