Sunday, 8th October, 2006

Tradition: as an authority in Christian Theology

I am reminded of the song from the show “Fiddler on the Roof”. I perceive the “Tradition of my Fathers” and “This is the way it has always been done” attitude. Till today.

I used to believe I was “Traditional”, I can see why. I have a classical taste in hymns and prayer, as are my tastes in music and poetry. My wife in contrast, has a preference for the more modern hymn and pop. But despite our differences our values are similar in and out of worship.

If we regularly say the “Traditional” Creed absorbing and understanding it, we'll find relevance in it. Worshiping without it, cutting bits out, develops objections to it.
I recently had a discussion with someone who thought we shouldn’t mention the Virgin Mary because it might offend some of the unmarried mothers who attended their services. It is a valid point, and does carry weight in that context. But should we deny the miracle bestowed by God on a young woman, who without His Grace faced total disgrace.

We feel out of place when we do venture further a field, unable to express our selves and prejudiced to another’s ways, so feeling at ease, at home in worship is important espeacially in times of stress.

Worshiping soley within a preference for an artistic taste can be divisional, enforcing preferences, creating an irreverent acceptance of anything else. Our parochial church lives can become secluded and what we embrace as important may not be to another gathering. But if we share our penticostal experiences we may grow back together.

A reference attributed to John Zizioulas by Douglas Knight says, “Tradition is the unceasing existence of Revelation in the Church. Revealed through ongoing Pentecost, by the holy spirit.”

http://www.resourcesforchristiantheology.org/content/view/155/42/.

Sometimes we need to cross boundaries, venture into wider styles of worship and experience cross ecumenical ministry to realise the living Church. Times change, problems appear to be different, but Gods love reflected in others gets you through.

My thought for the day
"Tradition can become a fencing in rather than experience to reflect on".