Does practice of religion ever cross over the line to superstitious behavior?
This question hit me in the face as we were touring the old city in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Describing this particular old church our insightful guide, informed us that it was built after the earthquake in the 1660s in thanksgiving for survival.
He added the key piece that everyone, townspeople and nobility, workers and ladies of the court, had to help in the building process.
The thinking behind this “all hands on deck” theory, our historian added was the superstitious thinking that in order to please God every single person had to participate to “buy” favor with the Almighty.
I thought how much of this superstitious thinking has trickled down through the ages. I remember promising God that I would say my rosary everyday for a week if I could pass this particular algebra test. I tried to “bribe” God into doing it my way.
In church I would drop a quarter into the coin drop, in order to light a candle thinking that this ritual would give more credence to my prayers.
I see baseball players make a quick Sign of the Cross just before stepping into the batters box asking for a blessing for a successful “at bat”.
Do these rites and rituals really sway God? Are these practices based on superstition or faith?
A real devoted faith would include two major tenets.
- Complete trust, God will provide the best for me, no matter what. Superstition would think that if something “bad” happened to me that it was some kind of punishment or retribution from God. God does not “keep score”. I may fail the algebra test and the batter may strike out but we know that whatever happens is for the best.
- True faith that God will love me no matter what I’ve done or didn’t do. Superstition would think that if I do something “wrong” that God will be mad at me. He will withhold His love because I did not follow His rules. What I do will not earn, sway, or buy God’s love for me.
Faith builds on a strong confidence in the love that God has for each and every one of us. It’s a belief that this personal caring will see us through every situation, regardless.
So as we make our way through this life, with its challenges and joys, remember that it all works out for the best…..eventually.
Adopt this mantra: “It’s all good.” And it is!
