Some in religious circles would have us believe that their tradition tops everything. They go so far as to say that not only is it equal to scripture, but is above scripture. I’m talking mainly about the Catholic Church.
It claims that its tradition of beliefs and practices come from an apostolic line. It uses the following verse as proof that its traditions should be held in the highest of esteem.
“Brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2: 15.
Because something has been observed for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s correct, especially when its beginnings are incorrect. The only true way to know if a tradition is legitimate is to measure it against the Bible. If it contradicts or subverts the Word, then it should be done away with.
Does this sound simple? Yeah, it does. That’s because Christianity is simple: visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1: 27). As far as rituals are concerned, those are simple too: baptism (total immersion) as a public commitment to Jesus; foot washing as a reminder of humility; and communion as a remembrance of Jesus’ death.
Could there have been other inspired instructions outside of the New Testament that the apostles gave to the church? It’s probable; but if so, those things certainly wouldn’t be in opposition to God’s Word.
With our understanding as to how humanity works, it’s easy to see that men piled on extra ceremonies and doctrines in an effort to make the spiritual experience fit their own lofty ideals. As an added touch, layers of complexity and mystery were thrown in.
As a result, in the Catholic Church, Jesus’ death is re-offered. Catholics claim that he literally dies over and over again in every one of its Eucharistic rites. This goes against Hebrews 7: 26, 27 and 1 Peter 3: 18. In those verses, it’s said that Jesus’ sacrifice only needed to be a one-time event for all.
It is also tradition in the Catholic Church that Jesus doesn’t have the power to answer prayer and grant grace unless His supposedly resurrected mother is first prayed to and she intervenes on behalf of the person praying. You see, in this church’s tradition, Mary is viewed as humanity’s co-redeemer/mediator with Christ. Of course, that goes against 1 Timothy 2: 5 that says Jesus alone is the only one (God and mediator) between God and us.
The Catholic Church embraces 2 Thessalonians 2: 15 (stand fast and hold tradition), but ignores Paul’s declaration that if any angel or person were to preach any other gospel than what he preached, “Let him be accursed.” That’s in Galatians 1: 8.
Why am I slamming the Catholic Church’s view of tradition? It’s because they’re so prominent. But it is also intended to be a slam against any person(s) or organization that endorses tradition over scripture (Matthew 15: 3, 6).
God’s written Word is truth, by which we are sanctified. It’s safer to stick to it because traditions of mankind often contain error and false theories.
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“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15: 8, 9.