- from CatholicCulture.org
There are two kinds of tradition: tradition with a lowercase “t” and Tradition with a capital “T.” The first refers to those traditions we hold as individuals, families and a society; things which we pass on from one generation to the next and become a part of how we live and celebrate important events in our lives. The second, Tradition with a capital “T,” is also passed down from generation to generation. However, this Tradition refers not to things we do, but rather to what we believe. It includes all of the things which the Apostles taught that are not recorded in Scripture. As Catholics, we hold that both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition inform what we believe. This is one of the things which separate us from Protestant denominations who believe in Sola Scriptura, or Scripture Only. While we also believe what is found in Scripture, we recognize that this is not the only way the Holy Spirit has revealed God’s word to His people. Tradition is what enriches our Faith as Catholics and allows us to experience the full revelation of God’s love for us.