Rituals have a strong place in the life of a church and in the lives of people.  Rituals have been followed from the beginning of time.  Rituals help to give external behaviors to express internal commitments and without ritual some may fail to remember and draw strength from faith.  Some rituals help to reinforce a common belief or behavior.  Through the film documentary on A Time for Burning, there were many rituals that came to our minds. 

Some of these included: small group discussions, barber shop discussions, including children and youth in church conversations, prayer, communion, dress for worship, singing in church (and again, the dress – choir robes), casual meetings, family gathered at the table, birthday cakes, school class outings, shaking hands and committee meetings.

When thinking about some of the rituals that were portrayed through the film it is important to reflect upon the agreement that lies within the value of the ritual.  When we partake in a ritual we should truly think about what significance is held within the ritual and whether or not we agree with what is being said through the ritual.  For example, the purpose of communion brought this to light – communion is not simply receiving the promises of God, but we also affirm that we are the Body of Christ and that everyone holds equal unity within the Body of Christ.  When we come to the table to receive the body and blood of Christ we should keep this in mind and not simply go through the motions of the ritual.  The film brought a few questions of the ritual of communion and whether or not “participants” in that particular ritual internally agree with the meaning held within the ritual. 

This film also highlighted some of the tension that still exists and is present in the church today.  One example that was brought to light was what is currently going on with the ELCA in regard to sexuality.  Sometimes rituals are so engrained into the life of an organization, church, community or individual that things can be difficult to change.  Also, when thinking of the current stand of the ELCA and how congregations are dealing with it there were a few similarities to the film.  

In the film documentary, we questioned and wondered about the formation of small groups and the organization of some of the meetings that took place.  How do we ritually decide who takes place in small groups and who does not?  Also, some of the “casual meetings” which typically take place outside of the “scheduled meeting” discuss some important issues and reveal deep feelings – again, how do we select who hears this information and how it is shared?  Often instead of explaining what happened why try and convince others’ on the “other side” that “our side” is right.  Are there ways that some rituals are reflected upon so that when important issues arise they can be handled in an effective manner rather than simply following what has typically taken place?

When we viewed this film with a ritual lens, it was surprising how many rituals were brought to the forefront.  Rituals are weaved in and out of our lives and often we do not realize a ritual when it takes place, nor do we know the importance and significance behind all of the rituals present in our lives.  I think an interesting point of discussion was understanding the significance of the ritual and thinking about whether or not it matches with internal beliefs of the individual.

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