Date

3-10-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Master of Arts in Biblical Languages (MA)

Chair

Jeffrey Scott Kennedy

Keywords

traditions, apostolic, pentecostal, oneness pentecostal, holiness, standards, upci, wpf, worldwide pentecostal fellowship, aljc

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Tradition is an inescapable element of institutional life, including religious institutions. Traditions inevitably emerge whether in churches, corporations, families, or nations. Within the Christian faith, the critical issue is not the presence of tradition, but the authority and function ascribed to it. This study concerns itself with the role of tradition in both individual and communal expressions of Christianity. Traditions can foster cohesion and identity within Christian communities. However, their specific forms often vary across cultural contexts—for instance, between churches in North America and other continents worldwide. Traditions about men’s and women’s modesty may take on different forms between North America and Asia, as clothing styles differ between the two cultures. eee tradition can serve a constructive role in shaping Christian life, it also carries the potential to be misappropriated, elevated to a quasi-salvific status, and thereby obscure the Gospel. When this occurs, tradition can become a source of spiritual distortion and division within the body of Christ. To prevent such outcomes, it is necessary to articulate a robust theology of tradition that disciplines the natural human and religious impulse to supplement divine commandments with human regulations (cf. Gal 2:14, ESV).1 The following chapters will explore the biblical—and specifically Pauline—conception of tradition and its implications for Christian praxis.

The specific concern is not the use of the term traditions as it applies to the Gospel and New Testament practices passed on by the Apostles in their writings to the churches. The issue being challenged is the idea that any modern practice that preachers, movements, or churches place on an individual can authoritatively impact the believer’s salvation. Doctrinal traditions that the apostles have handed down to us in Scripture are binding and non-negotiable. Various approaches to traditions across denominational lines can provide helpful clarifying comparisons. Catholics and protestants draw competing conclusions about the authority and role of traditions. Seeing where Oneness Pentecostals (OP) fall along that continuum will be enlightening.

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