Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
In the Irenaeus “succession of the presbyters” example, the speaker argues that the same word (“succession,” “tradition”) can hide two different concepts: specific apostolic teachings versus a living, expandable “body” of tradition. Where do you see yourself tempted to treat “tradition” as either fixed content or a flexible stream—and how would each approach change what you count as “faithful Christianity”?
Another way to ask: When you think about “tradition,” do you treat it more like a fixed set of apostolic teachings or like something that can grow and change over time? How would each view change what you call “faithful Christianity”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
According to the transcript, the key temptation is to hear “succession” and “tradition” and assume it means the later Catholic/Orthodox system, when Irenaeus is emphasizing the preservation of specific apostolic teachings. If tradition is fixed content, “faithful Christianity” means matching apostolic teaching; if it’s expandable, faithfulness can include later “new light” doctrines.
- Irenaeus is quoted: “tradition which originated from the apostles… preserved by means of the succession of the presbyters and the churches.”
- The speaker notes the category mismatch: Catholics/Orthodox restrict succession to “bishops alone,” but Irenaeus speaks of “presbyters” (elders/priests).
- He points out Irenaeus “says nothing about ordination” method; his concern is “handing down of specific teachings.”
- He contrasts meanings of “tradition”: not “a vague, amorphous entity” shaped into “previously untaught doctrines,” but “specific teachings of the apostles.”
- He cites the Catholic Catechism’s flavor: tradition as something that “continues to give them new light… leads believers to the full truth,” implying development.