TRADITION

The term "tradition" renders a Greek word that suggests the idea of "instruction that has been handed down." It takes on two senses in Scripture. (a) "Tradition" may be instruction that is divinely originated. Paul commended the Corinthians for holding to the "traditions" he had delivered unto them (1 Cor. 11:2; cf. 2 Thes. 2:15). The brethren at Thessalonica were admonished to disfellowship those who refused to follow the apostles' "tradition" (2 Thes. 3:6). (b) "Tradition" can also refer to human practices of long-standing. When human tradition virtually becomes an appendix to divine law, the perpetrators of such custom are transgressors, having gone beyond what "is written" (Mt. 15:3; Col. 2:8; 1 Cor. 4:6 ASV; 2 Jn. 9). (c) It is a sinful act to take the law of God and treat it as mere human "tradition." Similarly, it is evil to elevate men's "traditions" to the status of sacred law. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, holds that the "traditions" of the Church, as handed down over the centuries and ratified by certain synods, assume an authority equal to the Scriptures. This is a false dogma.