lunamoth
Episcopalian
Namaste Luna,
Negativity toward anything traditional?? I don't believe so, but I could be wrong. I do have issues with tradition that we now know are based on inaccuracies or outdated thought. ie it was tradition that blacks rode on the back of the bus and moved off the sidewalk and averted their eyes when white folks approached... I am opposed to that. In work situations I've heard the traditional 'well that's the way we've always done it' and thankfully we'll do it that way no longer.
And yes I have some issues with tradition like repeating the our father on infinitum where to me it is asked 'how' we should pray, not 'what' and I think the our father provides a very detailed 'how'. So if tradition has value, I can respect it, if it is just done because that is the way we always did it (the mother who cut the ends off the roast....) without knowing whether the why is still valid... sorry I've got no use for it.a That being said, if it floats someone elses boat to stand on their head and spit wooden nickels, I'm all for their own way of celebrating an growth. But if that same person wishes to tell me that it is the only way to enlightenment, I'll offer that they pound sand.
OK wil, but notice the things you've associated with tradition in just the above two paragraphs:
1. based on inaccuracies or outdated thought. When Thomas addresses this complaint he is accused of forcing his interpretations down other's throats. There is a world of scholarship that addresses just this issue but by the nature of the question it is brought to you by (horrors) scholarly authorities.
2. In spite of the involvement of Christians in the anti-slavery movement, in spite of the fact that Reverend MLK Jr. was himself a devout Christian inspired by God, in spite of the fact that many many traditional Christians today work hard for social justice and civil rights, including at least some who work for civil rights for gays, you associate 'tradition' with upholding slavery.
3. You belittle the Lord's prayer, although I'm not exactly sure what your objection is from what you've written above. Is the problem the repeating of the prayer? Is the problem the use of the same words as the Lord gave as an example? You've got no use for it, well OK. Many of us find it a humble and useful way to talk to our Father in heaven and prepare our hearts to listen to His answer. No one is saying other types of prayer are wrong...we employ all kinds of prayer in the liturgical churches, included our own words, and silence.
4. You compare our worship to standing on one's head and spitting wooden nickels. Now, how am I supposed to think you are serious in respecting my individual faith and worship when this the comparison you make?
Who has told you they have the only way to enlightenment?
I end this in all sincerity wil with Namaste, and also my wishes that the love and peace of God be with you.