I gave my catholic, apostolic upbringing a good ol’ college effort my first year at school. But while many accuse college campuses of liberal and anti-God ideas, they forget that college campuses offer the opposite too—fierce persuasion for fundamentalism, for tantalizing emotional worship, and backed by all the workings of ministry teams to successfully attract seekers.
For me, during my college years, a barrage of apologetics chipped away at my child-like adherence to the Tradition of the Orthodox Faith.
In the end, campus ministry, while good in many ways, encouraged me to self-interpret thousands’ years’ old wisdom from a 20th century, young adult perspective (And that is like convincing me I could practice psychology because I watched Dr. Phil). I was able to turn my back on “tradition” as I knew it, because I deducted it from the text.
God is great though—no matter where I landed, what pew or chair, what ministry or small group, He met me, and I grew in faith and love of Him, even ignored the possibility of my mis-interpretation for most of my adult life.
Truly, I am so thankful for my journey through different denominations—each one has the Grace of Christ, the Love of God, and the community of His people within their constructs. But the onslaught of theological interpretations and doctrines aren’t all beneficial—some are the opposite (we see this in the rise of politics influencing pulpits, celebrities pushing movements, and authors taking authoritative stances with minimal accountability).
Now, after 25 years immersed in fundamental Christianity, then 5 years of returning to the apostolic faith of Orthodoxy, I finally realize what tradition means and why it’s important. The tradition Scripture speaks about IS Life in Christ. It is the fullness of the Faith (what it looks like holistically). All the apologetics against tradition are referring to a modern definition of meaningless practices that one holds onto no matter what. This is not Biblical Tradition at all.
Once again, my favorite blogger explains it well:
For a variety of reasons, most people confuse “tradition” with the notion of “the way we have always done things.” This is neither its meaning nor does it express its importance. “Tradition” means that which has been “handed down,” or “delivered” to someone. It can refer to any number of things: beliefs, practices, authority, etc. However, here in St. John, we clearly have a reference to something being handed down which is itself “living.” What has been given is the “communion” with the Father and the Son, as well as a communion with the living community of the Church. And this communion is “life.” -Fr. Stephen Freeman
In this 21st century of pop-psychology and selfie love, with all the movements and philosophers and ideas muddying life since the first century, it’s no wonder that some circles have deduced Christianity to finding fullness in thoughts and feelings.
There is a danger in the bold marriage of cultural ideas and theological interpretations. They risk turning backs on a timeless, sacred way, untouched by modernity.
And our young adults are up against an onslaught of persuasion. I think when religion is tied to that—well, Life in Christ becomes abstract, and religious pursuit leaves so much goodness behind.
But, God is great. And He is always there, ready to be received, in all corners. His Tradition is to offer Life in the full. And it’s more than anything I can conjure up in my head, and it’s been lived out for centuries.
