Sacred Tradition

"Isn't the Bible alone our authority? Why do Catholics follow 'tradition'?"

4 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Catholics believe God's revelation comes through both Scripture AND Sacred Tradition—the living transmission of the apostles' teaching. Tradition isn't 'man-made rules' but the authentic handing down of what Christ taught, preserved by the Church.

Quick Overview

Before the New Testament was written, how did Christians know what to believe? Through the apostles' teaching! That teaching was passed down carefully, generation to generation. When it was finally written down, it became Scripture. But the living transmission—Tradition—continued alongside Scripture, both coming from the same source: Christ through His apostles.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

2 Thessalonians 2:15

"Hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle."

Why This Matters

Paul commands holding traditions received 'by word' (oral teaching) AND 'by epistle' (written). Oral tradition is explicitly commended.

2 Timothy 2:2

"The things which thou hast heard of me... commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others."

Why This Matters

Paul's teaching was passed on orally before being written. This oral transmission is Sacred Tradition.

John 21:25

"There are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books."

Why This Matters

Not everything Jesus did or taught was written down. The apostles knew more than what's in Scripture.

1 Timothy 3:15

"The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

Why This Matters

The Church—not Scripture alone—is called 'pillar and ground of truth.' The Church preserves and transmits truth.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture flow from the same divine source and move toward the same goal (CCC 80). The Church does not derive her certainty about revelation from Scripture alone (CCC 82). Both must be accepted with equal devotion.

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Basil the Great

c. 375 AD

"Of the beliefs and practices preserved in the Church, some we possess from written teaching, others we have received from apostolic tradition handed down to us in mystery."

— On the Holy Spirit, 27

St. Vincent of Lerins

c. 434 AD

"Hold fast that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, and by all."

— Commonitorium, 2

Apostolic Succession

The Priesthood

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