J43 We've always done it this way -- and you should, too

Matthew 15:2 'Why do your disciples transgress the traditions of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.'

Chrysostom: "For they do not say, 'Why do they transgress the Law of Moses?' ... It is clear the priest were instituting many new practices, even though Moses with great fear and with dreadful words had commanded that one should neither add nor take away."

Every organized religion has divided into sects or denominations; not just Christianity but also the other major ones -- Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism. What causes this lack of unity?

Pride is indeed the root of much sin. When a religious leader lusts for recognition and authority he has to distinguish himself from his co-religionists -- perhaps by demonstrating more insight, or exclusive revelation from God, or just plain Holier Than Thou.

Paul had to admonish the church (I Cor 3:3-4) not to become followers of a man, even -- such humility--of himself.

The earliest church was divided very loosely into three"traditions" -- the Latin, based in Rome and claiming primacy from the words of Christ Himself. The Greek, claiming primacy in seniority, size, and scholarship. [Patriarchal churches of Alexandria, Antioch, and Constantinople]. Another branch, called by some "Oriental Orthodox," became less populous but no less legitimate.

Divisions deepened after Emperor Theodosius I made Nicene Christianity the State religion in 380.

By this time the Roman and Constantinople Bishoprics asserted primacy partly by their close association with the Emperors (Constantine had divided the empire in 330). Indeed, the emperors in the east sponsored the earliest church councils.

Bishops squabbled in these councils over apparently trivial traditions of men. What to call the elements of the Godhead. Whether to use two fingers or three when making the sign of the cross.

All of these seem now to be mere pretense; useful in asserting one's right to be the boss of the church, under the sheltering and enabling arm of the emperor.

Much later, the Russian Orthodox church claimed its authority because Moscow is the "Third Rome."

It is no longer news when a "Mainline Denomination" suffers a bitter division. Parting in anger.

Fighting amongst ourselves to be the most important -- Christ is not surprised, just saddened.

My favorite of C.S. Lewis books: "Mere Christianity."

My prayer today: Oh gracious Father! Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Humble us, remind our leaders that the first shall be last. What do you require of us but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly before You? Lord, we hurt when we see the divisions in Your bride the Church universal. Let me not contribute to division but walk in total harmony with every brother and sister.

References:

* Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: NT Volume Ib, Matthew 14-28: Chrysostom, The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 51.1.

* Micah 6:8