Tradition vs. Traditionalism
“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Jeremiah 6:16
I was asked in a recent coaching group about how to deal with the tension found in many churches between those who want to remember the past and those who want to dream of the future. Those whose theme song is taken from Fiddler on the Roof – “Tradition!” – and those who prefer the song from Annie – “Tomorrow!”
In seeking to offer an answer, I found some wisdom in the words of Christian historian Jaroslav Pelikan who recognized how the ancient paths still hold value while warning about the possibility of getting bogged down in them.
“Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. And, I suppose I should add, it is traditionalism that gives tradition such a bad name.”
Jaroslav Pelikan
“Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. And, I suppose I should add, it is traditionalism that gives tradition such a bad name.” –Jaroslav Pelikan
When you think about “tradition” in the church, what comes to mind? For some, it is archaic hymns that are a drudgery to sing. It may be preaching that is solemn and boring or the routine and often mindless worship service that lulls everyone to sleep.
For others, tradition means clinging to a forgotten past that no one seems to want, (except them, perhaps). Suits and ties in the pulpit. No coffee or cell phones in the sanctuary. Weekly altar calls. Sunday night services.
Traditionalism
It’s here where the second part of Pelikan’s observation is important to understand. What these folks are actually referring to when they say “traditional” is simply their particular version of something. It’s what they like or are accustomed to, and not necessarily the broader or larger Christian tradition.
For example, here’s a pastor’s reasoning for rejecting a new style of music in favor of the traditional style he preferred.
It’s too new.
It’s often worldly, even blasphemous.
It’s not as pleasant as the more established style.
It puts too much emphasis on the instrumental rather than on godly lyrics.
It creates disturbances making people act indecently and disorderly.
It’s a money-making scam.
The preceding generation got along without it.
You might think that this was written yesterday...but, no. It was written in 1723 and printed in a newspaper attacking the music of Isaac Watts (who wrote "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Joy to The World," and many other great hymns).
This is what happens when tradition is, in reality, traditionalism. When personal preference is labeled as spiritual maturity.
Tradition becomes traditionalism when personal preference is labeled as spiritual maturity.
Tradition
According to Pelikan, true tradition has ongoing value. It is the “living faith of the dead.”
As such it can inform and shape the present. When studied carefully, it provides valuable perspectives for the future since it offers a window into beliefs and practice beyond our own cultural moment.
When studied carefully, tradition provides valuable perspectives for the future since it offers a window into beliefs and practice beyond our own cultural moment.
The psalmist Asaph illustrates the importance of being informed by one’s spiritual heritage. He uses Israel’s history as an instructive tool.
I will utter hidden things, things from of old – things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done…
Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
(Psalm 78:2-4,7)
Asaph sees how tradition has its valued place. He goes on to suggest that Israel’s past can be instructive to their present and he encourages his listeners to instill it within the next generation.
Room for Both
The point is, there is nothing wrong with tradition. Not every new idea is perfect, and not every old practice is worthless. We need to honor the past by building upon it, and yet also consider how we might make those practices relevant in the present.
Not every new idea is perfect, and not every old practice is worthless.
Though it may seem counterintuitive to some, tradition is actually foundational for spawning innovation. Without it, we will always be limited to our own cultural expression.
As Pelikan states, “…during much of our history, and down to our own time, tradition has provided the perennial themes and the key metaphors by which creative expression has been preserved from the banality and the trivialization to which a total immersion in the here and now could have subjected it.
“When we give a voice to tradition, the quality of conversation deepens. Our thoughts will not be imprisoned by the dead, as often assumed, but instead will be liberated from the confines of the now. This will enable us to think beyond our cultural moment while providing for a fuller expression of it by informing and complementing it.”
All this being the case, let’s honor what once was, respect those who prefer it, and seek to learn what we can from tradition. But let us also beware falling prey to traditionalism, condemning all that is new and innovative.
Let’s honor what once was, respect those who prefer it, and seek to learn what we can from tradition. But let us also beware falling prey to traditionalism, condemning all that is new and innovative.
In a growing church, there’s room for both. And wise leaders acknowledge it.
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