A defense of Sacred Tradition

Sacred Tradition

Practices by: Roman Catholics, Orthodox (see Holy Tradition), and Anglicans.

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. - 1 Corinthians 11:2 (King James Version)

Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. - 1 Corinthians 11:2 (New King James Version)

I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. - 1 Corinthians 11:2 (New International Version)

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Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (King James Version)

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (New King James Version)

So then, brothers and sisters stand firm and hold fast to the teachings* we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  - New International Version (NIV)
Footnotes: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 or traditions

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Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 King James Version (KJV)

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he (they) received from us.  2 Thessalonians 3:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.                          2 Thessalonians 3:6 New International Version (NIV)

 

Sacred Tradition V. tradition

Sacred Tradition, is the teachings that have always been, while tradition, as cited and harshly criticized by Jesus in Matthew, and again in Mark’s version of the story in Mark 7:5 – where the 12 did not washing their hands before eating. This is hardly a dogmatic teaching.  While a Dogmatic or Sacred Tradition is a key basis of any faith, as you can see by the interchangeability in the KJV, NKJV, and NIV quotes, “Traditions” and “Teachings” are closely related.

Examples of Sacred Tradition

Two natures of Christ, The Trinity, and The Theotokos or literally the mother of God, Immaculate Conception, and the assumption of Mary…

As well as the Apostles' Creed, Sacraments, Athanasian Creed, Nicene Creed, Roles of Priests, Deacons, and Bishops, as well as the duties of the Patriarchs, and the Primacy of the Bishop of Rome though Orthodox see him as the first among equals, rather than an exclusive command belonging solely to Peter as indicated by John 21:15-17 (Feed Sheep) Matt 16:18, (Build Church on), Matt 16:19 (Keys to kingdom).

Examples of non-sacred traditions: Washing your hands before a meal.

Why is it Sacred or Infallible?

Because the Infallible (or Dogmatic) teaching can never change, something cannot be true in the lifetime of Jesus, and not true in our life time. Otherwise something can be declared true in one life time, and declared a Heresy in the next, resulting in theological relativism, mass confusion and the *new religion* not looking like the old one.