Tradition 11.14.2024

     We were not the first ones here. We did not magically appear out of nowhere with a fully formed understanding of scripture that came to us unmediated by our ancestors of faith. Churches like individuals descend from someone, who came from somewhere that did, something. The collective memory of who our ancestors were is called tradition. Traditions can be informative (what we think and know) or they can be performative (what we do). The best traditions are even transformative. (They change or define who we are.) Obviously, it is possible that this sort of transformation can be negative. Information, likewise, can be constructive or destructive. What we do can be good, bad, or benign. Often the impact of traditions is determined by the intent of those who maintain the tradition. 

    The 21st century has been challenging for traditional expressions of faith. Doctrine and practice are under constant pressure to conform to society at large or the dominant ecclesiastical model. The best traditions, the ones that have and will endure are those which are constantly evaluating their own origins against emerging expectations and expressions. At times we find something more enduring in contemporary  expressions beyond novelty or entertainment. Those new expressions may eventually assume a place among the cherished traditions of the faithful. 

    Jesus lived in a traditional society. His issue was not tradition itself, but traditionalism which elevates man’s desires over God’s. The best traditions orbit God like the planets orbit the sun. When we lose that orientation, we lose the distinction between our will and God’s. 

    There is not a more traditional time of the year than the period we are entering. Much of our attention over the next 5 weeks will be centered on traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love this time of year and part of that affection and emotional satisfaction comes from celebrating treasured traditions. 

    We humans can be tragic creatures. We are as easily tempted by good things as bad—and easily distracted. Traditions which should only strengthen us often undermine our faith. The shiny new things of contemporary culture—both within and without the Church too easily displace the hard-won faith of our ancestors. 

     It is essential for us to be reflective. Reflecting upon scripture and historic Christian practice reminds us of the hopefulness of the past. Such a moment of reflection is at the very heart of Christian worship. Around His table of thanksgiving, we join the great cloud of witnesses celebrating His atoning sacrifice and empowering resurrection. Around the table we consider the whole body of Christ; past, present, and future. Around the table we embody not only Biblical thinking but traditional. The place-settings may change but the tradition endures. There is a place for us all around the table of His blessing.