For those whose worship, or religious practice is highly structured...?

Question

Respectfully I ask, Why?

1. What is the point behind the tradtions and repetitive prayers, songs, chants?

2. If you believe that we were each created uniquely is it possible we were each also created to worship / praise / practice in unique and individual ways?

3. I'm not saying traditions and rituals are not useful or meaningful, but perhaps the constant controlled structure and rigidity can pose an issue when reaching others?

Answer 1

excellent questions..I've wondered those things myself

back when I was a believer, I even wondered those things...and went against the grain
I mean if people want to be like the mythical characters they claim to worship...why dont they try thinking outside the box and being dif from the rest like the mythical characters did?

Answer 2

Good point about being created uniquely. And each our lives is unique - so we can live a life of constant worship through all we do in our life, then yes...worship can be unique.

And Jesus Himself wanted to break the structured control. Take a look at how the Sanhedrin reacted to get an idea of how well it was received.

Jesus came to tell us that what the Father wants is not ritual (because we start to worship the ritual itself, and revere the superstars of ritual), but to have a relationship.

Think about that...a relationship with the One who created the stars!!

Answer 3

1. As mine isn't, I can't say on that level....but I DO find the pagentry and ritual beautiful. Perhaps it appeals in that way to others. (I am particularly touched by the rituals of the Catholic church. I'm a godmother to a Catholic child and I find their services lovely.)
2. Of course, worship isn't restricted solely to church appearances. MOST of your worship/praise/practice IS unique and individual. I believe that is pretty much the same for most religions. Church is a chance to study, worship and interact (usually for 1-2 hours a week) with others who believe similarly as yourself and a social opportunity. It's certainly NOT your entire religious experience by a long shot.
4. I'm sure some people do balk at structure. There are a variety of religions out there. I'm sure something will appeal to them too. Nothing is suitable or everyone. If it were, there would only BE one church.

Answer 4

1. To pay attention to discipline, to teaching, to doctrine is a common feature of most faiths. It promotes a common understanding which clearly defines to believers and non-belivers alike. Repetitive prayers, songs and chants provide a basic, structured way to pray even when too tired to be original or creative about your expression of faith. Hard to sing along to spontaneous song.

2. You can worship, praise and practice in your individual way, when alone or when with consenting others. But to do so at a formal venue is not appropriate. Because to some people a rigid, well defined and dogmatic form of worship is exactly how they choose and desire to express themselves, in unision, acoording to particular rules and set orders of things, and that's what the formal places of worship are for.

3. Reach others any way you like. Some guys were casting out devils and the disciples got upset about it and Jesus said "If they arfe not against us they are for us". That's pretty broad, right?

Answer 5

To an extent you are correct. If you lock yourself away in a convent or monastery to live in prayer and penance for the remainder of your life then that is your choice and your calling is not that of reaching others. There is no reason why it should be as God has called you to a different kind of service and worship. For myself I can worship using traditional methods with a group of people or I can lock myself away in my closet and simply talk one on one with God. Not every person is called to be a Billy Graham, Pope, Mahatma or Lama. Not everyone can survive in religion without controlled structure and rigidity. For some it is a comfort and/or a method of controlling themselves for whatever reason. My favorite place of worship is on a high mountain with no one around, just me, God and nature.

Answer 6

Seems you are talking about the folks that think that going to church and living a certain way will get them into Heaven and that just isn't so.
Yes a personal individual relationship with Jesus is required. Once you have heard His message it is the only option left as opposed to damnation.
However fellowship with like minds is healthy. Here all you get are people waving their own flag shouting that everyone else is wrong. Healthy debate is great and if we could get rid of the rabble rousing children this could be a good place, but.

Answer 7

Some people need the structure and rigidity of chants, etc. It helps them feel closer to God. Also, with a schedule, it aids people in taking time to worship. I, personally, enjoy praising freely without a schedule. But it's a matter of preference

Answer 8

I have struggled with this exact thing- I am a worship leader and this is what I have so far:

Everyone is different and can worship in deifferent ways! lol. Some people actually NEED the tradition to worship-I don't understand it at all, nonetheless I respect and honor it. I Myself like when anything can happen and Worship is completely spirit led. Including Sermons and Studies etc...

So it CAN pose an issue reaching others, that is why God in His Wisdom has allowed different churches and styles to be created to serve Him. Not so they can battle each other!! The problem is our narrowminded selfishness right?

Answer 9

Structure assists humans to get things done (including worship services) more easily and economically. You can get yourself educated without going through the academic structure of our educational system. Did you have your education outside of the formal school system?

Of course you can go to a desert or some very isolated place and do your worship in your own unique and individual ways.
If you can this for a year, please write a book about it.

Answer 10

1. repetition inspires familiarity and communal ties. This is not overtly religious...almost any social structure as a whole is defined by its parts and structured using those familiar parts. When you go to a club you dress a certain way and are certain to hear certain songs. If you go to a board meeting you will start with minutes of last meeting and go through predictable steps.
2. Worship and praise yes....practice no...we are told specifically what we are and are not to do. Worship and praise are individual gifts. Practice is behavior. You can say and feel what you want about your boss but if you do not do what is instrusted you will need to find a new job.
3. They are entering a community and it is dishonest to approach them in lies.

Answer 11

I actually agree with you to an extent. Bear in mind though that some churches do have those rituals, but many do not. I dunno why so many people like them. It could have to do with the fact that many people just like order, routine, and tradition. But with all the repetition, it's like your brain can go on autopilot, and you don't really have to think for yourself. It's kind of a comfort; if you do certain things you somehow become alright with God. While I'm sure there are some people who actually mean what they say through all the repetition, I'm also sure that it would be very difficult to keep yourself from spacing out and just going through the motions.