Why Catholics Have Tradition (Scripture + Tradition)
Catholic History
Why Catholics Have Tradition (Scripture + Tradition)
Catholic faith is built on both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition — two ways God’s truth was passed down from the Apostles.
Many people ask: “Why do Catholics follow tradition?” The Catholic answer is simple: because Christianity existed before the New Testament was fully formed, and the Apostles taught both by writing and by living.
Catholics believe God’s truth was handed down in two connected ways: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
What Sacred Tradition Means
Sacred Tradition does not mean “human customs.” It means the apostolic teaching passed down through worship, preaching, and Church life.
- How early Christians worshiped
- How sacraments were practiced
- Core beliefs passed down before the Bible was complete
- The teaching authority given to the Apostles
Scripture and Tradition Work Together
Catholics do not choose one over the other. They belong together:
Scripture
The written Word of God.
Tradition
The living transmission of apostolic faith.
Magisterium
The Church’s teaching authority to protect truth.
Together, they protect Christianity from distortion and confusion.
Why Tradition Is Important Today
- Unity: keeps faith consistent across centuries.
- Clarity: prevents endless personal interpretations.
- Depth: connects believers to the early Church.
- Stability: faith does not depend on trends.
Prayer for Faithfulness to God’s Truth
Lord God,
thank You for guiding Your people through Scripture and Tradition.
Keep me grounded in truth.
Teach me to trust You, not confusion.
Help me live the Gospel faithfully, with love and humility.
Amen.