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Not trying to be argumentative. I'm just confused as to the criteria that should be employed to determine if a nonscriptural tradition places someone outside God's truth, as you say it does. I'm hard pressed to think of any nonCatholic Christians I know in real life who don't observe some traditions that originated in the Catholic Church. I would hope you'd not view these people I cherish as good Christians as having separated themselves from God's truth!

I know you aren't trying to be argumentative and you ask a reasonable question, but go back to what I actually said: "the truth is not found in those who hold their "traditions" above the Word of God". That is the key in determining what is the truth about our faith - can it be proved by the Holy Scriptures. My concern is certainly not with "traditions" at all but with those traditions that are placed above what the Bible says. Here's an example:

You brought up this issue:

The New Testament doesn't tell us to celebrate Easter, Good Friday, or Christmas annually. Or to make lenten sacrifices or use advent wreaths. If his church observes these practices are they in violation of God's truth?

You are right, Scripture makes no such demands, so it should be viewed in light of what the tradition is and what the importance is placed on it for the Christian. Scripture DOES tell us in Colossians 2:16, "So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths." and also in Romans 14:5, "One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.". We can understand from these passages and others that anyone who comes along and makes observances of certain "holy days" mandatory upon a Christian and makes them essential for salvation, has disobeyed what Scripture says. They have placed their "tradition" above the word of God.

St. Augustine was said to have made this statement:

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

I think it is a good rule to follow. There are certain essential doctrines that all Christians should be unified on, i.e.; Deity of Christ, salvation through Christ, the authority and accuracy of the Bible. But where the Bible is silent, we still have its guidance to light our path and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth.

Thanks for the question. Peace be unto you.

Thanks for your charitable response. What about a capital T Tradition such as the Godhead of the Holy Spirit, which is not explicit in scripture? It seems as if the line is arbitrarily drawn as to which tradition/Tradition meets the minimum Scripture threshold. And toward which Christians (Catholics, in this case) the "tradition stone" is cast. I don't think I've ever seen a nonCatholic use the same criticism against a fellow nonCatholic of a different denomination. Just sayin' :)

in all things, charity.

I'm so glad you said that. Thank you! I don't know why Catholics or nonCatholics believe that posts filled with venom can possibly be perceived as bearing any Truth. If no fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5) are manifest, seems to me the poster has already forfeited credibility. So it becomes more about throwing stones than behaving like children of the same Father.

May Christ's peace reign in your heart always.