Tradition As a Source of Theology
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
7:52 PM
Tradition refers to the historical streams of thought and practice that influence a congregation, denomination, or theologian.  
Skydsgaard, K. E. "Tradition as an Issue in Contemporary Theology." The Old and the New In Church, edited by G. W. H. Lampe and David Paton, Studies in Ministry and Worship Series, 1961, SCM Press LTD, Bloomsbury Street, London, 20-35.
The Tradition, "Tradition is the uninterrupted presence and abiding of the Lord in his Church.  Tradition is the continuance of the incessant charismatic, sanctifying life--the 'memory' and the 'conscience' of the Church.  Tradition is the constant guidance and illumination of the Spirit in the ontological substance in in the experience of the Church" 
He warned against the rigidity of traditionalism--a form of unquestioned adherence to the theologies and ethicist of a particular denomination or movement.  
The Goal of the World Council of Churches, for whom Skydsgaard was writing, was to seek some point of consensus as to what all Christians might affirm.  
In a more practical sense, Beth Felker explains, "The most widely shared and authoritative Christian tradition comes from early summaries of Christian doctrine, known as the rule of faith, which took mature form in the ecumenical creeds.  The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are brief statements of Christian faith that enjoy broad recognition as faithful summaries of key scriptural teaching"  (Practicing Christian Doctrine, p. 20).  
There is something we can speak of as the Tradition of the whole Church.  
Tradition also refers to the particular streams that influence a group of Christians
Lampe, G. W. H., and David Paton. "Historical Introduction." The Old and the New In Church, 1961, SCM Press LTD, Bloomsbury Street, London, 12-19.
"Each dogma has its own peculiar Sitz-im-Leben, its own particular history.  It arises in the context of living faith, expressed in what is taken to be the contrast between idolatry and saving faith.  This means that every dogmatic statement, if it is to be understood ecumenically, must be interpreted in light of its original intention as well as its historical effects. Doctrines are expressed and interpreted in the idiom and style of the church which authorizes them" (p. 16)
Clark Williamson, Way of Blessing, Way of Life, Chalice Press, 1999,"The Christian faith is available to us only through particular witnesses, as life itself is available to each of us only through a particular set of parents" (p. 34).  
Who are the traditional conversation partners with whom you are in conversation?
What are the Traditional Elements that Shaped Your Faith?
Creeds/Belief Statements
Narratives
Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs.