Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism are not based enough in God’s Word, and therefore not “based” enough.
Critics say we need the man-made traditional programs because those church traditions were the safeguards of God’s Word.
First of all, the Canon widely recognized throughout the Christian world today was established before religious leaders in the late 200’s began talking about “Catholic” or “Orthodox” as distinct denominations.
Furthermore, those critics are missing the larger issue.
Jesus is the Word, made flesh who dwelt (literally “tabernacled”) among us (John 1:14). We are called to a Living Savior, not a set of traditions, no matter how long-lasting.
When Orthodox and Catholic traditions assert the Church Fathers, who talked about “Tradition,” every one of those individuals who talked about tradition were talking about the Bible, they were talking about God’s Word. That is the Tradition they are holding to.
They were not talking about masses. They were not talking about incense. They were not talking about rites and sacraments. They were talking about the Word.
Consider this, Orthodox and Catholic adherents: all the words to the masses that you practice, where did those words come from? They came from the Bible! That alone demonstrates that the WORD has pre-eminence over traditions.
Orthodox traditions also suggest that we cannot understand God’s Word or His presence without a clear reference and rooted understanding in human history. I cannot receive that, either. God is outside of time, outside of history. He is not subject to man’s understanding or perception.
Here’s another powerful point: Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, and other critics rose up against the Catholic hegemony and hierarchy, they were restoring the truth.
Most people are not aware of this, but post-Reformation the Catholic leadership added, yes ADDED, books to the Bible in the Council of Trent (1545-1563). That is the true heresy.
You also have Orthodox traditions, which claim that “The Church” alone provides the meaning, the revelation of God’s Word. I do not receive that. Why? Because God’s own words declares, through John the Beloved:
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27)
Catholicism and Orthodoxy are too progressive, frankly. They have abandoned Jesus’ pre-eminence, and replaced Him with the traditions of men. These are some harsh truths, but it is time to STAND FOR TRUTH!
And one more thing about traditions:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Paul the Apostle recognized and taught that JESUS is our head, our focus, our everything!
And also this:
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:” (Colossians 2:16)
Jesus reproached the religious leaders during His earthly ministry for this very perversion:
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” (Mark 7:13)
We have a Living Savior! Why would we want to deprive anyone of this intimate, powerful revelation?!
Spare me the man-made bishops, patriarchates, and traditions. The truth of God’s Word outlasts all of man’s traditions.
