Catholics say Tradition is Equal to Scripture

The Catholic church defends its many heresies by stating that it has the authority of tradition. Catholics believe that "the apostles left bishops as their successors" so that inspired truth could "be preserved in a continuous line of succession until the end of time" (CCC par. 77).

As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence."Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 82

In fact, Catholics believe that we should interpret Scripture "within 'the living Tradition of the whole Church'", and that "the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God's Word" (CCC par. 113).

God says Tradition is NOT Equal to Scripture

When the Jews confronted Christ about the disciples not following tradition, Jesus replied, "Why do you disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?" (Matthew 15:3-6)

8 "Having no regard for the command of God, you hold fast to human tradition." 9 He also said to them, "You neatly reject the commandment of God in order to set up your tradition."Mark 7:8-9

We're also warned to not fall for "deceitful philosophy that is according to human tradition" (Colossians 2:8). So why is it that Catholics put tradition on equal ground with Scripture, and even higher ground (believing tradition should dictate what Scripture says, rather than tradition being subject to Scripture)?

Responding to Arguments

1. "This verse teaches the authority of tradition"

Catholics believe Scripture supports the authority of Catholic tradition. They cite the following:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.2 Thessalonians 2:15

But we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition they received from us.2 Thessalonians 3:6

I praise you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I passed them on to you.1 Corinthians 11:2

In response to these verses, notice that they are all referring to the tradition of the apostles. To take these and apply them to all of the Roman church's traditions is simply a warrantless act.

Tradition in itself is not bad, but as noted earlier, tradition that goes against God's Word is bad and should not be followed.

2. "The Roman church has the authority of the apostles"

That's an interesting claim, but anyone can make it for themselves. Besides, even if the Roman church has apostolic authority, we're still not supposed to follow its traditions if they contradict God's Word (and they certainly do).

3. "The Bible should be interpreted according to Tradition"

The Romanists claim that Scripture should be interpreted by Tradition (CCC par. 113) and that Tradition is equal to Scripture (CCC par. 82). However, Christ's words make it clear that tradition is subject to Scripture, not the other way around (Matthew 15:3-6). Not only should tradition not be used to interpret Scripture, but since Scripture is the standard to which we are to hold tradition against, tradition is actually less than Scripture.