Weedon's Blog: Some Thoughts on the Relationship of Scripture and Tradition
Weedon's Blog: Some Thoughts on the Relationship of Scripture and Tradition
There is a two-fold relationship that is in tension between the two. First, at the time of the Reformation the accent was solidly upon Scripture as the touchstone for what is true in tradition, what can made to harmonize with the divine words. This is a critical use of Scripture in regards to tradition. But it is not the only relationship between the two, for Tradition when it is being true to itself is above all the proper understanding of the Sacred Scriptures - it provides "an interpretive lens," if you will, for the reading of Scripture. Lutheranism at its best fosters the tension implicit in this. Chemnitz, recall, speaks of Scripture under the category of Traditions in the Examine. Yet Lutherans know that not everything that parades around as Tradition is worthy of the title, for some fall under the condemnation our Lord spoke of: teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.Thought: Lutherans are late to the table with every innovation because: 1) They're afraid of presenting a doctrine by practice in conflict between scriptures and 2) They're still reeling from the accustations of Rome that the Reformation was innovation and not a return to the church catholic. It would seem to me that those with the most solid grounding in a theology of worship would continue the musical innovation started by Lutherans such as Bach. Rather Lutherans are largely unwilling to critically approach new musical forms and characters for worship UNTIL they have been embraced by most Protestants. They're late to the table and then approach uncritically. Yes, tis is a bit of a jump from Fr. Weedon's post... but so is the nature of my brain.
