The Question of Rituals

[Ed Hurst]

As noted in a recent blog post, I am reluctant to set too many precedents on rituals. At the same time, I am aware that we do need to establish something that distinguishes Radix Fidem from the mainstream. It's not that we can't copy from the various traditions, but I sense that we need to be very careful how we adhere to the underlying orientation of our covenant.

That said, I think we need to recognize the difference between inherent expressions of faith versus contextual add-ons. The latter is rather wide open, once we remind ourselves what the former means. In regards the former, I am still deeply stirred by the huge difference between the mainstream traditions and our heart-led connection with nature. I think it would be an embarrassment to forget how that simply must change some of what we might do.

I'm also aware that some future members may find themselves called to faith while living in some urban setting. Additionally, some folks live in extreme climates, where worshiping outside is frankly risky business at least part of the year. Consider Christine, for example, up in Campbell's Bay, Quebec, out west and north from Ottawa. As I write this, it's 15°F and snowing in that area. A hardy soul might spend time outside working, but I'm not sure how many folks will be able to focus on worship in those conditions for very long. I grew up in Alaska, and I can tell you it would have been tough for me, though certainly possible to some extent. It was actually worse in the summer with huge clouds of mosquitoes in some locations.

Either way, we can't afford to lock folks into something they simply cannot do, yet we cannot ignore the fundamentally unique nature of how we approach things. I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on this. Some issues: ceremonial vestments, weddings, funerals, baptism, communion meal, and other rituals.

[Christine]

As I write this, with the wind howling off the frozen river factored in it's -36F here in Campbell's Bay. It was probably colder than that when I went out to feed the birds this morning. Being part of God's care for his creatures is both necessity and ritual worship. If I hadn't started feeding them they'd probably have done just fine on their own, but I did, and now they need me to continue .. there's a lesson there (for me, anyway) that once we enter into a covenant with Creation (and therefore God), we must keep it or there are consequences. 

I can't speak for anyone else, but to me all 'ritual' has to have real world meaning or it's as empty as the blowing out of candles on a birthday cake. When your relationship with God happens out in nature, that's taken care of. I'm either gathering or using His gifts to me or giving back to Creation in some way (like the gift of blood to the swarms of biting insects, although I try to give as little as possible there, I still have to give some). I know, too, that when Paul's out there chopping firewood, under his breath he's not (only) swearing at the cold, he's thanking God for the wood that will keep us warm. 

My concern is more for those who are stuck in urban environments, they're the ones who'd have the harder time feeling part of Creation. But everyone can find their own ways I suppose.

[Ed Hurst]

My concern is more for those who are stuck in urban environments, they're the ones who'd have the harder time feeling part of Creation. But everyone can find their own ways I suppose.

Aside from brief periods in my childhood, I have no experience with the urban environment. Thus, I can easily sympathize with the trials of frosty weather, but I have no way to assess what it's like to walk heart-led in the city. Even here in OKC, it's quite atypical of the urban experience. Our city is all spread out and there are hundreds of natural spots all over the place, many quite unintentional. My heart tells me a lot of people don't have it that easy.

I'm sure folks can find their own, as you say, and I'd love to hear about it. We have time yet to pray and think about how we should approach this.