Scripture, Tradition, & Reason
In the Episcopal Church, we are called to live out our faith on a daily basis, whether we are at home, school, work or recreation. The cornerstones of our faith are Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.
Scripture: Scripture is the Word of God contained in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Holy Scriptures contain the story of God's love spanning thousands of years, from creation through the birth of the early Christian Church. Within an Episcopal worship service, readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospels, along with a sermon, comprise the portion of our worship called The Liturgy of the Word. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of our guide to worship, the Book of Common Prayer, comes directly from the Old and New Testaments.
Tradition: We are not Christians in isolation, but are part of a living faith that spans over 2,000 years. Tradition is the embodiment of our experience as Christians throughout the centuries. The heart of our tradition is expressed through the Bible, the Creeds (statements of faith, written in first centuries of the Church's existence), the Sacraments (the Holy Eucharist and Baptism), and the apostolic ordained ministry passed on through the centuries. Our tradition is expressed with many voices, among which are a variety of worship styles, languages, cultures, architecture, and music. Our tradition encourages this diversity. We seek to value the life and story that each person brings to the community of faith. As in a multi-textured tapestry, each person's offering is woven into the life of the whole, making it stronger and more beautiful.
Reason: Each one of us, with God's help, makes decisions about how we use Tradition and Scripture in our lives. A personal relationship with God allows us to experience and celebrate our lives to the fullest. The gift of reason, as a complement to Scripture and Tradition, leads us to seek answers to our questions and to grow spiritually. Being active in a community of faith strengthens us to carry our faith into the world. Weaving Scripture, Tradition and Reason together, we strengthen our faith and grow as children of God.