Some Protestant critics claim that Catholics can't truly know what's in Sacred Tradition, arguing that it's a vague concept compared to the clear contents of Scripture. They believe that since we can no longer speak directly with the apostles, we can't be sure which traditions are truly apostolic. This line of reasoning, however, creates a problem for many Protestants, as they themselves rely on truths not explicitly found in the Bible. Many common Protestant beliefs, such as the cessation of public revelation or the specific books that make up the Bible, are accepted based on historical consensus and tradition, not solely on Scripture.
This reveals a shared reliance on tradition, whether it's acknowledged or not. The Catholic Church, however, is not only able to identify these apostolic traditions, but it also has a clear, God-given method for doing so: the Magisterium. The Bible itself gives us a model for this process in Acts 15, where the apostles gathered for a council to authoritatively settle a dispute about Gentile converts. Following this same pattern, the Church has historically convened councils to resolve major theological questions, from the nature of the Trinity to the canon of Scripture itself.
This highlights the fact that Catholics can, and do, identify a wealth of apostolic teachings that exist alongside Scripture. From the seven sacraments to the Assumption of Mary, these truths have been passed down through the centuries and are authoritatively defined by the Church. Rather than being a vague, unknowable concept, Sacred Tradition is a living, identifiable part of our faith, faithfully preserved and interpreted by the Church’s Magisterium.
Action Item for Catholics: Take some time this week to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and explore the section on Sacred Tradition. Choose one teaching from the catechism that is rooted in tradition rather than explicitly in Scripture, and reflect on how it enriches your understanding of the faith.
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