Do 'secret rituals' have any place in Christianity?

Question

Do 'secret rituals' have any place in Christianity?

If so, why? If not, why?

Answer 1

Not for me.....Nothing should be hidden regarding the truth of Christ. If it is hidden than something is wrong

Answer 2

Interesting question. Are you referring to secret rituals which involve the congregation (which would be akin to Masonic secret rituals which involve Masons but are unknown outside of Masonry) or secret rituals involving the clergy?
There is an interesting dichotomy to this question. Depending upon which sect of Christianity you are discussing, there are various levels the practitioners must pass through, and the initiation rites marking the passage from one to the next, are, if not secret, certainly little known outside of the cognoscenti. Is that a good thing? It forms a strong bond among the members of the church who have gone through the rituals. Is it necessary that the congregations be aware of these rites? Not necessarily. They may want to know that they exist, and they may want to give approval and acclaim to those who have passed through them, but as far as the details go, that is likely unnecessary.
This is one of the major differences between Christians such as the Greek Orthodox or Catholics and the Quakers. One holds with inner councils, the other with inner counsel. Which is right? Only God knows.

Answer 3

Only if the believers are being persecuted against. Like back in England when 'the church of England' was established, but catholics and lutherans were forced to worship in secret. Or in other countries where Christianity is looked down upon.
But here in the US, I can't think of a reason to have a 'secret ritual'

Although the question sounds like a hook for something, so....

Answer 4

1st century Christianity was based on the Mystery religions of Rome... so I would say they are full of them. They did baptisms in a very private setting and only after certain "initiations". They also held private meetings... to which many will claim it was due to the persecution they were receiving, but I find this hard to believe since Paul was writing to 7 (count 'em, 7) well known churches, well established churches. So, yes, they do.

As for the one who answered to ask the Masons... Freemasonry is NOT a religion... it's a Fraternity. Now, unless you are willing to say that the college fraternities are religions as well, then they are not religions. *Sigh* I really wish people would read up on the things they talk about.

Answer 5

Anything that is good and of God is done in the light and not in secret. 99.99% of the time, if someones trying hard to keep something a secret, it is evil.

Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, "Who sees us? Who will know?" -Isaiah 29:15

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16

Answer 6

I believe so. The churches as a whole are socio-political atrocities that do little to create spiritual growth. That is how I feel. Here is an example of where rituals leave... form your own opinion.

most christians believe this is a cult, an abomination... it seems ok to me but it is a threat to the control the church needs to retain
http://www.freemasonry.org/

HERE is a masterful book written be an elightened christian spiritual force who can put this all in perspective for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Buddha-Within-Lama-Surya/dp/0553505378

Answer 7

My secret ritual is praying in secret to our Heavenly Creator, Yahweh God and He, Who is looking on in secret, hears my prayers. That is not to say that no one knows that I pray, it's just that I don't go around spouting off in front of people.
Those prayers are between me and my Maker.
Public prayers are not wrong either, especially those of giving thanks for our daily bread-sustenance, physical and spiritual.

These prayers are offered at the table.
Other Rituals seem to have the connotation of evil or idolatry attached to it, like using icons or masses of candles around some shrine-like image.
I hope this helps.

Answer 8

i haven't delved into this question plenty previous what I already be attentive to roughly Christian trip journeys and practices being based off of old international pagan practices. the main significant reason they did that modify into to cajole the pagans that weren't that fascinated in the church while they got here to 'convert'. diverse the sensation got here from the seen 'properly, it relatively is around a similar time as i rejoice *insert pagan trip right here* so i assume it relatively is okay.'

Answer 9

No, nothing is to be done in secret at any time, or for any reason. God says that He does nothing in secret, but He tells us through His prophets before He does it.

Answer 10

On one hand it does.. its better to pray quietly in your prayer closet away from everyone than it is to go off babbling in public. What you do in secret will be repaid in public. So whatever you do in secret, better be good.

Secret societies however, thats just lying to others and deception.

Answer 11

Scriptualy speaking the only ritual we should do is prayer.