Foundations of Faith 5b - GOD'S REVELATION (PART 2) - ORAL AND WRITTEN

 Notes summarised from

1. The Study: "Foundations of Faith : A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church" (Core message Video - session 2 & workbook Page 40)
2. Notes from "Overview of Catholic Theology", Rev Fr Michael Chan 

THE FULLNESS OF GOD'S REVELATION

CCC 76-79 writes:

In keeping with the Lord's command, the Gospel was handed on in two ways:

(1) Orally 

Handed down by the apostles

• by the spoken word of their preaching'
• and by the examples they gave
• with the institution they established
• and what they themselves had received.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church in her doctrine, life and worship perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that she herself is and all that she believes (CCC78)

(2) In writing 

The apostles and their close collaborators who were inspired by the Holy Spirit "committed the message of salvation to writing (CCC76).  This is called Sacred Scripture.

TEACHING AUTHORITY

Bishops are the successors of the apostles, and they are given the teaching authority.  

This living transmission is called Tradition.

It is distinct from Sacred Scripture, though closely connected to it. 

COUNCIL OF TRENT

Lasted 18 years (1545 - 1563)

Consisted of 25 sessions 

Presided over by three different popes

The Council of Trent was a response to many questions raised by Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.

WRITTEN AND ORAL

The Council of Trent explained that the Gospel revealed by Jesus Christ was handed on in two main ways, 

• in a written form, Sacred Scripture and
• orally in the unwritten traditions Sacred Tradition

The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that Jesus's whole life, not just his teachings, not just his words, but also his deeds, his actions, his example, that whole way of life is all a part of that divine unveiling of himself, that revelation of himself. 

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