Are we as a modern church following more tradition or traditionalism? In this episode, Nick discusses the two and how the Bible describes traditions. Most modern church traditions are new and have not always existed within the church. From songs, instruments, meeting houses, Sunday school, and the list goes on. All of those things have been changed or added to our regular church attendance or practices.
Nick discusses how to navigate this perspective when churches all around are operating in different ways. Is Sunday School or Small Groups the answer? Should the church use a guitar or a piano? Does any of it matter in how we worship God?
The premise of Tradition vs. Traditionalism is based on a quote referenced by Chuck Swindoll in which he quoted a Yale professor who said "Tradition is the living faith of those now dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living". Nick compares these two viewpoints as the following.
Traditions: Things established by God, Christ, or by others for a good purpose of edifying and uplifting the church. Ways we can worship, grow, and honor God.
Traditionalism: Things we do out of routine or a "have-to" mindset. Things we are told to do and never ask why or actions in the church that are expected to be done with no biblical precedent.
Two examples Nick gives is taking Communion where this is a biblically established action or tradition. Having a Sunday School class on the other hand could be either. Some churches opt to not have Sunday School while others do. Neither view is technically wrong but what the church does needs to be for the glory of God.
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