Superstitious Tradition

When I think of superstition in the contemporary evangelical church my mind immediately thinks of tradition. I grew up in typical GARBC churches with three hymns, an offertory, special music, three-point sermon, and an invitation to "Softly and Tenderly." Many of the members, specifically the older ones, loved the old hymns done with piano and organ and a worship leader with a big voice that swung his arms all over the place. This was the tradition. Many of these members had been at this church for their whole lives. These songs, this style of music, this liturgy was the way it had been done for years (maybe centuries) and to them it had become doctrine. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with tradition. Tradition informs us of our history, gives us a sense of familiarity, and grounds us as we explore new things. But to raise it to the level of theology and doctrine is to idolize that which is man made. The Bible does not mandate a certain style of music or way of doing church. Tradition has a place, but to raise it above that - to spirituality - is superstition.