Should we follow tradition?

Welcome to Midway Church of Christ

What’s Your Question? for Nov. 10, 2010

The word tradition means something handed down, and it is used in two senses in the Bible. Paul told the Thessalonians to “hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thess. 2:15). These were inspired messages, whether spoken or written. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for holding the traditions of men, and said “you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition,” and that made their worship vain (Mt. 15:1-9; Mk. 7:7-9). Some religions teach that their traditions are equal to God’s word in authority, and many who do not teach it, believe and follow traditions of men, rather than the revealed will of God. A thing is not wrong because it has been practiced a long time, neither is it right “because we have always done it that way.”