The burden of proof lies with those who propose novelty. For 1500 years, the Catholic Church authenticated its teaching by reference to its scripture in the context of history. No Christian ever thought to question this basic understanding of realityNice try, but the burden BEFORE GOD and men is on the one adding their traditions to HIS WORD.
Correct! We have repeatedly asked for a list of Apostolic Tradition NOT recorded in scripture to prove the "Claim", but have heard nothing in response except additional unsubstantiated claims.
I have already covered this issue many times previously on this thread. From a previous post:
"Two important traditions are apostolic succession and the infallibility Church councils certified by the pope. Of course these traditions are demonstrated in scripture fully verified by history. However, some Protestants assert that the biblical proof is not explicit enough and that historical evidence is inadmissible, even when the truth of said evidence is beyond question. I could understand ruling out historical reports that were doubtful, but denying proven history amounts to denying truth. When such proven history concerns issues of Christian doctrine, the denial amounts to a rejection of true doctrine."
The scriptural precedent for apostolic succession is at the end of Acts 1 when Peter led the eleven apostles to chose a successor for Judas. The Apostles had just received instructions from the Risen Christ that included His infallible interpretation of the ways that OT prophesies had just been fulfilled. Peter invoked an OT prophesy on Judas, and, exercising his authority as pope, gave instructions to replace Judas as "bishop." All the Apostles dutifully obeyed.
The scriptural precedent for the infallibility of papally certified Church councils was the First Church Council in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15. Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James where led by the Holy Spirit to established rules for Christian Gentiles. This was done over the objections of the Judaizers that had apparently been associated with James and had temporarily fooled Peter and Barnabas (Gal 2:11-13).
Historical proof of Peter's apostolic succession is located in these previous thread posts:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2618333/posts?page=1900#1900
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2618333/posts?page=1921#1921