"Wrong-headed Traditions"

Mark 7:13 "Thus you nullify the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

This is not an easy teaching. When our traditions run counter to the Word of God, the tradition should be questioned. Church, through the years has picked up a number of practices that are not biblical. For example, the old tradition that Communion is only held on the first Sunday. Or, that you can only use Welch's grape juice and tasteless crackers. Or, that only deacons can serve it, or that only pastors can pray over it. Or that it must be delivered to you in the pew, or that we all have to take it simultaneously or while hearing the exact same words. If you grew up in the church in the 50's and 60's, you know what I am talking about.

Obviously, we are over a lot of that kind of stuff, but as Jesus said, "You do many things like that.” There are more. Some are no big deal, others are silly and some really keep the church from relating to real people. I am not going to try to say what l think they are, but, just know that when humans run organizations they sometimes institute practices that are not from Scripture.

The Bible is our only source for matters of faith and practice, right? So then, why do we let traditions become sacrosanct? Interesting question. Probably why Jesus mentions it. Something to consider.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Fred