Tradition and Liturgy

There is no doubt that Lutheranism is steeped in tradition.  These traditions are shaped by time and culture, by worship style and practice, but most importantly they are shaped by a Sacramental theology—God serves His people through His Word and Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. 

God works through His means of grace (Word and Sacraments) in order to bring and keep people to Himself.  He does so through His Church, both in the private and public worship and life. As such, God’s Church on earth has certain ways of “doing” Word and Sacrament ministry.  Inevitably, traditions within worship have come about to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ as one generation passes down through time and cultures and languages the Good News of Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23) – the center and ultimate object of all Christian doctrine, faith, and living.

To this end, Lutherans must preserve those traditions which promote Christ and His saving work.  “We teach that freedom should be so controlled that the inexperienced may not be offended and, because of freedom’s abuse (Rom. 14:13-23), may not become more opposed to the true doctrine of the Gospel. Nothing in customary rites should be changed without reasonable cause.  So to nurture unity, old customs that can be kept without sin or great inconvenience should be kept.” (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XXV 51).

Hence, tradition in the church is meant for good order and peace, not to be observed as a rule of Law or to burden consciences in regards to salvation.  We must be careful to distinguish the difference between traditions instituted by men and traditions instituted by God so as not to confuse the two and obscure the Gospel. Traditions of men are meant to promote the Gospel and must not be viewed as things we must do in order for salvation or to somehow be “more” Christian.  We must always be on guard against the sins of the Pharisees and so many others who make the freedom of the Gospel into the bondage of the Law.  Observance of human traditions does not make us righteous before God, nor merit justification, but must be used only to point us to Christ as our righteousness.  At the same time, “We’ve never done it that way before,” can be a very sinful attitude we must guard against. Trying something new, starting a different tradition, doing things a different way is not inherently bad.  Tradition does not mean opposed to change, it means being aware of our history and unity with the universal Church as God’s people in Christ.

As previously considered, we have reasons for the way we worship and the way our churches are built and decorated.  In keeping with historic traditions, Lutheranism seeks to nurture unity in faith and practice with the universal church throughout the world and throughout history.  In view of the larger Church and our sister congregations in the area (and in our country and world) these traditions promote a doctrinal and practical unity of a shared faith in that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Even so, it is not necessary for the unity of the Church that traditions be the same everywhere. “For this is enough for the true unity of the Christian Church that there the Gospel is preached harmoniously according to a pure understanding and the sacraments are administered in conformity with the divine Word (AC VII 2-3).  Above all, our traditions are meant for the glory of God, to faithfully proclaim God’s Word and administer the Sacraments in the world, in the culture, and in the community in which we live. “For after all, all ceremonies should serve the purpose of teaching the people what they need to know about Christ” (AC XXIV 3).

note: post 11/11 adapted from my brother's writings