The “traditions of men” are, as the phrase suggests, the products of men. Some traditions may be harmless or even helpful, but like all human efforts, they are fallible. Over time many traditions have been elevated to the status of absolutes. The doctrine of eternal conscious torment is one of these.

Since around 500 A.D., this doctrine has been taught with great passion. Denominational leaders have advanced it to such a degree that their congregations accept it without question. Traditions elevate Pharisees—those who sit in religious authority and claim expertise over the faith. Leaders often promote doctrines and exercise authority in ways that diminish the Word of God, making Scripture mean less than it says.

Jesus and the Traditions of the Elders

In Mark chapters 6 and 7, we see a clear example of how tradition can overshadow truth. Jesus sent His disciples across the sea ahead of Him. Strong winds and troubled waters frightened them, but Jesus came to them walking on the sea. After calming the storm, they reached Gennesaret and came ashore. Jesus was quickly recognized, and crowds gathered around Him. The sick were brought to Him, and throughout the day He walked through towns and villages, healing all who came. The disciples were with Him the whole time—likely hungry and dirty from travel. Then the Pharisees arrived. They saw the disciples eating bread with unwashed hands and were offended. They had developed a tradition of ceremonial cleansing before meals, and the disciples’ failure to observe it alarmed them.

They asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?” (Mark 7:5) Jesus responded with a rebuke wrapped in Scripture: “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites… ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men…” (Mark 7:6–13)

A Pharisaical Tradition Exposed

Wayne Jackson of the Christian Courier explains these verses well in his article, “What Is the Meaning of ‘Corban’?” He describes the arrogance of the traditionalist Pharisees: This ceremonial cleansing was not part of Moses’ law but a human tradition. When the Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of violating it, they believed they had grounds for an indictment. But Jesus, knowing their hearts, turned the table on them.” Their “Corban” tradition allowed them to declare portions of their wealth dedicated to God, preventing its use for worldly responsibilities—including caring for aging parents. This directly contradicted God’s command to honor father and mother. Jesus made it clear: their tradition nullified the Word of God. Jackson calls these traditionalist elites “covetous” and “ungrateful,” noting that they manipulated traditions to benefit themselves.

The Broader Problem of Tradition

Kenneth and Brian Hoeck of Truth On the Web Ministries explore this subject extensively in their article, “Scripture & Tradition of God Vs. Tradition of Men Over Scripture.” Their study highlights the deep divisions between the Catholic and Protestant churches.

The Hoecks argue that tradition appears in Scripture in two forms: First, the traditions of men—those that nullify Scripture or lack biblical support. Second, the traditions of God—those aligned with and recorded in Scripture. They conclude with clear guidance: “Any traditions that cannot be clearly proven out of the Bible are suspect… Scripture has God’s own authority… The Bible is the only reliable source to prove a doctrine… We are admonished not to go beyond what is written.”

Conclusion

Traditions shape beliefs, worship, and the way Christians relate to one another. But every tradition must be weighed against the truth of Scripture. Any doctrine—especially one as severe as eternal conscious torment—that cannot be proven through the Word of God alone deserves careful scrutiny. Scripture stands above tradition, and God’s truth remains the only reliable foundation for faith.