Does your religion make God's word invalid by your traditions?

Question

Mat 15:6:’ And so YOU have made the word of God invalid because of YOUR tradition.
Mark 7:7 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.’ 8 Letting go the commandment of God, YOU hold fast the tradition of men.”

The Bible is against MAN MADE TRADITIONS. Jesus made that clear.

Answer 1

Well as you know, Jehovah's Witnesses started abandoning traditions early on when they were still known as just Bible Students. Why did they do this? They made adjustments as gradually they realised from their study of the Bible that there were many traditions which were being practised and taught within churches that just would not be acceptable to Jehovah God.

So my religion has abandoned traditions which dishonour God, and I can be part of pure worship - that is truly wonderful.

What sort of traditions am I talking about? Well, lets think about Easter - there have been lots of questions and answers on this subject over the past couple of weeks. Everyone agrees that bunny rabbits and eggs and even the name Easter comes from pagan origins, but those things have been accepted as part of many churches to symbolise the resurrection of Christ. This is really a tradition rather than a Bible teaching as it has no foundation in scripture. How does God feel about such things - we know that Exodus 32 Jehovah did not approve of the mixture of pagan religion and true religion when they made a golden calf and were using it as part of a festival to Jehovah. Truth and pagan traditions do not mix.

Answer 2

Well I am a Christian. I study the bible closely. I don't affiliate with any denominations. But I don't believe in Christmas, Easter or a lot of other celebrated holidays. The bible says believing in false idols or gods is a sin, and that is why I don't celebrate those holidays. I feel completely that my traditions are a direct reflection of my beliefs as a Christian.

Answer 3

Let's try to keep things in perspective, guys. I've witnessed plenty of "Christians" whom I don't feel do a very good job of being Christ-like. Of course, my views on who shows Christ-like behavior and who does not are dependent upon my personal understanding of Christ and his message, and someone else's interpretation of the same is probalby different from mine.

As for ingrained church traditions such as Easter, Christmas, etc, I have no problems with these. Why? Because certain events in Christ's life need to be remembered--especially the Resurrection--and having traditions for how we celebrate these things helps foster the formation of a church community, and gives us continuity with our past and our future. Just my $0.02

Answer 4

that is a very interesting question...a lot of what churches do is based more on tradition and man-made customs than anything that Christ taught...if i thought about it, i think i could find stuff that our church does out of tradition...but there isn't anything that i can think of that our denomination has set down as a denominational rule...our individual churches are autonomous and self-governed...we only loosely associate with the denomination...we have much closer ties with the other churches in our community and immediate area...we are a southern baptist church...no, we don't handle snakes, exclude any other races, conduct witch hunts, run gays out of town, or tell our congregations how to vote...so those stereotypes don't hold much water...now, the stereotypes about fried chicken, corn bread, sliced 'maters, and sweet tea are 100% GOSPEL!!!!

Answer 5

The best thing that the churches of today can do is read the Book of Revelation about what God says to the Seven Churches. If they would preach this in the pulpit instead of telling prosperity stories, just maybe the congregation would get their hearts right toward God.

Answer 6

I agree that 'traditions' are priority in many churches... they 'do the stuff' they are required of in their 'religion'

but wasn't it the 'religious' who demanded that Jesus be put to death?

Being a Christian is about accepting Jesus as Lord of your life.... repenting and turning to Him completely. then, build a relationship with God thru the Word and thru prayer...

manmade requirements from some 'hierarchy' in religion is a bad thing all the way around.... Jesus came to abolish the law and set us free in Him

Answer 7

I believe you need to rephrase your question. (No insult intended...) The real question should be, "Does your CHURCH make God's word invalid by its traditions?" Religion is a set of beliefs, and in this context represents your personal basis for belief. As such, it is not involved in the validity of God's word. On the other hand, churchs are organizations which purport to interpret God's word for you ... Often, their traditions get in the way of God's word. The best historical example I can give off the top of my head is the inquisition. The inquisitors killed thousands in the name of a forgiving, compassionate God. In doing so, the tradition warped God's word to rationalize their barbaric behaviours. These warped beliefs remain today, just below the surface, as best demonstrated by the rivallry of organizations like Masons and KC. It is a shame that these traditions have persisted into the 21st century.

Answer 8

He saw into the future from way back there.
There are churches that relay on their tradition.
As a matter of fact their tradition over rules the Bible.

They don't use Sola Scriptura.
I have seen this myself.

Answer 9

Mathew 15 is a discussion between the Pharisees and scribes with Jesus. The Pharisees are accusing Jesus' disciples of not following tradition. Jesus refutes their statements and shows them that they are the ones who are actually going against tradition.
Mark 7 is the other account of the same incident.
You have illustrated the danger of revealing one verse without including context. You lose the meaning when the rest of the story is left out.

It is interesting that the Pharisees were JUDGING the disciples about their behavior in following the ancient rules and Jesus rebuked them. Christianity is not about following rules but following Christ.
This passage was a disagreement over the practise of handwashing and what foods to eat.

Answer 10

well I am a Mormon and I believe whole hearted of my God who made heaven above and earth below without him I am nothing but with God and his son Jesus Christ who die for my sin I know I am nothing but with my heavenly creator I am something wonderful we all are if we look hard and stop judging other and their believe see what God see and we too will Love with open hands but if not