Protestants and the rejection of rituals
1. Protestant Rejection of Rituals and Their Inconsistency
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that while some Protestant churches reject rituals, they still practice their own, such as ordaining pastors and elders. Rituals are simply order and discipline, and Scripture commands that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
2. The Importance of Church Order and Unity
Rituals preserve the unity of the Church worldwide — the same Liturgy and prayers are used in Egypt, Africa, Europe, and America. This makes the Church truly “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” Without order, as seen in some Protestant groups, divisions and separations multiply.
3. Biblical Basis of Rituals
Church rituals are not inventions but rooted in Scripture. The Divine Liturgy, for example, comes from St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26. God Himself established rituals in the Old Testament — for priesthood, garments, incense, and the tabernacle.
4. Continuity from the Old to the New Testament
Since “God does not change” (James 1:17), the essence of worship remains, though its form evolved — from the tabernacle to the temple to the church. Incense existed in the Old Testament and is also seen in Revelation, offered with the prayers of the saints.
5. Apostolic Practice of Rituals
The apostles used rituals: Paul told Timothy to “stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands,” and Christ breathed on His disciples saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Psalms and hymns were integral to apostolic worship.
6. Rituals as Spiritual Teaching
Rituals educate the faithful, especially children and the unlearned. Through sights, sounds, and gestures — incense, icons, candles — they learn the truths of faith naturally. The simple believer understands theology through feast days and processions more than lectures.
7. Rituals Preserve Doctrine
Through rituals, the Church has safeguarded the faith across generations. Icons, incense, chants, and imagery all express theological truths — such as placing Alpha and Omega around Christ to affirm His divinity against heresy.
8. Rituals Sanctify the Whole Person
Man worships with mind, body, and spirit. Rituals engage all senses: eyes see, ears hear, the nose smells incense, the body bows — making worship a full participation in divine life.
Conclusion:
Rituals are not empty traditions but spiritual instruments that unify the Church, preserve doctrine, and sanctify believers. They express faith through visible acts and connect generations of worshippers in one continuous communion with God.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
