Arrogant Quote by J. I. Packer
“But that is not because these principles are traditional; it is because they are biblical. There is certainly an arrogant, hide-bound type of traditionalism, unthinking and uncritical, which is carnal and devilish. But there is also a respectful willingness to take help from the Church's past in order to understand the Bible in the present; and such traditionalism is spiritual and Christian.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Knowing God, J. I. Packer, 1973
Traditionalism can be either unthinking and sinful or reverent and biblical, depending on its purpose and source.
In simple terms: Traditionalism may be blind or spiritually grounded.
Key Takeaway
Seek reverent, biblical tradition, not blind customs.
Themes
theology
tradition
spirituality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church teaching
- personal study
- faith formation
- counseling
Key Concepts
Biblical hermeneutics
Christian ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish reverent tradition from mere habit?
- What role does critical thinking play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Blind adherence can stifle critical thinking and personal insight.
![“[T]he tax code has been piling up, year after year, a symbol of everything gone wrong in America, of arrogant rulers and lost freedom, just waiting for us to pick the whole thing up and heave it away. It has to happen. Free people can put up with such laws only for so long.” quote by Dick Armey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aed/dick-armey-16265_america_t-he-tax-code-has-been-piling-up-year-af_12886.jpg)
