Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium

Divine Revelation in the Catholic Church

Introduction

  • The common question, "Where's that in the Bible?" is not always the right question when encountering Catholic teachings.
  • Catholics believe the Bible is the Word of God, inerrant, infallible, and reliable, but it is not the only way God has revealed Himself.

Dei Verbum: Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation

  • Published in the 1960s, it explains Catholic beliefs about divine revelation and the Bible.
  • God reveals Himself through:
    • Sacred Scripture (the Bible).
    • Sacred Tradition.
    • The Magisterium (teaching office of the Church).

Necessity of Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium

  • These three elements have been necessary throughout Christian history.
  • Example: The doctrine of the Trinity.
    • The word "Trinity" is not explicitly in the Bible.
    • The Church debated and clarified the understanding of the Trinity because interpretations of Scripture varied.
    • Some argued that the Father is greater than the Son based on certain Scriptural passages, while others cited passages suggesting equality.

Modern-Day Questions

  • The Bible does not address all modern-day questions directly.
  • Biblical principles can be applied, but the Magisterium ensures accurate application.

The Authority of the Church

  • All Christians rely on the teaching authority of the Church to some extent.
  • The Catholic Church teaches that there are 73 books in the Bible.
  • Protestants, following Martin Luther, have 66 books.
  • The Catholic Church defined the biblical canon at the Council of Rome (382 AD), the Council of Hippo (393 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD), and later at the Council of Trent in the 16th century.
  • By accepting the Bible, Christians implicitly trust the Magisterium's authority to identify the correct books.

Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone

  • Martin Luther's doctrine of Sola Scriptura is the belief that only the Scripture is needed.
  • The doctrine of Sola Scriptura cannot be found in the Bible.
  • This is a self-refuting teaching because it cannot be found in the Scripture.
  • 2 Timothy 3 is often cited, but it does not support Sola Scriptura.
    • It states that Scripture is useful for teaching, refutation, correction, and training in righteousness.
    • Paul was referring to the Old Testament since the New Testament was not yet compiled.

The Church as the Pillar of Truth

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 refers to the Church as the pillar and foundation of truth.
  • The Church is the household of God.
  • Even the Bible recognizes the authority of the Church.
  • At the time, there was one Church that would later be known as the Catholic Church.

Conclusion

  • Sacred Scripture is a gift from God, but not the only one.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15 encourages holding fast to teachings received by word of mouth (Sacred Tradition) or by letter (Scripture).
  • God gave us Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium to know Him more clearly.
  • We should be grateful for all these gifts and use them to deepen our knowledge of God.