The main elements of Apostolic Tradition are these:
- Of first importance: the writing, transmission, and Canon of the Scriptures themselves
- Apostolic Succession and hierarchical structure (Bishops, Priests, Deacons)
- Liturgical prayer, esp. the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Eucharistic realism
- Spiritual life nourished by the Sacraments
- Constant sharing of spiritual goods in the Communion of Saints/Mystical Body of Christ
- Honoring of the Saints and of Mary, benefiting from their intercession
- Our own constant intercession benefiting the living and the dead
- Incarnational/Sacramental view of reality
- Confidence in the Holy Spirit's guidance of the Church (as guaranteed by the promise of Christ) and thus the authority and holiness of her official doctrines (Magisterium)
That constitutes a preliminary outline of what comprises capital-T Tradition. We need to analyze the ante-Nicene Fathers as sources, as well as ancient churches which have preserved lines of custody, transmission, and succession.
Keep in mind that the early creeds and synods, and the Nicene Council, historically *preceded* the canon of Scripture: the canon was formed based on what the Church already believed in her creeds: these creeds provided the criteria to test the authenticity of various purported Scriptures (and not vice-versa),
Therefore to accept Scripture is to accept Tradition.
Hit the delete button on Tradition, and Scripture disappears from your screen.
I think a decent place to "see" the content is in Denzinger's compendium of dogma. (Google: sources of catholic dogma denzinger). It's a fairly thick book.
The creeds are another way to "see" the content. I like how the catechism puts the creeds side by side and we can "see" how they developed.
There. That's a start.
The main elements of Apostolic Tradition are these: Dear Mrs. Don-o, with respect, none of that addresses the issue I pointed out to you earlier:
There is no way to know what *traditions* were referenced when Paul wrote...
So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
Here is exactly what we know...
Paul TAUGHT these *traditions* orally or in his writings. We only have a record of his writings - as well as the writings of other Apostles - as the Holy Spirit inspired them to be written, flawlessly.
There is no separate *inspired list of traditions* that are not recorded in Scripture.
What happens in FRomanic Practice is that Paul's simple statement is transmogrified into a Blank Check, wherein is written, "Whatever Rome Declares is Apostolic Tradition Because Paul Said to Follow Traditions" And of course, Paul specified the *traditions* he referred to are what he taught. We have his epistles that contain what the Holy Spirit *chose* to inspire.
The rest is almost always accretions of history and syncretic paganism.
For example...
The Roman Empire conquered the Greeks and incorporated many of its pagan traditions with its own. "Jupiter was the king of the gods. Like all the Roman gods, he was based on his Greek counterpart, Zeus. Each profession had its patron god or goddess. Betty Crocker would have prayed to Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. You worshiped the gods not out of moral obligation, but to gain a favor."
- Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler, Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw
Later, Rome made Christianity official. All this was blended into Syncretic Christianity. Once Christianity was incorporated into Rome, these gods were replaced with specific saints for every profession or favor wanted.
Today, you can see many of them written about on FreeRepublic threads, idolized in practice and worn as idols around FRomans and Romans everywhere.
Not a scintilla of these practices and teachings are traditions Paul wrote about and there is no evidence that he ever taught or believed any of it.
These checks are written on an account at the Bank of Historic Pagan Belief.
Keep in mind that the early creeds and synods, and the Nicene Council, historically *preceded* the canon of Scripture: the canon was formed based on what the Church already believed in her creeds: these creeds provided the criteria to test the authenticity of various purported Scriptures (and not vice-versa), Therefore to accept Scripture is to accept Tradition.
Hit the delete button on Tradition, and Scripture disappears from your screen.
All false arguments and logical fallacies that have been addressed and rejected on FR on numerous occastions, but you continue to trot them out as real arguments instead of the assertions they are.