Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium

The Bible did not arrive with a table of contents. Over several centuries, the Church discerned which writings were inspired Scripture and which were not. Here is how the canon of the New and Old Testaments took shape, the criteria the early Church used, the books that were disputed, and what the process shows about authority.

Catholics believe that God's revelation is handed on through Sacred Tradition as well as Scripture. Protestants often object that Jesus condemned the traditions of men. Here is what Tradition with a capital T actually means, where it comes from, and how it differs from mere customs.

The Church teaches that the Bible is inspired by God and teaches the truth without error. But the Bible also contains ancient cosmology, poetry and apparent contradictions. Here is what inspiration and inerrancy mean, and how Catholics read Scripture faithfully and intelligently.