Why The Bible Is Not Necessary In Roman Catholicism

Introduction:

The integrity of Christian doctrine rests fundamentally on the authority of Scripture as the divine Word of God. Yet, within Roman Catholicism, a persistent tendency to subordinate Scripture to tradition and ecclesiastical authority raises serious concerns. When Scripture is not recognized as the primary divine authority, it risks becoming mere tradition itself—an optional, interpretive relic rather than the foundational revelation from God. This shift not only endangers the theological coherence of Roman Catholic doctrine, but also compromises the very nature of divine revelation. This essay critically examines how the institutional priorities of Catholicism—its elevation of tradition, the authority of the Magisterium, the sacramental focus, and the historical marginalization of Scripture—serve to diminish the Bible’s divine authority, rendering it functionally irrelevant and even dispensable.

Tradition And Scripture: A Dangerous Equivalence:

Catholicism’s doctrine of sacred tradition elevates oral teachings and church customs to the same level as biblical revelation. While tradition can serve as an interpretative aid, its unchecked authority effectively diminishes Scripture’s uniqueness. The problem arises when tradition is treated as an infallible, binding source that can expand or even contradict biblical teachings.

This approach invites a fundamental question: if the Rome’s traditions can develop and even contradict Scripture, what guarantees that Scripture remains the ultimate divine authority? Historically, this has led to doctrines like Marian dogmas, purgatory, and the immaculate conception—doctrines with little or no explicit biblical support—being dogmatically mandated. Such developments suggest that the Bible is not necessarily the final arbiter of truth, but rather a starting point subject to ecclesiastical reinterpretation.

The consequence is a dangerous relativization of Scripture. If tradition is elevated to equal or superior status, biblical texts become subordinate, malleable, and subject to ecclesiastical authority. This undercuts the claim that Scripture is the infallible Word of God, accessible to all believers, and instead positions it as one of many sources that can be overridden or supplemented by church authority. Such a view risks transforming the Bible into a secondary text—an interpretive aid rather than the divine foundation of faith.

The Magisterium’s Interpretative Monopoly: A Threat To Biblical Authority:

The Roman Catholic Magisterium’s claim to infallible interpretative authority further entrenches Scripture’s subordinate status. By asserting that Rome’s teaching office can interpret Scripture infallibly under specific conditions, Catholicism effectively claims the right to override the plain meaning of biblical texts.

This stance is critically problematic. It assumes that the biblical text is inherently ambiguous or insufficient without ecclesiastical mediation. If Scripture can be overruled or reinterpreted by the Church’s authority, then its claim to divine inspiration and clarity is compromised. The Bible ceases to be a direct divine communication accessible to ordinary believers and instead becomes a text that must be mediated through church doctrine.

Moreover, this monopolization of interpretation fosters a hierarchical religious environment that discourages individual engagement with Scripture. Believers are conditioned to accept church-approved interpretations rather than seek personal understanding. This undermines the biblical model of the priesthood of all believers, which emphasizes direct access to God's Word. Instead, Scripture risks becoming a controlled, institutionalized text—an object of authority that is less about divine revelation and more about ecclesiastical control.

Sacraments and Rituals: A Substitution For Scriptural Engagement:

Catholic emphasis on sacraments and liturgical rituals exemplifies how spiritual life can be mediated more through ritual than through personal engagement with Scripture. While the sacraments are rooted in biblical tradition, their centrality in Catholic practice often leads to a spiritual environment where the Bible’s role is marginal.

If salvation and spiritual growth are primarily experienced through participation in sacraments—especially the eucharist—then the Bible’s authority as the Word of God is effectively sidelined. Such a focus on ritual mediates divine grace externally, often independent of personal biblical understanding. The danger is that believers may come to view Scripture as an ancillary or historical curiosity rather than the living Word through which God speaks today.

This sacramental orientation can foster a spiritual culture in which the Bible becomes optional rather than essential—an accessory to ritual rather than a foundation of faith. The danger is that this shift erodes the biblical principle that Scripture is the primary means by which God reveals Himself, and that personal engagement with the Word is vital for authentic faith.

Historical Marginalization Of Scripture: A Legacy Of Control:

Historically, Roman Catholicism’s approach to Scripture has involved deliberate restrictions that diminish its accessibility and authority among the laity. For centuries, laypeople were discouraged from reading the Bible, and the mass was conducted in Latin—a language inaccessible to most. This institutional control created a cultural and doctrinal environment where Scripture was viewed as an esoteric document, not meant for personal interpretation.

The Council of Trent’s reaffirmation of ecclesiastical authority over Scripture further entrenched this view, effectively positioning the Church as the sole interpreter of divine revelation. Such policies fostered a church culture that regarded Scripture as a complex, institutionalized text, requiring expert interpretation rather than direct access.

This historical pattern reveals a fundamental tension: if Scripture is to be the Word of God, why was access to it so restricted? The answer lies in a concern for ecclesiastical authority—by controlling Scripture, the Church of Rome preserved its power to define doctrine and orthodoxy. The result is a legacy in which Scripture’s role is diminished, and its accessibility is limited, undermining its claim as the universal, divine Word accessible to all.

Critical Implications And The Risk Of Idolatry:

The cumulative effect of these doctrinal and historical developments is troubling. When Scripture is held equal to tradition, interpreted solely through church authority, or mediated primarily through sacraments, it ceases to function as the divine Word accessible to all believers. Instead, it risks becoming an ecclesiastical tool, a symbolic relic, or a theological hostage.

This situation raises profound questions: if the Word of God is no longer the primary authority in the life of believers, what remains of divine revelation? Is it any wonder that Catholic theology sometimes appears to treat Scripture as a secondary authority—an aid to ecclesiastical tradition rather than the foundation of faith? Such a perspective invites idolatry, where the institution’s doctrines and rituals overshadow the divine Word. In order to be considered a faithful Roman Catholic, all that one has to do is obey the rules and regulations set forth by Rome. The Bible does not have to play a big role in his life at all. 

A Call For Reaffirming The Primacy Of Scripture:

The critical danger facing Catholicism is not merely doctrinal divergence but the potential erosion of the very foundation of divine revelation. When Scripture is not treated as the ultimate authority, it risks becoming an optional or secondary text—an artifact rather than the living Word of God. Such a shift undercuts the biblical claim that God's revelation is accessible, clear, and sufficient for salvation.

To preserve the integrity of the Word of God, Catholic theology must critically examine its reliance on tradition, ecclesiastical interpretation, and sacramental mediation. While these elements can complement Scripture, they must not eclipse or diminish its primary authority. Reaffirming Scripture as the sole or primary divine authority ensures that the Word of God remains accessible, authoritative, and central to Christian faith.

In the end, neglecting this principle risks turning Scripture into a relic of the past—an object of reverence without living authority. The church must be cautious not to exchange the divine Word for human tradition or institutional control, lest it undermine the very foundation upon which Christian faith is built. If the church forgets that Scripture is not merely a book but the breath of God, it risks building its house on sand—beautiful, ornate, and doomed to collapse.