Articles
Are Traditions Bad?
Spiritual Food for Spiritual Thought
“You are just too traditional!” This is a cry I’ve been hearing more frequently lately. The Bible certainly has some things to say about “tradition.” However, when I hear this I would like to ask, “What do you mean by that?” Because, surely, such a one would not indicate that all tradition is wrong: “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” (2 Thes. 2:15; also see 2 Thes. 3:6 and 1 Cor. 11:2)
Some traditions can be sinful (like some of the Pharisee’s), but that doesn’t mean that all traditions (including scriptural ones) are automatically wrong as well. Frankly, just because something is a tradition doesn't mean it’s wrong.
(Matthew 15:1-11) A Case Study: The Pharisees
Jesus wasn’t saying that washing your hands before eating was wrong. Moreover, it doesn’t even seem like He’s saying they were wrong for trying to go the extra mile. In fact, this tradition was likely inspired as a way for the Israelite people to be more mindful of their consecration; it possibly began as a way to mimic the priests as they were to wash themselves before participating in tabernacle work and worship (Ex. 30:17-21).
Now, if the intent was to try to make themselves more “holy”-minded then I could see the appeal. However, what it ended up being was an avenue for their own self-righteousness. Instead of using it as a tool for deep contemplation on their separation from sinfulness, they used it only to display their pride (using a facade of religious piety).
(Matthew 15:1-11) Jesus Illustrates What Went Wrong
1. They prioritized their self-made tradition over God’s law. He condemns them for circumventing God’s commandments (v. 3) for the sake of their extra-biblical tradition (v. 6). They actually made their traditions equal to or above God’s written word. It would be like if the church at Clarksville (Sunday service starts at 10:30AM) stated that any worship at any other hour was sinful; we would be guilty of elevating (our) tradition above Scripture.
However, it’s important to note that Jesus does not say, “Traditions are wrong altogether.” Though, obviously, if a man-made tradition was inherently unscriptural (i.e. taking Lord’s Supper one Sunday a year instead of every Sunday) it would be wrong from the start. And this brings us to the next issue…
2. More pointedly, they break God’s law. Jesus illustrates how they aren’t so keen and strict on God’s law as they credit themselves for (vv. 4-7). The Ten Commandments are clear when it comes to “honoring father and mother” — so clear that when it came to applying it (resulting in the Pharisees losing material gain in serving their parents) they created a loophole since they didn’t want to obey. But, Jesus proclaims that these “loopholes” were nothing more than pitiful and pathetic excuses for disobedience! And, we too, are guilty of vain works and worship when we disregard God’s will for our own profit — whatever it may be (vv. 7-9; cf. Is. 29:13).
Making The Distinction
The New Testament speaks of “tradition” both in the positive (scriptural & expedient) and in the negative (unscriptural & hindering) — we must be able to discern the two (both in biblical study & in application). Why is this? Because, there seems to be a concerted but subtle effort to undermine God’s will — under the guise of “doing away with all tradition.”
I’ve heard men say things like, “We don’t want this to be a traditional bible class that you’re used to,” before an adult Bible study. On it’s face, nothing seems wrong with that. But, then we learned the topic was on “grace” (a concept that has much confusion and debate surrounding it). Not only that, but the teacher went on to show a ten-minute video of a denominational preacher teaching on grace. See the problem now?
Red flags should go up when we hear things like: “This is not going to be a traditional lesson on ‘authority’ you’re accustomed to.” Or, “Not worshipping God with mechanical instruments is just your tradition.” And the list could go on and on!
Yes, there are traditions which have been concocted solely by man that are unscriptural and should be put away. But there are also “traditions” that must be kept at all costs (1 Cor. 11:2). When it comes to hot-button topics like this we need to be careful we don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
