Well - - - they are traditions of men.
It seems that many "Christians", Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, by the "Christian Standard" are Christians in name only.
For example:
Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit Exist
There are some with an orthodox Christian background who have doubts or are troubled by some of the extra-Scriptural dogma's of Christianity and who admit it. There are others, and I do not include you, who I believe go through the motions while not believing a word they say.
In my daily life I would much rather deal with the honest doubters than with a few of the phony liar "Christians" I have met on this forum who troll from post to post, forum to forum, with the same garbage.
Well - - - they are traditions of men.
Since I place trust in the authority as outlined in Scripture which is given to the Church, I really don't see it as an issue. And if folks want to completely copy the Apostolic model, taking it as the only example to follow and repudiate Church teachings, well then, what about copying it completely, instead of picking and choosing.
Acts 5: 32 6 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 36 Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated "son of encouragement"), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles.
Sounds like a commune of sorts, with the Apostles as heads of a benevolent theocracy. I doubt that that would go over well with most Westerners. So we have the point where the Church, in Scripture was given authority and we can accept that, or else we have the individual picking not only the Scripture that he wants, but then puts his own interpretation on it.
There are some with an orthodox Christian background who have doubts or are troubled by some of the extra-Scriptural dogma's of Christianity and who admit it. There are others, and I do not include you, who I believe go through the motions while not believing a word they say.
Appreciate the compliment. I agree with you. I think that there are many political leaders, rather publically, who only care about the social or public aspects and ensure that their pious actions are well known. There are many private individuals who do the same, so I shouldn't really isolate them.
Then there are the ones who do pious things for the right reasons, and very quietly - so as not to let their left hand know what their right hand is doing. They go into their quiet rooms and pray. The Orthodox are usually better than the Latins on this, I believe.
As for doubt, everyone has their moments. I wandered far afield, myself, for a time. However, thanks to many here on FR, my faith is noticeably strengthened. You have been a part of the conversation as well and my thanks for that.