In the book Abraham Joshua Heschel we find these words from Susannah Heschel, “religious truth must be lived. A law unrelated to life is both futile and fatal to faith. Rigidity and love of life cannot always be reconciled. Like Kierkegaard, he [Abraham Heschel] would vehemently condemn an aesthetic concept of Judaism acted out in customs, ceremonies, sentimental celebrations, and polished oratory, as well as in decorative representations of God in terms of grandiose temples.”

Susannah continues with saying, “he [Abraham] would also reject the reduction of Judaism to an outward compliance with ritual laws, strict observance mingled with dishonesty, the pedantic performance of rituals as a form of opportunism.”

I grew up in a faith tradition that did not particularly hold any type of tradition or ritual close to their hearts (aside from the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism). For those new to my story, I grew up Southern Baptist and then non-denominational (charismatic in nature). I have struggled from time to time with churches who place rituals and traditions over the very essence of our faith. I frequently ask the question: “what does that ritual or tradition mean, and how does it point us to God?” More often than not, I receive a response of “well I’m not really sure, but it’s the way we’ve always done things.” Every time I hear these words, something inside of me cringes. Heschel would challenge us to think inwardly – into a place where our faith grows deeper and draws us towards God in a new and fresh way.

So I got to looking over scripture to see what we might find there as it relates to Jesus’ teachings. Mark 7:1-37 finds the Pharisees and scribes once again gathered around Jesus asking questions. Tradition – cue the music from Fiddler on the Roof please! Jesus began debating with scribes and Pharisees over matters of ritual purity. [Quite the hot button topic of the time]. Jesus radically lays out his stance on tradition – he teaches that because of the rules particular to their community, which were intended to maintain faithfulness to the law, the Pharisees have actually transgressed the law.

So in our quest to maintain our rituals and traditions, which oftentimes seem really strange to the unchurched, are we actually missing the mark and missing out on the opportunity to build our faith? In a most profound prophetic voice, Heschel was challenging us to move into the more important matters (our faith) rather than clinging to ideas that detract rather than attract. I know this is challenging all of those that feel deep connections with rituals and traditions, and I challenge us to go beyond and live into the fullness of our faith. I know I will be examining my own heart in this season – may I live a life that is a living faith for the world.