I hold the view that the word of God as revealed to us in scripture is our ultimate guide to faith and conduct. It is the source of all truth and the means against which all truth is tested. Our understanding of the scripture, however, has changed and developed over the centuries. People have discovered more about the world they live in. Societies have changed. For instance, thanks to advancements in medicine, there are many conditions that can be managed and treated, whereas previously people afflicted with illnesses were often treated as outcasts or even worse. Church tradition has passed on doctrine and practices which we now take for granted - such as the Nicene and Apostles Creed, the sacraments, prayer books, liturgy, hymns and songs of worship, and various translations of the Bible. These were never used or even heard of back in the first century. Thanks to modern technology, especially the internet, the way people 'do' church is radically different to what it would have been in the 1st century. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to neglect meeting together, but we have invented new ways of doing this through internet chat rooms, forums, and video messaging. There are now churches which exclusively meet online. I believe that whether we like to admit it or not, our faith has been informed by tradition and will always be experential.