My guess is that when people start talking about venerating the bones of their ancestors, the statement is only partly an affirmation of the value of traditions, elders, forebears, etc., and shouldn't be taken too literally. More usually it's an attempt to correct something that has gone awry in the present - such as an obsessive need to be innovative, trendy, radical, cutting edge, cool, etc., or modern evangelicalism's inability to appreciate anything prior to or outside the Reformation traditions. As for Jody's remarks - when has it ever been different? There has always been a tension between the old and the new, stability and creativity, institution and individual, consolidation and mission. It was true for Israel; it has been true for the church. We have to put up with it. I just thank God that the Spirit constantly renews.