The answer lies in the distinction between “tradition” and “traditionalism.” Historian Jaroslav Pelikan has defined tradition as “the living faith of the dead,” and traditionalism as “the dead faith of the living.” The Bible is both positive and negative about tradition (the biblical word means simply “something passed down”). When tradition becomes traditionalism, that is, when it takes the place of the original intent of God, then it deserves condemnation. Both Jesus (Matthew 15:1−6) and Paul