Ritual vs. Adaptation

Ritual vs. Adaptation

Book II of Confucius' Analects center primarily on the role of the filial relationship. This relationship is at the heart of Confucius' thought, as it is used not only to directly instruct on how to respect parents, but also as an indirect indication of the importance of respecting ritual.

Rituals are an important component of every culture, representing a link to one’s history. The danger with rituals, however, is that over time the meaning behind the ritual can be lost, and the ritual itself becomes the belief. Confucius warns against this, saying in Analect 26 of Book III,

 “The Master said, High office filled by men of narrow views, ritual performed without reverence, the forms of mourning observed without grief- these are things I cannot bear to see!”

 In order to avoid the loss of meaning behind rituals and thus retain the reverence, it is important for rituals to adapt to their current climates so that people can continue to connect with the deeper meanings. However, adaptation is also dangerous because it can skew the original intent of the ritual if modified too drastically.

 What is the correct balance between ritual and adaptation? The Catholic Church has had to adapt its rituals on numerous occasions in order to keep up with the times, most notably with the Vatican II Council. These changes made in the ritual have been successful in retaining membership in the Church. Will this adaptation allow the Catholic Church to thrive, as Confucianism has survived? Can the church be considered to thrive if the form that it has taken is so different from what it began as?