Traditionalism can be an idol, and this false traditionalism must be distinguished from a proper traditionalism. True traditionalism is merely an orthodox, living manifestation of tradition; tradition being nothing more than the faith and practices which our Lord gave to us for our salvation, which has been passed down through each new generation within the soul of the body of Christ. To be a traditionalist is to be Orthodox. That is not to say that one must proclaim oneself a traditionalist to be Orthodox. Neither do I think that one must join a Local Church that openly proclaims herself traditionalist to be Orthodox. Rather, to be Orthodox is to be Tradition: being Orthodox is not just about being "traditionalist," but it is, so to speak, to be tradition itself. Communion with God and union with all the saints makes us a living, growing part of Tradition. Tradition, in the Church, interpenetrates everything, and even the "newest" Orthodox thing is nothing but a new piece of fruit on the living tree called Tradition. Tradition is not simply the past fruit, then, but the fruit from all ages which has been pleasing to God and has been produced from the tree that he planted in His vineyard, the earth. True traditionalism is always loving, hoping,and faith-filled and faithful. True traditionalists look to the past to inform their understanding, learning from the past, and do not distort tradition by cultivating bitter arguments to use against their brothers, based on the sweet fruit of the Father's teachings.