The Role of Ritual in The Role of Ritual in ReligionReligion

Contacting the DivineContacting the Divine

RitualRitual

• Contact the Ultimate Reality

• Communicate with the Ultimate Reality

• Communicate to others (public vs. private)

• Help to develop relationship with the Ultimate Reality

• Effect human transformation

RitualRitual

• “A patterned form of behavior, generally communal and consisting of prescribed actions and words.”– Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy

Ritual Directed Toward the Ritual Directed Toward the DivineDivine

• In religious ritual a person seeks to to communicate with the divine power responsible for its creation

• This desire permeates all aspects of life and therefore is not separated from any event.

• Many aspects of a culture had religious overtones--such cultivation of crops, creation of tools, tribal celebrations, etc.

Rituals (more)Rituals (more)

• Many of the rites performed had religious implications and therefore affected their aesthetic value--i.e. they were elaborate, beautiful, and central to the culture.

• “In many cultures the religious aspects of every event and act in life are often celebrated in ritual patterns; every religion has also developed specific patterns of worship and celebration to show devotion and commitment publicly.”

Ritual: From Public to PersonalRitual: From Public to Personal

• There are not only public rituals but often personal ritual patterns.

• The purpose is not only to communicate with the divine but also to aid in personal transformation.

Ritualization of Ordinary Ritualization of Ordinary ActivitiesActivities

• Here is where a person recognizes the presence of the divine in ordinary activities. For many people the ritualistic patterns of everyday life become a way to praise and identify the divine.

Rituals from FaithsRituals from Faiths

Buddhist Ritual and More

SourcesSources

• http://www.avesta.org/ritual/navjote.gif

• Wallace Ben

• http://www.swanslaexpressions.com/baptism.jpg

• http://www.xs4all.nl/~cvdmark/hen-crm.jpg

• http://ccimg.catalogcity.com/200000/200600/200675/Products/new_beg_set_p.jpg