Why Catholics Use Scripture and Tradition

Catholics use Scripture and Tradition because Scripture tells us to
use both. St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “So then, brethren,
stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us,
either by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). If
God wanted us to use Scripture alone, wouldn’t he tell us as much
in the Bible? True, St. Paul emphasizes the value of Scripture:
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that
the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2
Timothy 3:16-17). However, St. Paul is just as emphatic about the
value of the Church: “If I am delayed, you may know how one ought
to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the
living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
Fr. Mike explains how the Catholic Church has made all of God’s
gifts more accessible to humanity through the ages. Scripture, the
Magisterium, and Tradition are not opposing authorities battling
for power. They are three pillars that support and inform each
other—making God all the more present to us.