Protestant and Catholic doctrine differ greatly in their use of tradition.

According to Protestantism, the Bible alone is a Christian’s sole authority and source of spiritual truth.  

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church holds its sacred traditions to be equal with God’s Word.

…Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.
(paragraph 82 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church).

The biggest traditional doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church is the ‘Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church’, around 906 pages.

Catholics hold this document in high regard and often refer to it when they have disagreements or questions regarding their faith.

The Catechism contains traditions passed down through generations of Popes who claimed to receive direct revelations from God.

Roman Catholic traditions today are largely derived from this document, which is referred to more than the Bible itself.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, clearly teaches that Scripture and Tradition are to be accepted and honored with equal devotion, reverence, and authority. Following are some citations from the Catechism regarding Roman Catholic traditions;  

“The apostles left bishops as their successors. They gave them ‘their own position of teaching authority.”
(Paragraph 77) 

“This living transmission, accomplished through the Holy Spirit, is called tradition…” 
(Paragraph 78) 

“Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.” 
(Paragraph 82). 

The main problem with traditions is that they are man-made. As a result, the subjective opinions of individuals are incorporated into church practices rather than God’s inspired truths. This has resulted in Catholics maintaining the sacredness of their traditions and human  opinions though over the sacred Scriptures.

In contrast, the scriptures, demonstrate that the word of God is greater than man’s wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV)
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

In the above verse, Paul disregards man’s wisdom. He argues that we should instead rely on what Scripture alone says and what the Holy Spirit teaches us through it.

This isn’t optional for a true believer; rather, anyone who the Spirit leads will affirm that the Bible is God’s word.

Even Jesus commented on some of His followers’ traditions:

Mark 7:7-8 (NKJV) 
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

It is impossible to match the authority of God’s word. Mike Gendron, in his book titled “Preparing for Eternity” perfectly illustrates the authority of the scriptures as follows:

“It is pure, perfect, inerrant, infallible, living, sure, truth, light, holy, eternal, forever settled in heaven, and will exist even if heaven and earth pass away. It illuminates, cleanses, saves, frees, guides, converts, heals, quickens, judges, and sanctifies. It also brings conviction, gives knowledge, gives wisdom, produces faith, refutes error, searches the heart, equips for every good work, and is used as a weapon. Few, if any, of these characteristics can be said about Catholic tradition.”

How do the traditions of the Catholic Church contradict the Bible?

The Catholic Church places traditions on a high esteem, but what do we do when they contradict with the Bible?

Jesus Himself spoke against those who deem the word of God useless by their traditions or who intended to supersede the word of God by their rituals & practices;  

Mark 7:13 (NKJV)
making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.

This verse highlights the potential conflict between human traditions and divine commandments. A notable example is the Catholic Church’s approach to imagery and idols, which conflicts with the direct biblical commandment against idolatry (Exodus 20:4).

While the Catholic Church claims that its sacred tradition is not in conflict with Scripture, their rituals constantly undermine its authority.

Its one thing to follow a set of traditions or practices that can edify the church but it is concerning if said practices are in direct contradiction with the Bible.

The scriptures must be the basis of our faith andwe must value it above all else.