Some religious denominations have seemed to become victims of tradition by their resistance to change, even while the world has become different in many respects. How do we find the proper balance between honoring the past and still allowing adjustments and changes that new times demand? Surely a dynamic church must not only review its traditions, but be willing to forego those that inhibit growth.

The Bible is laden with traditions that have been adopted by many religions as scriptural imperatives. For many churches, liturgical sayings and various symbols have become the essence of worship instead of the means by which people connect with Deity. This is not to suggest that the words in scripture and the sacramental practices are meaningless and not efficacious for many believers, but rather it is to suggest the need for scrutiny and evaluation of traditional patterns and liturgical expressions that may now be passé.

The Community of Christ has come a long way toward loosening the shackles that chain it to the past. Some members, however, sought shelter among those who would not accept change.

As members look back to some changes it is easy to see, for example, why the church gave up the common cup at the Lord’s Supper and why close Communion fostered exclusivity. However, the ordination of women and a different name for the church were changes that were much more dramatic and painful to many. Yet, in such changes the church has been blessed by breaking with tradition and addressing the future with enriched human resources and shedding some negative images associated with its historical name.

In addition to these changes, the church has made dialogue a feature of its methodology in dealing with controversial issues. There are many issues that are yet to be considered, such as those related to rebaptism, human sexuality, and authority. The church is called to mission in this day and time. To change it is not blasphemy, but worshiping tradition may well be.