Sacred Roots Workshop

102 Sacred Roots Workshop: Retr ieving the Great Tradi t ion in the Contemporary Church

tradition may easily become counterproductive to our discipleship in Jesus.

4. Fidelity to the Apostolic Tradition (teaching and modeling) is the essence of Christian maturity. The principle of “apostolicity” undergirded the ancient, undivided Church’s entire approach to theology, worship, discipleship, and mission. The principle, simply stated, is that only what can be verified to be of apostolic origin, backed by apostolic tradition, and used by apostolic churches can be deemed to be authoritative for the Church of Jesus Christ. 5. The Apostle Paul often includes an appeal to the tradition for support in doctrinal practices. While no one can or should appeal to uncriticized tradition as the inviolate will of the Lord, it is clear that the apostles understood the prominence of their role and place in leading the Church, and blessing the people of God. 6. When a congregation uses received tradition to remain faithful to the “Word of God,” they are commended by the apostles. “Received tradition” was not something that was easily embraced, or that was welcomed without careful vetting in the churches and buffing in experience. The tradition of the apostles, their instruction on a host of different issues and concepts in their epistles to the churches, was a living, organic body of teaching, writings, instructions, and orders given through personal corre- spondence, their chosen faithful representatives, and personal counsel.

C. The founders of tradition: three levels of Christian authority

1. The Apostolic Tradition (Webber, “authoritative source” of Christian authority), i.e., the canonical Scriptures of the Bible, written by the apostles and the prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit.