Why do Catholics use Scripture and Tradition?
Catechism Meditation:
“It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” ―No. 95
REFLECTION: Since the time of the Apostles, the Catholic Church has always taught that the fullness of Divine Revelation does not rest in the Bible alone, but comes to us in two complimentary streams: the written Word (Sacred Scripture) and the spoken/oral Word (Sacred Tradition). Catholics recognize that the true “rule of faith”—as expressed in the Bible itself—is Scripture plus apostolic tradition, as manifested in the living teaching authority of the Catholic Church (Magisterium), to which were entrusted the oral teachings of Jesus and the apostles, along with the authority to interpret Scripture correctly.
In the Bible, St. Paul says that much Christian teaching is to be found in the tradition which is handed down by word of mouth (2 Tim 2:2). He instructs us to “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thes 2:15). Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 he states: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, just as I handed them on to you.” And again, in 2 Thes 3:6, he instructs his followers to “shun any brother who conducts himself… not according to the tradition they received from us.” Therefore, each and every baptized Christian has been given a special participation in the authority of Christ to assist in the transmission of the Deposit of Faith.
The idea of following the Bible alone as the sole authority for Christian doctrine was not only unheard of in the first 1,500 years of the Church, but it was also completely impractical. And ultimately, it just didn’t work! The Fruit of following the Bible alone apart from Sacred Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church has been massive disunity –in complete opposition to the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:17-23. No, the Early Church was very much an oral church. St. Paul said, “Faith comes from what is heard” (Rom 10:17). “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on your hearts, to be known and read by all men; and you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor 3:2-3).
PRAYER. Jesus, Good Shepherd, You sent us the Holy Spirit to guide Your Church and lead her faithful to You through the ministry of the successors of Your Apostles, the bishops. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, grant to Your bishops wisdom in leading, faithfulness in teaching, and holiness in guarding Your sacred Mysteries.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“The Gospels did not start the Church; the Church started the Gospels. The Church did not come out of the Gospels; the Gospels came out of the Church.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen