The concept of Ancient custom in Christianity
Ancient custom refers to long-standing traditions practiced within various societies, encompassing a range of cultural, social, and religious practices. This concept includes the transfer of a shoe in sales, traditional marriage customs, rituals to confirm treaties, and established norms in the early Church. These customs have deep historical roots and have influenced societal norms, rituals, and legislative practices across cultures, ultimately showcasing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditions through generations.
Synonyms: Tradition, Practice, Ritual, Heritage, Convention, Folklore, Traditional practice, Age-old tradition, Long-standing custom, Ceremony, Legacy, Rite
In Dutch: Oud gebruik; In Finnish: Vanha tapa; In Spanish: Antigua costumbre; In German: Alter Brauch; In Malay: Adat kuno; In Swedish: Urgammal sed; In French: Ancienne coutume
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Ancient custom'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The ancient custom refers to the previous practice of prophets in the nation, implying that after the arrival of the individual, this custom would cease, as no more prophets would arise.[1] (2) The text references ancient customs, describing them as the subject of Philemon's explanations, highlighting the historical context of beliefs about God.[2] (3) The text mentions the phalli which ancient custom erects and worships throughout the country, and the author is asking what the meaning of this is.[3] (4) The text says that whatever savours of opposition to truth, this will be heresy, even if it is an ancient custom, and that it is not so much novelty as truth which convicts heresies.[4] (5) This term refers to the established practices and traditions of the early Church, including the practice of baptism and the laying on of hands.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Law and ancient custom served as a restraint on the kings, while acts of despotic violence were sometimes allowed to pass without question, showing the king's power.[6] (2) The provided text indicates that the examples of the birthright transfer could not be regarded as survivals of the ancient custom of ‘Junior Right.�[7] (3) A long-standing practice that predates documented history, such as the offering of tithes among various cultures, reflecting its deep-rooted significance.[8] (4) A long-standing tradition practiced by societies, such as the act of transferring a shoe to signify the completion of a sale in Israel.[9] (5) Refers to the typical practices of professors or schoolmasters in the past, such as finishing lectures early in the day.[10]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) This refers to the practice of sacrificing animals, which Esquirol believed was the origin of Nebuchadnezzar's disease, but it is not the only possible explanation.[11] (2) Perhaps Abraham relied on the ancient custom, which will shortly be adverted to, of the consent of the 'brother' being requisite to the sister's marriage, and thus hoped to secure his wife's safety and his own.[12] (3) Ancient custom refers to historical practices surrounding timekeeping and the civil day, particularly in the East, which differ from modern conventions.[13] (4) Traditions that included the slaying of an animal to confirm a treaty or agreement.[14] (5) Refers to established practices and methods of punishment prevalent in historical societies that Moses likely adopted or adapted in his legislation.[15]
From: The city of God
(1) Ancient custom refers to the established traditions and practices of a society that have been passed down through generations, and they are often considered important cultural elements.[16]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This refers to the traditional practices of the Jews, such as their aversion to blood and things strangled, which played a role in the prohibition of certain foods.[17]
The concept of Ancient custom in local and regional sources
Ancient custom encompasses Briton traditions resistant to change and Roman practices emphasizing spiritual cleanliness before church attendance, especially concerning conjugal relations, illustrating the significance of longstanding cultural norms in these societies.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Traditional practices and societal norms that have been retained over many years in the region of Kerala.[18] (2) Traditional practices that continue to shape societal behaviors and thoughts, and are respected within the context of marriage.[19] (3) Long-standing traditions and practices in Kond society which influence social procedures and personal decisions.[20]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Long-standing practices of the Romans regarding spiritual cleanliness before entering the church, particularly in relation to conjugal relations.[21] (2) Traditions that the Britons adhered to and were reluctant to abandon without their people's consent.[22]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Ancient custom is what the Eucharist is a survival of, and is of savage tribes, who killed their great chiefs and ate their flesh.[23]