But in this matter you should not pay so much atention to my insignificant person, as to the many dead and living teachers who maintain these same conclusions I have noted...

  - Columbanus, Letter I (Irish, 7th century)

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

  - 2 Thessalonians 2.15

In our day the grand and glorious tradition of the Church has been kicked to the curb by many church leaders.

Whether the topic is worship, hymnody, doctrine (or more likely, the denial of doctrine), church discipline, preaching, or the way we conduct our ministries, these days everything that is new and informed by the latest insights from marketing, management, and entertainment is in. Everything that's old - traditional - is out.

You probably know how I feel about this. Columbanus, like all great Church fathers in every age up to the present, appealed his view on a matter of considerable importance, first, by drawing on the Word of God, then, by appealing to the saints of the past and the teachers of his own generation. How else can we know whether the decisions we are making in the name of the Lord are correct?

Protestants have a history of being leery of "tradition." But not really. We rely on it all the time. We do not regard tradition as of the same character or level of importance as special revelation (Scripture). At the same time, we acknowledge that we are in a better position to understand Scripture aright if we do so in the light of the glorious tradition of the thinkers, pastors, and theologians from every age.

Some traditions, rich in resources for contemporary Christians, are almost completely overlooked. Such as the Celtic Christian tradition. We can learn much from those who have gone before, especially those whose ministries received a powerful anointing of the Lord, sparked widespread and far-flung revival, and endured for centuries.

Such as the Celtic Christian tradition.

You're reading this newsletter so, presumably, you understand something about the importance of tradition in the life of faith. Spread the word to your other Christian friends. This year give gifts that will re-root some of your fellow believers in the grand tradition of the Church. Give a copy of Augustine Confesions; share a CD of medieval chant or a set of Bach religious oratorios; go with some friends to a local museum and study the works of Christian artists from the past; worship in a traditional church.

Heck, learn an old hymn and sing with gusto until you have learned every stanza (I recommend "More About Jesus").

This could be the year you begin to sink your spiritual roots into the rich soil of the Christian theological, liturgical, and cultural tradition. If you do, those roots will find a home, and your faith in Christ will blossom as never before.

Check out the website of The Fellowship to read about a surprising side of Christmas you maybe didn't understand so well. It has real deep roots in Christian tradition. And if you're into the environment, you might be interested in hearing the take of God's Law on this very hip and contemporary topic.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.