|
8.0.11 Natural, Rational CeremonyVersion 1.2 August 2014                                          (Previous Version) Is it possible to construct some reasonable set of expressions of this Reasonable Global Way that we can share with each other to validate our commitment to this way? Is it reasonable to devise themes for regular meetings, to deepen our understanding of this Way? Are there forms of verbal expression we can present in public on suitable occasions to convey our natural, rational sense of the sacred, reverence, connection and conviction? This section may be of more interest to those who come from a religious background and wish to learn how to rationally and naturally express their ‘faith’ in this reasonable global way, together with other followers, and to be witnesses of this way before the general public. Within the community of people who follow this way, constructed ceremonies comparable to the Christian Catholic mass seem unreal and artificial. But significant social benefit is gained by Catholics, and other religious communities, from their shared and public worship. Surely natural, rational people can obtain similar benefits from shared and public expressions of their beliefs, commitment and unity without being unrealistic or embarrassingly artificial. This is the function of religious liturgy – the public expression of worship. We must learn how to publicly express reverence, connection and commitment without invoking the supernatural. This is a separate issue from the rituals for specific occasions that we discuss in Section 8.0.10. Also, news media often seek a religious or political leader to make comments in relation to various community celebrations – winning a sporting event or a national anniversary – or to various natural disasters, floods, fires etc. Traditional religious leaders often invoke the supernatural. Liberal religious leaders seem to be too wishy washy to make a significant point. Political leaders often appeal to parochial prejudices.  But the voice of reasonable reverence is often not heard. Surely we natural, rational people are able to offer substantial, reasonable responses to celebrations and catastrophes, to convey that such responses are possible and to validate the experiences of reasonable people. Our responses must be inclusive and credible, and, to be valid in this context, must cover the major points of difference with traditional religious or parochial responses. We need to package our responses to suit contemporary media, to at least be able to compete as a viable alternative to a religious or political leader. We need to create links with media producers, writers and presenters so that a reasonable global way is seen as a viable opinion to seek. 8.0.11 Public Affirmation of this Reasonable Way The details of how we might develop reasonable liturgy will be the source of endless debate and there will never be universal agreement, and that is OK: each to their own. But we can devise ways suitable for children, schools, adult supporters and the wider community, to explore, and affirm, what we believe is a reasonable way, emphasizing understanding and behaving appropriately according to global beliefs and values. ●        We can find public ways of expressing and pursuing these programs. These could take the place of liturgy, the public worship of religious groups. They may include shared cultural activities, investigating and raising our awareness of relevant issues, and for the more committed, social and political action. ●        Responses by followers of this way, to either natural disasters or community celebrations, can involve expressions of and commitment to care, based on our values, as well as acknowledgement of nature’s awe. more
* * * * * * *
|
|
English (English)
Español (Spanish)
Français (French)
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of Country, throughout all colonised lands, and their connections to land, waters and community. We pay respect by giving voice to truth, values and social justice, acknowledging our shared history, and valuing the cultures of first nations peoples.
Copyright © 2008 - 2026 Trevor J Rogers, care of the address shown on this page. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the copyright owner. Any approved reproduction is permitted only with full attribution of the source, referring to this site and this copyright notice. The moral right of the author is asserted.
Top