Does Christianity lack prescribed ritual to reinforce it. Why is that? (Jesus, rituals)

[athanasius]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

In countries where religion is a cornerstone of their culture, religious ritual is a daily occurence. Several examples come to mind. India- daily offerings are made, Thailand-daily offerings are made etc.

Ritual offerings are not prescribed in these cases, but they are certainly undertaken as a matter of course by most of the population in my experience.

Why does Christianity not follow similar trends? Is there some sort of prescription against ritual offerings in Christianity.

Or is there some other reason for the lack of publically observable daily worship in Christianity?

ever hear of Catholicism? we have the daily "offering" or Holy sacrifice of the Mass every day! And morning/midday/ and night prayers in our daily prayers or spiritual sacrifices know as the "Daily Office".

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

No doubting the frequency of your ritual, but is there some reason for it being kept hidden?

It's not hidden at all.... yes, sometimes we gather together in a building--- private only in the sense that people can't see through walls, but all are welcome.... but just an hour ago when my family was at dinner in public we made the sign of the cross and praised God for the gifts given to us..... my cross is not tucked away but always visible..... and like I said before, I pray the rosary the entire day-- it's in my hands in public 10 plus hours a day and when not in my hand, tucked in a pocket with the cross hanging out. Before I leave for the day at work (I'm out on the road) I kneel and make the sign of the cross and pray for my driver and all my friends that they will be safe during the day.... do I need go on?

Just because I don't use a prayer mat like a Muslim (for instance) does not mean that our prayer is private.

Peace be with you,
S

[Vassal]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

In countries where religion is a cornerstone of their culture, religious ritual is a daily occurence. Several examples come to mind. India- daily offerings are made, Thailand-daily offerings are made etc.

Ritual offerings are not prescribed in these cases, but they are certainly undertaken as a matter of course by most of the population in my experience.

Why does Christianity not follow similar trends? Is there some sort of prescription against ritual offerings in Christianity.

Or is there some other reason for the lack of publically observable daily worship in Christianity?

Christianity is about a relationship with God, not ritual offerings.

[love]

We must seek God in wisdom and truth. If rituals take you to this place then that is your calling.God created diversity.

[Angelfire]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

In countries where religion is a cornerstone of their culture, religious ritual is a daily occurence. Several examples come to mind. India- daily offerings are made, Thailand-daily offerings are made etc.

Ritual offerings are not prescribed in these cases, but they are certainly undertaken as a matter of course by most of the population in my experience.

Why does Christianity not follow similar trends? Is there some sort of prescription against ritual offerings in Christianity.

Or is there some other reason for the lack of publically observable daily worship in Christianity?

The only offering Christ wants is us, worts an all, nothing else will do.




peace

[Random]

Is there not esoteric ritual worked into our daily lives that we are generally unconscious of?

I mean: going to work, taking the train or bus, the act of money changing hands, working itself...the somatic gestures, the hidden-in-plain sight symbolism of the corporate and governmental worlds. The acts of getting out of bed even...they are all rituals which to certain people who are awake have different meanings in relation to GOD and spirituality than we assign them in our lives...

[blueman]

Christianity is based on a real and personal relationship with God through His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. It is not based on a legalistic and ritual process of works. "It is by grace that you are saved, through faith and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God". "Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9)

[athanasius]

Originally Posted by blueman

Christianity is based on a real and personal relationship with God through His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. It is not based on a legalistic and ritual process of works. "It is by grace that you are saved, through faith and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God". "Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9)

No one is talking about the legalistic mosaic works of the law as you seem to be quoting from Paul. We are not under the law of moses anymore , we are under the law of Christ and the grace of Christ. Christ never condemned ritual itsel, he only condemned empty ritual. If the heart and mind are involved in prayerful ritual then it is ok but if your just blurting out empty phrases with no heart or mind in it then it is empty and meaningless. The psalms are repetitious ritual songs that were sung. Yes and it is through these rituals(prayers, songs) that we gain a deeper relationship with Christ if our heart is united to them. Human begins are ritualistic by nature. God simply uses our nature to our advantage as a means to get closer to him.