Symbols and Rituals

[Steveg]

Symbols and Rituals

How do you view them?

Do your churches use symbols and rituals (if you belong to a church)?

The Catholic Church uses many symbols and rituals in its life. Personally I believe this enriches our spiritual life. They keep us in touch with different aspects of our faith. Symbols remind us of things. For example at baptism the candidates (or god-parents for infants) are given a lighted candle to symbolise them receiving the light of Christ; a sign of the cross is traced on the forehead to symbolise them being marked with the imprint of Christ.

When we enter a church we dip our fingers into water that has been blessed and make the sign of the cross to remind us of our baptism.

Of course if the symbols and rituals are not understood they can become empty or even just superstitious practices. But this should not be so.


I'm sure many churches do similar.

So what's your view?

[canny]

The Church In Wales, has most of the same symbols and rituals as the Roman Catholic Churches, candles incense, stoop, bells etc., these are only used at High Mass on a Sunday and feast days. We have a said Mass, a High Mass and an evening prayer. Mass is also said every day if possible.

[Steveg]

The Church In Wales, has most of the same symbols and rituals as the Roman Catholic Churches, candles incense, stoop, bells etc., these are only used at High Mass on a Sunday and feast days. We have a said Mass, a High Mass and an evening prayer. Mass is also said every day if possible.

Hi Canny,
Is that the equivalent of the Church of England in England (i.e. a part of the Anglican Communion)? I know the high church end of the CofE use incense etc.

Steve

[canny]

Hi Canny,
Is that the equivalent of the Church of England in England (i.e. a part of the Anglican Communion)? I know the high church end of the CofE use incense etc.

Steve

Yes we are part of the Anglican Communion.

[eddybear]

Generally not many, though I cross myself sometimes, especially after taking Communion. It brings to mind that Christ died for me, and I belong to him.

I agree that there is a danger of ritual being empty, or even turning into superstition, if it is not properly understood.

[jesbcp01]

I go to a Christian church. The symbol that I recognize is THE CROSS. As for rituals, I refer to it as more of a remembrance which is COMMUNION - the partaking of bread and grape juice or wine. We all partake together and then pray.

[canny]

I go to a Christian church. The symbol that I recognize is THE CROSS. As for rituals, I refer to it as more of a remembrance which is COMMUNION - the partaking of bread and grape juice or wine. We all partake together and then pray.

I quite like a few bells and smells, but I am quite happy without as well

[Steveg]

I quite like a few bells and smells, but I am quite happy without as well

I like bells & smells as well

We usually have them at the main Sunday Mass.

[ByHisGrace]

We don't have any crosses dressing-up or smells.........every Sunday evening we have our Breaking of Bread Service ......... it's centered around the Lord Jesus Christ death, burial and rising from the dead......at this service we break bread and drink grape juice.

[Robert Cragg]

The one thing to be carefull of is not to worship them.