“For your meetings do more harm than good.” (1 Corinthians 11:17 NIV)
Cultural and religious traditions greatly influence what each of us regard(s) as sacred. Our daily rituals and beliefs--what we eat and drink, how we dress, what we do on holidays, the principles we live by, the values we pass on to our children, our political leanings--all are shaped by the environment we live in.
Rituals and traditions can be useful in our faith journey. Depending on our religious background, we may have different viewpoints on prayer, baptism, confirmation, confession, rosaries, medals, jewelry, head coverings, circumcision, birth control, celibacy, caffeine, alcohol, meat, fasting, etc. Our beliefs and practices can allow us to express reverence. However, legalism can make every act obligatory, sucking the intimacy out of it. A forced hug does not convey love. Gifts that are given out of a sense of duty are not expressions of generosity. Anything we do because we ‘should’ or because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings is of lesser value than what we do freely from the goodness of our heart. Thus, legalistic rituals and traditions can be harmful, turning spiritual experiences into restrictive practices and mundane chores.
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