Also, I see no evidence in Scripture that only Scripture is authoritative. In fact, I see evidence in Scripture of just the opposite. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 1 Corinthians 11:2, which both speak about Christian Tradition as being authoritative, and 2 Thessalonians 2:15 specifically endorses oral Tradition.
“I see no evidence in Scripture that only Scripture is authoritative. “
God has established authorities in the home, church, and government. There are also natural laws that teach us. And in any organization someone has to be in charge and becomes the “authority” for those who choose to be part of it.
But there is no authority higher than God’s word. He created the Heavens and earth by His word. Christ is the Word incarnate. Anyone trying to exercise authority above God’s word is in rebellion.
Who should people obey when these “authorities” direct doing things contrary to the Bible?
Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Here are the verses you referenced:
1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
Who established these traditions? The apostles. There is a difference between traditions of men and traditions of the apostles. Notice that these traditions were also by “epistle”. That is, they were transmitted by the New Testament scriptures. At the time of this writing, the New Testament was incomplete. Obviously the church traditions were implemented orally until they were written. This is one of the reasons Peter specifically gives for writing his epistles (i.e. letters).
To introduce a tradition after the apostles were dead, or to change a tradition of the apostles, is to actually fail to keep the tradition of the apostles. The Catholic church is among those who claim to exert apostolic authority, but we see from several passages in the New Testament that apostolic authority could be falsified and must be tested. No one today has such authority. Peter, Paul, James, John and other apostles are still with us in their apostolic authority today. It is found in their writings which are scripture.
John 15:20
Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
Galatians 1:11-12
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:12-15
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
Matthew 15:3
He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?”
Mark 7:8
For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.
He was quoting from this passage when He said it:
Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said:
“Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men”
Isaiah also had this to say about such people who prefer manmade religion over the word of God:
Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.