Evaluating Traditions and Examples Against Scripture
Evaluating Traditions Against Scripture
The concept of tradition plays a significant role in Christian thought and practice. The term "tradition" refers to teachings or practices handed down from generation to generation [1]. In the context of Christianity, traditions can be either in line with or contrary to Scripture.
Biblical Anchor
The Bible provides the foundation for understanding the role of tradition in Christian life. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, and Colossians 2:8, the term "tradition" refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews that often conflicted with God's law. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for prioritizing their traditions over God's commandments (Matthew 15:3) [6]. In contrast, Paul commends the Thessalonians for holding to the traditions they received from him (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6) [1].
The biblical writers emphasize the importance of evaluating traditions against Scripture. The Bereans are commended for examining the teachings of Paul against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). This approach ensures that traditions are not elevated to the same level as Scripture but are instead subject to its authority.
Definition and Confessional Articulation
Tradition, in a Christian context, refers to the transmission of teachings, practices, and interpretations that have been passed down through generations. While some traditions are rooted in Scripture, others may be human-made and potentially contradictory to biblical teachings.
The Westminster Confession, a Reformed confession, articulates the Protestant view on the authority of Scripture, stating that it is the supreme judge in all controversies of faith and life [not directly cited, but reflects Reformed theology]. This perspective emphasizes the importance of evaluating traditions against the standard of Scripture.
Tradition Contrasts
Different Christian traditions have varying views on the role of tradition in Christian life. The Presbyterian and Protestant academic sources emphasize the need to evaluate traditions against Scripture, while also acknowledging the value of traditions that are in line with biblical teachings [2, 3, 4].
In contrast, some traditions may prioritize extra-biblical traditions or elevate them to the same level as Scripture. The Methodist/Wesleyan source notes the importance of critically evaluating historical accounts and traditions, as seen in the discussion of the differing numbers in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21:5 [5].
Historical Development
The early Christian church faced challenges related to the role of tradition in Christian life. The apostles and early Christian leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to the teachings of Christ and the apostles (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:2). As the church developed, the need to distinguish between legitimate traditions and those that were contrary to Scripture became increasingly important.
The Protestant Reformation highlighted the tension between Scripture and tradition, with Reformers arguing that certain Catholic traditions were not supported by Scripture. This led to a renewed emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the need to evaluate traditions against its standard.
Common Confusions
One common confusion is the failure to distinguish between traditions that are in line with Scripture and those that are not. Some traditions may be based on human interpretations or cultural practices that are not necessarily rooted in biblical teachings.
Another confusion is the tendency to elevate traditions to the same level as Scripture, rather than subjecting them to its authority. This can lead to a form of "traditionism" where human-made traditions are given precedence over biblical teachings.
The biblical writers and Christian theologians throughout history have emphasized the importance of evaluating traditions against the standard of Scripture. By doing so, Christians can ensure that their practices and teachings are grounded in the Word of God, rather than human-made traditions. As the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary notes, "The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse" [7].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tradition — Any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Col. 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Pet. 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the "strangers scattered" whom he addresses (comp. Acts 15:10; Matt. 15:2-6; Gal. 1:14).”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 7:13: 7:13 The result of such traditions was to cancel the word of God. • only one example among many others: It was not an isolated instance; see, e.g., Isa 1:10-20; 58:1-14.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:21: 5:21-47 You have heard. . . . But I say: Jesus contrasts his own teaching to six misinterpretations of the law. Each antithesis provides an example of the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals the will of God as it contrasts with traditions. 5:21 our ancestors were told: The expression refers to the traditional interpretation of the teachers of religious law and Pharisees. Though their traditions prohibited murder, they did not prohibit hatred. The surpassing righteousness of Jesus demands reconciliation (5:23-24); merely refraining from committing mur”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- 2 Samuel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Samuel 24:9: In Israel eight hundred thousand - the men of Judah were five hundred thousand - In the parallel place, Ch1 21:5, the sums are widely different: in Israel one million one hundred thousand, in Judah four hundred and seventy thousand. Neither of these sums is too great, but they cannot be both correct; and which is the true number is difficult to say. The former seems the most likely; but more corruptions have taken place in the numbers of the historical books of the Old Testament, than in any other part of the sacred records. To attempt to reconcile them in every p”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 15:3: But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?--The charge is retorted with startling power: "The tradition they transgress is but man's, and is itself the occasion of heavy transgression, undermining the authority of God's law."”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”