Gerard a Pisani Jr

Tradition versus Traditionalism Gerard a Pisani Jr

(Brief background note: I was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1966, and was inspired to write and publish this book in 2002. I am having it republished so it can be available once again, in both print and now in electronic versions.) Church traditions, formed in previous times and places, may have quite a stagnating effect on church communities and the individuals members today in the 21st century. Earlier traditions that were constructed from a vision of early observations and understandings of an earth centric universe are not compatible with our scientific revelations now. They contradict what we now know and obscure God's intended message of compassion and love to all people in all times and places. This book points to older traditions and how they may have become harmful in the lives of individuals and communities when they remain too long. Traditionalism then causes conflict and confusion with today's growing verifiably factual understanding of our world today. Traditionalism, traditions held too long, often hinders the ability of people's advancement in personal knowledge and understanding that is important for maturity and wholeness in living well. When church tradition is elevated to the status of doctrine it begins to weaken the vitality of the church by endangering its relationship and validity in the 21st century. Christian communities who blindly follow established religion, without examining the origin of earlier traditions, are at risk of stagnation under the weight of these earlier traditions that are no longer applicable. As a follower of the historical Jesus in early Galilee, I equate the conflicts Jesus had with the Temple clergy might be a recognition of Tradition verses Traditionalism and perhaps be The Apparent Heresy of Jesus in his own day.