Church Matters: Retrieving the Great Tradition

Ses s i on 4: Chur ch Mat ter s and Go i ng Back to the Future 91

1. Although churches were regionally organized and governed, the larger vision of the Church transcended the categories of modern denominational divisions.

The apostles, then, in like manner founded churches in every city, from which all the other churches – one after another – borrowed the tradition of the faith and the seeds of doctrine. And they are every day borrowing them, that they may become churches. Indeed, it is only on this account that they will be able to deem themselves apostolic–as being the offspring of apostolic churches. Every sort or things must necessarily revert to its original mold for its classification. Therefore, the churches, although they are so many and so great, comprise but the one primitive church of the apostles – from which they all [spring]. In this way, all are primitive. And all are apostolic. And they are all proved to be one in unity by their peaceful communion, title of brotherhood, and bond of hospitality–privileges that no other rule directs than the one tradition of the selfsame mystery.

~ Tertullian, c. 197 (cf. David W. Bercot, ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs . Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1998, p. 148).

2. The ecumenical councils reveal a fundamental shared theology and spirituality that was universally recognized by the churches.

3. Christianity is a world communal religion: No group, sect, denomination, or clan can claim exclusive right to the promises, Scriptures, and hopes of the historic orthodox faith .

B. The Great Tradition sought to display its submission to Jesus Christ through disciplined acts of hospitality, good works, and generosity to all people, but especially to those of the household of faith.

1. From the beginning, Christian presence in the world has been recognized as both salt (preserving) and light (exposing), Matt. 5.13-16 (ESV) – You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to