Pastoral Reflection
The New York Times recently published a guest essay by Linda Kinstler entitled: "Can Silicon Valley Find God?" Among other things, it highlighted work being done on the relationship between spirituality and technology and secularized "faith" manifesting in the form of rituals.
As the pandemic has pushed the Church into online realms, the future of Christianity relative to social media and an online presence has been a hot topic of conversation. Practices and rituals are certainly a part of that discussion.
I believe Leviticus has something to offer us in this endeavor. The book opens with God speaking from the Tabernacle to Moses, but within earshot of the people. Typically, he spoke from the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. It's a book meant for the people, addressing ordinary rituals to be used for unexpected issues and thank offerings between high holy days. God made a way for ordinary people to to enter into relationship with him through accessible ritual.
As opposed to our western culture's interest in personal virtue, our Old Testament is focused on the pursuit of holiness. Perhaps the question should be: "What does holiness look like as experiences around ritual change?"
May the Church find ways to remain faithful as we meet the challenges of technology in the 21st century.
Amen
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Bales
Communications Director &
Pastor of Evergreen Presbyterian Church
