The same word, praised and condemned
Paradosis is theologically neutral until you ask its source. Paul commands the Thessalonians to HOLD the paradoseis he delivered 'by word or by letter.' Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for letting their paradosis nullify God's commandment. One word; opposite verdicts.
Why it decides Scripture-and-tradition
This is the hinge of the sola scriptura vs holy tradition debate. Catholics and Orthodox point to 2 Thessalonians 2:15: apostolic teaching came by word AND letter, and the unwritten word is binding. Protestants point to Mark 7: tradition that adds to or overrides Scripture is condemned. Both are reading paradosis — the question is whether a given tradition is apostolic deposit or human accretion. The word itself won't tell you; it only frames the question.
Where This Word Decides Debates
Paradosis is the pivot of the authority debate — Scripture alone vs Scripture-and-Tradition. 2 Thess 2:15 and Mark 7 are the two poles.
When This Word Study Proves Too Much
Don't quote 2 Thess 2:15 as if it canonizes every later custom, nor Mark 7 as if it condemns all tradition. The verb is neutral; the argument is about which traditions are apostolic.