Calvin on tradition and change

Here’s an interesting quotation from Calvin for those considering introducing change in their churches. Calvin seems to be saying they only changed the old traditions where they thought Scripture absolutely required it. It seems he thought some indifferent things could be, indeed should be, retained.

“… let there be an examination of our whole doctrine, of our form of administering the sacraments, and our method of governing the Church; and in none of these three things will it be found that we have made any change in the old form, without attempting to restore it to the exact standards of the Word of God.”

(LCC Calvin’s Theological Treatises: The Necessity of Reforming the Church, p187)

Calvin seems to be denying any change for change’s sake or any view that novelty in itself is a good thing.

Calvin saw some ceremonies and wicked and some others as vain or useless. He did however say that he got rid of some ceremonies that though not evil in themselves had become an occasion for evil as “the vulgar” gaze “upon them in stupid amazement” (p204).

Later he says:

“… we are by no means averse to the reverent observance of whatever rules are fitted to ensure that all things be done decently and in order; nor, in regard to every single observance which we have abrogated, do we refuse to show cause why we were required to do so.” (p210)

And:

“… laws enacted with a view to external policy ought to be carefully obeyed…” (p211)

Much of this whole debate depends on ones use of the Regulative Principle of Public Worship.