Tell me more ×
Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -3 down vote favorite

It seems to me there are many small rituals, my question is what is the sense in requiring them? Why would the God of the universe worry about such small things, and ignore much larger items.

  • Worries about circumcision but ignores slavery?
share|improve this question
1  
I should know better than to even respond, but... I suppose because He chose to? Addressing your example - Circumcision was meant as a sign of obedience and belonging to God. Most of the rituals were reminders of God and who He is. Some were literally cleanliness rituals to be observed to prevent the spread of infection and illness (way ahead of medical science)... And slavery in the Bible isn't slavery as we think of it in modern terms. godandscience.org/apologetics/slavery_bible.html – David Stratton Oct 12 '11 at 2:09
I feel like this question should be reinstated, perhaps reworded, but I think it is an important question to ask why God cares about ritual. I think this was unfairly shut down. – jchaffee Oct 12 '11 at 14:49

closed as not constructive by James T, David Stratton, Mark Trapp, Ray, El'endia Starman♦ Oct 12 '11 at 2:14

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote

Rituals remind us of the sacred and are often re enacting act of GOD, they remind us of what GOD has done and point us towards GOD on a daily, weekly, and annual time schedule.

For a great book on this topic see "The Sacred and the Profane" by Mircea Eliade.

But GOD is not more concerned with ritual than whether we love Him and our neighbors. Case in point is Amos 5:21 and following...

"I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring peace offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the noise of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream!"

share|improve this answer
2  
+1 for giving a good answer and reminding us of the fact that the rituals were of secondary importance, and only pointed to God as reminders. – David Stratton Oct 12 '11 at 2:15
And for the great Amos quote! – Wikis Oct 12 '11 at 17:49
Im sorry if they are of secondary importance why is making ever the slightest mistake punished w/ the death penalty ? – clicker Oct 31 '11 at 21:42

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.