The Meaning of Tradition
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Some Christians claim to reject tradition in favor of a supposedly “Bible-only” Christianity. Catholics, on the other hand, venerate tradition, yet often without adequately understanding it. In this masterful book, the great theologian Yves Congar explains why tradition is an inescapable aspect of a fully biblical Christian faith. He explores the various forms of tradition and discusses the relationship between Scripture and tradition, as well as the role of the Magisterium of the Church. The Meaning of Tradition clears up misconceptions held by many Evangelical Christians and even some Catholics on this important subject. Congar’s study of tradition greatly contributed to the teachings of Vatican II and to a deeper appreciation of the Church Fathers.
With the Logos edition of The Meaning of Tradition, you get an abundance of resources that offer applicable and insightful material for study. You can easily search by topic or Scripture reference, accessing useful resources and perspectives on tradition from a variety of pastors and theologians.
- Discusses the relationship between Scripture and tradition
- Explores the various forms of tradition
- Clarifies misconceptions about tradition
- Tradition and Traditions
- The Primary Meaning, Broad Yet Precise
- The Subject of Tradition
- The Holy Spirit: Transcendent Subject of Tradition
- The Church: Visible and Historical Subject of Tradition
- The Content of Tradition: Tradition and Scripture
- Scripture and Tradition
Top Highlights
“Taken in its basic, exact and completely general sense, tradition or transmission is the very principle of the whole economy of salvation.” (Page 10)
“‘Tradition’ comes from the Latin traditio, the noun of the verb tradere, ‘to transmit’, ‘to deliver’.” (Page 9)
“‘Tradition, in the true sense of the word, implies a spontaneous assimilation of the past in understanding the present, without a break in the continuity of a society’s life, and without considering the past as outmoded.’” (Page 2)
“Its totality: this refers to the fact that the Gospel content, in the form of truths and rules of behavior, is not limited to the Scriptures alone, but is also contained in books and unwritten traditions.” (Page 83)
“tradition is the transmission of the whole of Christianity, without distinguishing or favoring any one of its elements.” (Page 15)
For Congar, tradition is a real, living self-communication of God. Its content is the whole Christian reality disclosed in Jesus Christ. It is transmitted not only by written and spoken words, but equally by prayer, sacramental worship and participation in the Church’s life. When I have taught on tradition to seminarians and graduate students I have regularly used this book. Congar is perhaps the greatest master of the theology of tradition who has ever lived.
—Avery Dulles (1918–2008), Cardinal-Deacon, S.S. Nome di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata
- Title: The Meaning of Tradition
- Author: Yves Congar
- Publisher: Ignatius Press
- Publication Date: 2004
- Pages: 175
Yves Congar was a highly regarded Dominican cardinal, theologian, and author. He was an influential consultant during the Second Vatican Council.
Reviews
1 rating
Jan van Vugt
5/28/2015
A good book to read if you want to understand your Roman Catholic friends. Really helps you understand the cause of the reformation.
