Is it necessary for religious traditions (traditions that are caused by a religion) to stay religious?

-* if a tradition has its roots in a religion, is it necessary that the person who participates in that tradition actually follow that religion.*-

Hmmm..

For me, it's the Rosary that first comes to mind. Some Catholics recite it quite often & receive much grace from doing so. Others don't.. or never have. It's a sacramental- a wonderfully blessed aid in our walk with Christ, but is not a Church requirement. That said, I know of non-Catholic Christians who recite the Rosary.

Can they? Yes. It's not limited to Catholics. Those non-Catholics who say the Rosary know what it is.. & what it isn't. Should they? Of course. Meditating on the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ is good for the soul!

So, using this example alone, my answer is no- Even though the Rosary is traditionally Catholic, you don't have to be Catholic to say the Rosary.. or benefit from its graces.

*- For example, many americans celebrate Christmas, yet some do not even believe in Christ.*-

In some areas, Christmas is so commercialized that its very meaning has become blurred. As a Catholic parent, I've raised my child to know & understand the true meaning of Christmas. Still, I would never deny a child the joys of Christmas morning.. complete with all the trimmin's!

About those who are religious non-Christians, don't know what to believe, or who have no faith whatsoever~

I can recall watching a video on this very subject. Now, what follows isn't word for word.. just a synopsis from memory.

A Jewish fellow, who was in an Asian country at the height of the "Holiday Season," interviewed shoppers. He asked what Christmas meant to them. They spoke of presents, decorations, gatherings with friends & relatives, vacations & "Santa."

When the interviewer inquired if the holiday was religious, or related to any religion, many replied, "No."

When he inquired if the holiday was Christian, or related to Jesus in any way, many answered, "No."

Some were disturbed by the question & flat out denied it was a Christian holiday. A few answered affirmatively, but added that it didn't matter. Others simply gave that "Huh?" look.. or laughed. None of them knew about St. Nicholas or the origins of "Santa Claus"... & not one knew about Hanukkah.

So, can those interviewed celebrate Christmas? Yes. They can & do. Should they? Sure. Perhaps some will be inspired to seek & find the true meaning of Christmas.

-*Is it right to celebrate a religious holiday when you are not truly part of the religion..*-

Well, as a practicing Catholic who wants to remain so, it wouldn't be right for me *personally* to celebrate Hanukkah, Vesak, Wiccan Sabbats, Ramadan, etc.

All in all, I suppose it depends on the holiday, the tradition, the individual & their chosen faith (or lack thereof). In an age where so many cultural & religious customs overlap & blend with secular society, discovering a given holiday tradition's actual meaning, purpose or source can be a real challenge.

As for the necessity of religious traditions staying religious-

Teaching religious tradition, providing spiritual guidance & nurturing the flock is up to a sect's leadership. The actual learning, comprehension & keeping of those traditions, so they "stay" religious, is up to the adherents.

If a religious tradition becomes truly embedded in the culture, I cannot see any reason why folks would not participate at the cultural level. Christmas is an excellent example of this. Whether or not the Church should have allowed Christmas to be co-opted is a separate question, but once it's happened, the cat's out of the bag.

For many Americans Christmas, Thanksgiving, and even Easter are just holidays. They have lost their religious significance altogether. As a Christian, I'm pretty sure it would be counter productive to make a big deal out of this, denying others the right to participate in Americana. The backlash would be worse than the effort was worth. Besides, these holidays do provide a bridge enabling me to share their real meaning in a non-threatening way. I see that, at least, as a good thing.

peace

No. Those outside a religion are perfectly free to follow traditions that had religious origins without following the religion itself.

One of the brilliant successes of Christianity was transforming pagan rites into religious holidays, e.g., morphing Saturnalia into Christmas. This not only gave Christians opportunities to celebrate together, but also it worked to supplant the evil practices with Christian ones (e.g., giving gifts rather than having an orgy).

Those outside a faith that practice others' religious traditions (e.g., Christians that celebrate a Seder meal) likely deepen their understanding of other religions. However, dabbling in the religious rituals of demonic pagan faiths (e.g., voodoo) can work to undermine faith and morality.

Cheers,

Bruce

That's actual, but it surely does not imply they are not rather christians. Most individuals comply with cultural norms like celebrating Easter with bunnies and eggs, despite the fact that it has pagan roots. Ignorance of the beginning of a excursion does no longer difference the truth that anyone is a christian. Many christians have an understanding of wherein that stuff got here from, and refuse to take part. Also, simply considering we occur to have fun otherwise at the equal date, does no longer end up that both party is fake. I have fun the upward thrust of Christ on that day, as good as each and every different Sunday, and the eggs and pastel colours throughout me don't difference that. I uncover it humorous that pagans believe that christians aren't honest or don't think what they are saying they think, simply considering they occur to comply with a few cultural celebrations that no one recollects the intent for besides. Counterfeit gold does lower the significance of truly gold, no longer considering the truly gold converted, however considering anyone suggestion the false stuff used to be truly and paid well cash for it. I hold thinking about why you men regularly get those matters backwards, however I consider even smart individuals can also be blinded by way of a closed brain.

I can only offer my opinion about Christianity. I agree with McGee...

"My friend, if you have a religion, I suggest you get rid of it and exchange it for Christ. I personally do not think one can call Christianity a religion. There is no ritual whatsoever given with Christianity. Have you ever stopped to think of that? This is the reason we can have all kinds of churches with different forms of worship -- for instance you can sing the Doxology if you want to, but you don't have to. Christianity was never given a form to follow. Why? Because Christianity is a Person. To be a Christian means that you trust Christ. Religion has never been very helpful to man.

—J. Vernon McGee's Thru The Bible