Why Catholics Use Scripture and Tradition

Summary

Father Mike Schmitz explains the Catholic belief in Divine Revelation, which comes through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium, rather than relying solely on the Bible.

Highlights

The Three Sources of Divine Revelation00:00:17

Father Mike clarifies that while Catholics believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, it is not the only source of revelation. He explains that God reveals Himself through a three-fold process: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium (the teaching office of the Church).

Addressing the 'Where is that in the Bible' Question00:02:26

He addresses the common challenge regarding doctrines like Purgatory or the Trinity, noting that these are not explicitly named in the Bible. He explains how the Church used historical debate and the Magisterium to define these essential Christian truths.

The Logical Necessity of Church Authority00:04:47

The video highlights that all Christians who accept the authority of the Bible ultimately rely on the authority of the Church, which historically determined which books comprise the Canon of Scripture.

Critique of Sola Scriptura00:07:05

Father Mike analyzes the Protestant doctrine of 'Sola Scriptura' (Scripture alone), arguing that the doctrine itself is not found within the Bible, making it self-refuting. He points to scriptural evidence, such as 1 Timothy 3:15, where the Church is called the 'pillar and foundation of truth'.

Embracing All of God's Gifts00:11:32

Concluding the reflection, Father Mike encourages believers to be grateful for all three gifts—Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium—as tools provided by God to help people know Him more clearly and follow Him faithfully.