Ch 3 §3 Tradition pp70-72

Historical formation requires power; formation requires struggle. Formation will inevitably clash with tradition.

Tradition:
• is the power of conservation
• shapes us
• is a communal power binding the past to the present
• has deep dimensions
• without it culture cannot exist and historical development impossible
• its power is grounded in the creation order
• is not a norm

The struggle between progress and the power of conservation must obey the norm of historical continuity.

If the past were to be completely destroyed then there would be no culture.
The norm of historical continuity needs to be further clarified.

review questions
1. “Culture cannot exist without tradition.” What does Dooyeewerd mean by this?
2. What is the difference between the conservative and progressive directions in history?