Scripture and Tradition: A Catholic Introduction

Explore how Catholics understand Scripture and Tradition, with a free introduction, source links, and audio narration.

Scripture

Scripture is the Bible: writings Catholics receive as inspired by God. The Old and New Testaments are read in worship and used in teaching, prayer, and study.

Sacred Tradition

Sacred Tradition means the apostolic faith handed on through the Church’s teaching, worship, and life. It does not mean every old custom. Catholics understand Scripture and Tradition as closely connected ways of handing on one faith.

The teaching office

The pope and bishops in communion with him exercise the Church’s teaching office, called the Magisterium. Catholic teaching says this office serves the word of God rather than standing above it.

How Christians differ

Many Protestant traditions treat Scripture as the final or sole infallible standard for doctrine while also using creeds and historical teaching. Catholic and Orthodox traditions give a different role to the faith handed on within the Church. These differences concern authority, not simply whether a church values the Bible.

The historical setting

Early Christians passed on teaching orally and in writing. The New Testament collection developed through use and recognition across communities. The history of the Bible and the history of Church teaching are connected, but they are not a single event.

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