The Meaning of Tradition

by Yves Congar

Publisher:

Ignatius

, 2004

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.

Key Features

• Discusses the relationship between Scripture and tradition
• Explores the various forms of tradition
• Clarifies misconceptions about tradition

Contents

• 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)

Praise for the Print Edition

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

Product Details

• Title: The Meaning of Tradition
• Author: Yves Congar
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 175

About Yves Congar

Yves Marie Joseph Congar (April 8, 1904, Sedan, Ardennes – June 22, 1995) was a French Dominican cardinal and theologian.