Tradition is the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Theology is the study of God, god, gods goddesses, that is what the word means god study.
Christians love to condemn the Jew because they have deep rooted customs built around their faith. They are often blamed for trying to work their way to salvation because if their customs. We often forget that the Lord Himself gave the Jews many of these customs. But let us look at one tradition, the oral passing of the Torah, from generation to generation. Christians don’t do this. Instead, we teach bits and pieces, verses to our children that fit our beliefs. We then expect them to read the bible on their own.
Christianity is built upon customs. There are no passages in the bible that tell us what we are to do in church; early church gentile fathers created them for us. Our hymns are traditions, the way the church looks, even pastors are tradition. Sunday service is tradition, how we take communion is tradition, Christmas, and even Easter are traditions. Unlike the traditions of the Jews, the Lord did not dictate words to Paul or Peter about what the followers of the way were to do, He did not hand down these traditions and customs to the Gentiles.
Sola Fide, Faith alone, Sola Scriptura, scripture alone, Sola Gratia, grace alone, and Sola Deo, God alone. The observant Jew follows traditions and customs out of faith, because of faith. Faith is what is at the core. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Do I really believe in the Lord? If I do, then that faith will dictate my daily life. As St Francis said, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” Amen.
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