The thought just occurred to me that religious tradition and ritual, though often times nice and comforting, should not be a time capsule that prevents us from appreciating and participating in the dynamic and ongoing act of creation.
Tradition anchors the belief system in time and place and ritual serves as an identifying symbol of group membership. Together they do provide a link creating a fellowship or communion among previous and current generations of believers, though it is true that both tradition and ritual do evolve and change over time.
The historic origins of our faith traditions and ritual seem less important though than how we live our present lives in conformity with those traditions. The microscopic examination of biblical texts (lectio divina) will do less to further the plan of our creator than using our limited time and energies to treat other sentient beings with loving compassion and care.
Engaged listening, charitable acts and universal respect for others will go a long way to further the development of the Kingdom of God on this earth.
Tradition and ritual – nice and comforting, but only a part of the story of faith.