APOSTOLIC TRADITION

 APOSTOLIC TRADITION — A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

by Rene Urmanita, edited

Apostolic tradition refers to the body of Christian teachings, practices, and beliefs passed down from the Apostles to subsequent generations of believers. 

As far as The Catholic Church is concerned, Apostolic Tradition is a vibrant, living, and dynamic force within The Church, placed alongside and equal to Sacred Scripture, both of which together guide our faith and practice. 

On the other hand, Christian sects outside The Church, aka, the protestant churches, understand and apply the concept of Apostolic Tradition in various ways. 

Some essentially mirror The Church's application of it.

Meanwhile...

1. Others acknowledge it, reluctantly.

2. Some seem to ignore it as uncomfortable or inconvenient to their interpretations of Scripture.

3. A third group of protestant sects basically spit on Tradition in any form. This extreme disregard is common among the late arriving, Bible-only protestant sects

So how does Apostolic Tradition show up? In brief, it generally involves the transmission of doctrine, liturgy, and Church order from the early church to the present day. 

Living Tradition

Apostolic Tradition is not just some historical artifact to be ignored on a whim, but a living force that continues to shape the church through worship, preaching, and teaching. 

Apostolic Tradition is teaching, practical and empirical, and well documented through the ages. It serves as a guiding light for Christians everywhere...if they choose to avail themselves of it.

Oral and Written:

Apostolic Tradition was initially transmitted orally and through actions and works. It was only later that it was recorded in what would become Sacred Scripture, along other writings.  (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Guidance for Interpretation:

Since Apostolic Ttradition was the genesis of, and impetus for, Sacred Scripture, it naturally provides the best framework for interpreting scripture and understanding Christian doctrine. 

Ignoring it in order to self-interpet scripture to suit your own notions is perilous.

Continuity of Faith and Life:

Apostolic Tradition ensures a connection between the present-day Church and the teachings of its originator, Christ, and HIS successors The Apostles. (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 2:2)

Apostolic Succession:

In some traditions, Apostolic Succession, the unbroken line of bishops tracing back to the apostles, is seen as a key aspect of maintaining apostolic tradition.