:In the [[King James Bible]] the word [http://biblehub.com/greek/3862.htm ''paradosis'' '''παράδοσις'''] is translated as both "ordinance" and "tradition". Tradition is frequently defended and promoted by St. Paul as part of apostolic doctrine—1 Corinthians 11:2; Galatians 1:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6; Titus 3:10-11. Tradition is therefore not automatically ''[[ipso facto]] always'' vain worship invented by sinful men imposing a legalistic bondage opposed to the liberty of the children of God led by the Holy Spirit of Christ. To insist that '''''all''''' traditions are against God is a [[fallacy of analogy]] against the Bible itself (see again passages from Paul already cited here, also Hebrews 13:17; Acts 2:42). Frequently, the fundamental rejection of "man made" traditions as diametrically opposed to the principle of ''[[sola scriptura]]'' is presented as a passionate [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] [[polemic]], against the [[Catholic Church]] in particular, and more generally against all forms of church government above the level of the local congregation, a polemic unconscious of the Bible doctrine of obedience to "every human institution" of higher levels of "established" governing church authority, as the ordinance of God (Matthew 18:15-18; 23:1-3; Acts 20:28-30; Romans 13:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13). The biblical example of both Peter and Paul and the Jerusalem church exercising oversight over many congregations in the ''[[Acts of the Apostles]]'' (Acts 9:32; 11;22-24; 15:1-35; 20:17-31; 21:17-25) has been used as a biblical argument (some say "proof text") against the 18th-19th century tradition of independent [[autonomy]] of local congregations, a tradition that rejects regional ecclesiastical oversight as being fundamentally opposed to what they firmly maintain was the pristine purity of independently autonomous Christian worship in the time of the apostles, which they see as originally free of intrusive external authority. (See for example, [[Churches of Christ]]; compare [[Independent Catholic churches]].)
:Traditions of doctrinal interpretation and practice not explicitly mentioned in the Bible are found in all Protestant denominations, as also in Orthodoxy and Catholicism. <br>[[Apologetics|Apologists]] claim that [[pastor]]ally motivated traditions of faith and devotion not explicitly commanded in Sacred Scripture are legitimate if they never fundamentally contradict Scripture as a whole and are never elevated above the love and justice of God (Romans 2:6-11, 26-29; 3:31; 7:12). They are intended to promote, encourage and support in practical ways [[corporal and spiritual works of mercy]]. Compare Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13; James 2:14-26; 1 John 3:17-18; Revelation 22:12; Matthew 25:14-46. There is a long-standing debate over division between interpretations of tradition according to the Bible: what is not explicitly forbidden is permitted; what is not explicitly commanded is prohibited. Neither of these positions is explicitly set forth in the Bible.
:Whatever forms of religion uplift the heart and mind to God and are outwardly designed as formal guides that are meant to prompt the believer from the heart to reverence God, to be mindful of his will, to practice Christian [[virtue]], to sincerely do good to others in need, and respect those in authority as legitimate representatives and "ambassadors" of the Lord Jesus Christ are traditions of men that teach as doctrine the law of God commanding righteousness and salvation by faith in Christ and obedience to his word. Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:20; John 15:1-10; 1 John 3:7.
:See the following articles by both Protestants and Catholics: