Today’s Old Ways were Yesterday’s Newfangled

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I recently read a post where the author advocated his subject matter was not some “newfangled” issue to be avoided but stood in a long-standing tradition that had proven itself worthy of use. While I understood his point, one which I agreed, his use of the word newfangled stood out to me.

Newfangled is an old word with origins in the 15th century. Today it means “modern” or that which is recently invented. When used, it generally comes with a tone of criticism, distain, or disapproval. The old is way is the best way; the new approach is unwise, unhealthy, and to be avoided.

Yet, somehow we overlook the following: Most of today’s old ways were yesterday’s newfangled.

Whether it is an air conditioner, automobile, or cell phone, there was a time when such were non-existent. But we took a chance on them. The same is true in the fields of missiology, systematic theology, pastoral theology, church planting, and biblical counseling, for a few examples.

The old ways are not always the best ways but neither are they to be written off as antiquated and irrelevant. The new ways are not always the best ways, either, but neither are they to be written off as novel and irrelevant.

The Church, along with her methods, models, structures, and organizations, is always to be in a state of reformation, always to be in a state of discernment, always reflecting on the Scriptures and the ways of the saints who have gone before us. But She also is to understand the times “to know what Israel ought to do” (I Chr 12:32). Such is the way of the wise Kingdom stewards. Too much is at stake to fear the newfangled. It may need to be rejected, but it may be what is needed to overcome the challenges of the day.

The five billion remain.