“Traditio and Paradosis vs.Humanas Traditiones: Calvin on the Problem of Tradition”Richard A. Muller

In this inaugural installment of the annual reformation theology lecture series at TEDS, Richard Muller will address Calvin’s understanding of tradition. Contrary to some recent claims made concerning the Reformers’ highly negative approach to tradition (to the point of casting it aside in favor of an individualistic biblicism), examination of Calvin’s arguments reveals a clear distinction between the traditions carrying forward the biblical message and purely “human traditions.” Whereas Calvin was consistently negative concerning the latter, his positive view of the former sense of tradition enabled him to reference the works of the church fathers in defense of the Reformation.