Protestant tradition

[stranger]

Protestant tradition

Any Protestants out there who will admit that their tradition is important, albeit authoritative, despite subscribing to scripture alone? Anytakers?

 

[Guest]

Stranger, as an Anabaptist (mennonite) I believe that our practice of the Christian faith is important - how we live out the Christian faith. But I would not say that tradiation is authoritative, or as important as Scripture. Rather our practice comes out of our understanding of the Scriptures.

 

[th1bill]

Sola Scriptura my friend.

 

[Solo]

If tradition does not align with Scripture it is not authoratative; it is man's tradition. (the Deuterocanical (apocryphal) and Pseudepigraphal writings are not Scripture).

 

[stranger]

Stranger, as an Anabaptist (mennonite) I believe that our practice of the Christian faith is important - how we live out the Christian faith. But I would not say that tradiation is authoritative, or as important as Scripture. Rather our practice comes out of our understanding of the Scriptures.

Hi aLoneVoice,

Alright, practise is influenced by understanding, and so I am asking where the understanding comes from in the chain of teaching when the Word is taught. It is fair enough to say that someone reads the bible, and God teaches him directly. But let us take the typical example where a man is called to the ministry and goes to theological college to be trained and accredited by his denomination. If this college were a Mennonite college - I would suggest that Mennonite tradition would certainly influence him greatly despite the Mennonites believing in scripture alone.

Why the unwillingness to actually identify what these traditions are and how authoriative they have become- alongside 'scripture alone'?

 

[stranger]

If tradition does not align with Scripture it is not authoratative; it is man's tradition. (the Deuterocanical (apocryphal) and Pseudepigraphal writings are not Scripture).

Hi Solo,

I am aware of the need, the ongoing need. But my concern is what is found in practise. . .

So if you and I were to go to ten different denominations for a month each - how long do you think it would take before 'scripture alone' is violated'?

 

[stranger]

Sola Scriptura my friend.

Hi Bill,

I do think I know you from another forum! In any event do all protestant churches, despite saying and believing in 'scripture alone' practise it?

 

[stranger]

Confessions of faith as 'tradition'? Or should I say 'differences' in Confessions of faith arise from 'traditions'. I am testing 'scripture alone' in the practise of protestantism. Who will agree that 'tradition' can and has become authoriative within protestantism EVEN though we uphold 'scripture alone' in every breath?

This is almost an altar call: Is there anyone who will admit they have stumbled upon 'tradition' being authoritative in a protestant church? I am advocating the the skeleton be brought of out of the cupbpoard - what is the current practise? There has to be someone out there. . .

 

[Solo]

Hi Solo,

I am aware of the need, the ongoing need. But my concern is what is found in practise. . .

So if you and I were to go to ten different denominations for a month each - how long do you think it would take before 'scripture alone' is violated'?

In the record of Revelation we find two churches out of the seven that were not reprimanded for practices that Jesus is against. When we study the things of these churches that Jesus is against, it paints a pretty good picture of which traditions should be abandoned. Some organizations that use the name church are not churches at all; these are referenced as being synogogs of satan.

You also would have to visit each church in every denomination to discover which ones are practicing traditions that Jesus is against. Each church body of the Southern Baptist Convention is autonomous within itself and may or may not practice various practices that would be man's tradition.

 

[waitinontheLamb]

These two topics need to be apples and oranges. Unfortunately there are religions that make them one.

While I will be one of the first to admit that the traditions that are handed down through ones faith are important and loved, they do not or at least should not interfere with a Sola Scriptura stance. When any tradition violates or does not perfectly align with the authoritative Word of God then it must be thrown out.

If this is a comparison between Protestant traditional practices and the RCC worship of their traditions, it just does not make the grade.

 

[Guest]

Hi aLoneVoice,

Alright, practise is influenced by understanding, and so I am asking where the understanding comes from in the chain of teaching when the Word is taught. It is fair enough to say that someone reads the bible, and God teaches him directly. But let us take the typical example where a man is called to the ministry and goes to theological college to be trained and accredited by his denomination. If this college were a Mennonite college - I would suggest that Mennonite tradition would certainly influence him greatly despite the Mennonites believing in scripture alone.

Why the unwillingness to actually identify what these traditions are and how authoriative they have become- alongside 'scripture alone'?

stranger - Perhaps it is because I do not like the term tradition, in light of how dogmatic "tradition" can become, I prefer to say the "Mennonite practice".

I believe it can be best summed up by saying that I believe the Anabaptist/Mennonite practice or beliefs are a witness to the truth found in Scripture, but themselves are not truth.

 

[stranger]

These two topics need to be apples and oranges. Unfortunately there are religions that make them one.

While I will be one of the first to admit that the traditions that are handed down through ones faith are important and loved, they do not or at least should not interfere with a Sola Scriptura stance. When any tradition violates or does not perfectly align with the authoritative Word of God then it must be thrown out.

If this is a comparison between Protestant traditional practices and the RCC worship of their traditions, it just does not make the grade.

Hi,

It is not a comparison - the scenario is intended for those who identify themselves as 'protestants'. There is a 'skeleton' in the cupboard and the door has been locked and the key thrown away - unless I am mistaken.

 

[stranger]

stranger - Perhaps it is because I do not like the term tradition, in light of how dogmatic "tradition" can become, I prefer to say the "Mennonite practice".

I believe it can be best summed up by saying that I believe the Anabaptist/Mennonite practice or beliefs are a witness to the truth found in Scripture, but themselves are not truth.

Hi,

The 'traditions of men' in scripture are invariably spoken of negatively - but you raise another point 'tradition' can be called by another name and this makes it even harder to identify.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

The 'traditions of men' in scripture are invariably spoken of negatively - but you raise another point 'tradition' can be called by another name and this makes it even harder to identify.

I believe you misunderstood. I was not attempting to give 'traditions' another name.

Traditions typically - over the years, take a life all their own - they move away from a firm foundation in Scripture, and become roots in themselves.

I say Mennonite pracitce - because I believe that the halmark of proper Orthodoxy is Orthopraxis. Traditions tend to point back to themselves - practice acts as a witness to the truth (ie: Scripture).

 

[stranger]

I believe you misunderstood. I was not attempting to give 'traditions' another name.

Traditions typically - over the years, take a life all their own - they move away from a firm foundation in Scripture, and become roots in themselves.

I say Mennonite pracitce - because I believe that the halmark of proper Orthodoxy is Orthopraxis. Traditions tend to point back to themselves - practice acts as a witness to the truth (ie: Scripture).

Hi,

OK, I am not familar with with the Mennonites. If I put it this way : has there ever been or is there an orthopraxis skeleton in a Mennonite cupboard? In other words something that was not what it was intended to be.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

OK, I am not familar with with the Mennonites. If I put it this way : has there ever been or is there an orthopraxis skeleton in a Mennonite cupboard? In other words something that was not what it was intended to be.

Forgive me, but it sounds like you are on a fishing expedition for something... why?

 

[waitinontheLamb]

Hi,

It is not a comparison - the scenario is intended for those who identify themselves as 'protestants'. There is a 'skeleton' in the cupboard and the door has been locked and the key thrown away - unless I am mistaken.

I believe you are mistaken. Please clarify. Are you making a comparison between traditional practices of the Protestant Churches and the RCC worship of tradition? They ARE apples and oranges.

Again I will state that while tradition is an important aspect of our worship and history, if it violates or in any shape or form does not lign up with the authoritative Word of God then it is to be disposed of.

The RCC uses tradition as a draw card when anything they do does not line up with the Word of God. This is not only deceptive but also makes the line of salvation through Jesus Christ a difficult and broken one. Many of the traditions of the RCC and other sister churches are pure heresy and stand under the anathema of God.

So, please clarify your position as it seems that the previous poster is right. You are fishing here but the bait is not clinging to the hook very well.

 

[stranger]

I believe you are mistaken. Please clarify. Are you making a comparison between traditional practices of the Protestant Churches and the RCC worship of tradition? They ARE apples and oranges.

Again I will state that while tradition is an important aspect of our worship and history, if it violates or in any shape or form does not lign up with the authoritative Word of God then it is to be disposed of.

The RCC uses tradition as a draw card when anything they do does not line up with the Word of God. This is not only deceptive but also makes the line of salvation through Jesus Christ a difficult and broken one. Many of the traditions of the RCC and other sister churches are pure heresy and stand under the anathema of God.

So, please clarify your position as it seems that the previous poster is right. You are fishing here but the bait is not clinging to the hook very well.

Hi,

Forget the non - protestant side of things. I already stated plainly that this tread has nothing to do with Catholic tradition, nor a Catholic -protestant comparison.

Perhaps my post on Confessions of faith is the clearest - someone has to offer an explanation for the differences - between denominations. My supposition is that there is doctrinal consistency or uniformity deriveable from the scriptures. Furthermore I am suggesting that the differences arise not from scripture but from what I am calling protestant tradition, call this differences in interpretation if you prefer.

I have asked a straight forward question and yes I am fishing in that sense for an answer - the question is:

Is there a protestant out there WILLING to admit that their 'tradition' plays an authoriative role besides 'scripture alone' in practice' ? I know what the theory is about - I am asking what happens in practice.

Is this so threatening or offensive?

 

[stranger]

Forgive me, but it sounds like you are on a fishing expedition for something... why?

Hi aLonevoice,

Your question is fair enough, 'why?' Allow me to answer:

1. a house divided against itself cannot stand. Protestants are a divided house.

2. Protestants are quick to condemn others BUT: Is it a case of removing a log from ones own eye before taking the speck out of another's eye?

3. To see if: there is a protestant out there WILLING to admit that their 'tradition' plays an authoriative role besides 'scripture alone' in practice' ? I know what the theory is about - I am asking what happens in practice.

 

[Guest]

Hi aLonevoice,

Your question is fair enough, 'why?' Allow me to answer:

1. a house divided against itself cannot stand. Protestants are a divided house.

2. Protestants are quick to condemn others BUT: Is it a case of removing a log from ones own eye before taking the speck out of another's eye?

3. To see if: there is a protestant out there WILLING to admit that their 'tradition' plays an authoriative role besides 'scripture alone' in practice' ? I know what the theory is about - I am asking what happens in practice.

Forgive me, but it seems that your mind is already made up. If I am not mistaken atleast three if not four "protestants" have give you answers to your questions - and yet it seems you are not stastified with our answers.

I consider myself a Christian first - if you need to label me a protestant, because I do not have membership in the Roman Catholic Denomination - that is fine. However, I would contend that there are differences in how we (protestants) live out our doctrines. However, most protestants are uniform in what we might deem "essential doctrines".

Judging from your post, if seems that you are a member of the Roman Catholic denomination - I am sorry if you feel judged, however, discussing doctrines is not meant to judge - however, if you feel convicted, then I would say that is the work of the Holy Spirit and you would need to take it up with Him.

Perhaps you have an example that you would like to share or discuss in regards to practice or a Protestant "tradition". However, if a 'tradition' is not grounded in the Scriptures, than that "tradition' has no place in the church - to which I believe most born-again Protestants would agree.

Can the same be said of the Roman Catholic demonination?