Scripture and Sacred Tradition together; interpreted by the Magisterium
The Catholic Church teaches that divine revelation is transmitted through two channels: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which together constitute one deposit of faith entrusted to the Church. Sacred Tradition includes the teachings of the Apostles passed on through their successors, the definitions of Ecumenical Councils, the consensus of the Church Fathers, the liturgical tradition, and the lived faith of the Church. The Magisterium—the Pope and bishops in communion with him—is the authoritative interpreter of this deposit.
Private revelations (approved apparitions such as Fatima or Lourdes) may be given by God and are prudentially endorsed by the Church, but they add nothing to the deposit of faith closed with the death of the last Apostle and are not required beliefs. The Catechism (§67) states: 'Throughout the ages, there have been so-called 'private' revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church... It is not their role to improve or complete Christ's definitive Revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history.'
Key Distinctions
- Current revelation:
- Sacred Tradition co-authoritative — the living tradition of the Church carries revelation
- Prophetic gifts today:
- charisms present in the Church; institutionally ordered
- Tradition authority:
- Scripture and Sacred Tradition are co-equal sources of revelation
Scripture References
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), §§74–100
- Vatican II, Dei Verbum (1965), §§7–10
- Vatican I, Dei Filius (1870), Chapter 3
- Council of Trent, Session IV (1546)