Rome claims that "tradition" is equal to the word of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #82, teaches, "...Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence." The Question Box Column, Brooklyn Tablet, Nov. 8, 1958, even went so far as to say, “Tradition as a source of Faith would suffice without Scripture”. But, what happens when scripture and tradition disagree? Of course, Rome claims this could not possibly happen, even though it has been proven over and over again that it can and has happened. Let's give just one example.
In the book, Short Catechism of Mary, written by Cardinal Journet ("a world-famous theologian), we read:
"...This short catechism presents the Church's doctrine about Mary in clear and concise form. It will enable the reader to learn at a glance the essential Catholic teachings about Our Lady and what she means to the life of all Christians."
This book has the "NIHIL OBSTAT" from James T. O'Connor, S.T.D. Censor Librorum, and the "IMPRIMATUR" from Patrick J. Sheridan, Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York, so, we can be sure that this is officially accurate. This is not an old book from years ago, but was published in 1990. Now, according to this book, it is Roman Catholic "Tradition" that Jesus appeared to Mary, His mother, before He appeared to anyone else, as the following illustration proves.
However, the scriptures are clear that Jesus did not appear to Mary, His mother, but rather, to Mary Magdalene.
"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared FIRST to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept." (Mr.16:9-10)
Both cannot be true! If the scriptures clearly teach that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene FIRST, then He could not have appeared to His mother "first". Either the word of God is wrong and Mark made a mistake, or Rome's "Tradition" is wrong and they made a mistake.
This is but one example of the contradictions of Roman "Tradition" from the word of God that can be found in the Short Catechism of Mary. There are so many that I would have to write a book to expose it all. Yet for all that, the Roman Catholic will maintain that "Sacred Tradition" and the Bible never contradict each other, but only "compliment" each other. How can a lie compliment the truth? 1John 2:21 says, "...no lie is of the truth.
Paul gives us a clear explanation of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8:
"Moreover, brethren, I DELARE UNTO YOU THE GOSPEL WHICH I PREACHED UNTO YOU, which also ye have received, and WHEREIN YE STAND; BY WHICH ALSO YE ARE SAVED, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures...." (Emphasis mine)
Paul said the gospel was the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, "according to the scriptures". Paul also said that he was a preacher of only one mediator:
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity." (1Tim.2:5-7)
Paul was clear that there is only one gospel and one mediator and even went so far as to warn anyone who dared teach or preach another gospel:
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." (Gal.1:8-11)
Notice, the gospel preached was "not after man", so it is not some man-made tradition. No one was allowed to preach another gospel. What is the gospel? The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ! So...what does Rome do? Again, let Rome speak for herself!
"#61. When do we celebrate the death, resurrection, and ascent into heaven of the Blessed Virgin? We celebrate the death, resurrection, and ascent into heaven of the Blessed Virgin toward the end of summer on the day of the Assumption, August 15."
If any man preach any other gospel, let him be accursed! Rome is accursed of God!
Another example of Rome’s tradition contradicting God’s word can be found on page 32 of the Short Catechism of Mary:
“Pope Pius XII in his Encyclical on the Queenship of Mary declared: ‘Mary in the work of redemption was by God’s will joined with Jesus Christ, the cause of salvation, in much the same way as Eve was joined with Adam, the cause of death. Hence it can be said that the work of our salvation was brought about by a “restoration” (St. Iraneus) in which the human race, just as it WAS DOOMED TO DEATH BY A VIRGIN, WAS SAVED BY A VIRGIN’” (Emphasis mine).
Rome, by her “Sacred Tradition” is not just adding new doctrines, she is contradicting the doctrines already established in God’s word. Romans 5:12 says:
“Wherefore, as by ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Emphasis mine)
Death did NOT come “by a virgin” as Rome’s tradition says! Sin entered into the world by “one man”. And just as they lied about how death entered the world, they lie about how the human race is saved.
“Therefore as BY THE OFFENCE OF ONE judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so BY THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF ONE the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as BY ONE man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience OF ONE shall many be made righteous.” (Emphasis mine)
Take note that the it was not by Adam AND Eve, but by “ONE” death entered, just as “BY ONE” (NOT TWO!!!) shall many be made righteous.
Rome claims her “Sacred Tradition” does not teach the worship of Mary, but only her veneration (another word for “worship) and adoration. Yet, on page 59 and 60 of the Short Catechism of Mary, we see a different picture. When asked what is a “Liturgy”, the response is, “The Liturgy is the public worship of the Church that enables us to worship God and obtain graces for our salvation”. Then you turn the page, and under the title, “The Liturgical Feasts of Mary”, we read:
“The Church renders liturgical devotion to Mary because Mary is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son.”
A Liturgy is “worship” and the “Liturgical Feasts of Mary” are feasts wherein the Catholic church worships Mary. It amazes me how Rome always uses a kind of “Doublethink” to cover her real motive, which is to seduce the people into worshipping Mary.
You may have also noticed that Rome claims Mary shared in our salvation with an “inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son”. They went on to explain this doctrine:
“At that moment [On Calvary], did Jesus think of the great sufferings of His Mother? Yes. He thought of the great sufferings of His Mother and He UNITED THEM TO THOSE THAT HE HIMSELF ENDURED TO SAVED US” (Emphasis mine).
Rome is claiming that Mary’s sufferings were united with His to save us. Hebrews 1:3 clearly teaches that Jesus purged our sins “by himself”. Mary had no part in purging our sins. Yet Rome’s tradition will contradict the word of God to give glory to the creature rather than the Creator. It sickens and saddens me to see the disregard for God’s word that Rome’s tradition hath wrought. Whenever a Christian presents the Bible teachings in a clear and concise form, the average Catholic claims that we cannot understand interpretation of scriptures without including their traditions. It is evident from just these few examples, that this is simply not true. We would have to totally disregard the scriptures in order to justify Rome’s “Sacred Tradition”, or totally disregard Rome’s tradition. You cannot have both, for they disagree with each other.
Anyone doubting the blasphemy of the Roman Catholic church should buy a copy of this book and compare it to the scriptures. It is evident that Rome's "Tradition" is not equal to the word of God, nor does it even come close! Their "Sacred Tradition" is not sacred at all, but heresy!
Our prayers are that our dear Catholic friends will believe God's word above their Catholic tradition. Remember, that Jesus Himself said:
"...Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?...Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt.15:3-9)
Let us worship Him in spirit and in truth, and not be found worshipping with vain traditions. As Peter said:
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1Pet.1:18-19)
By Rebecca A. Sexton