WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 - HOLY WEEK - THAT'S THE WAY WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE IT

 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 - HOLY WEEK

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeslacouncil/2019/01/28/the-most-dangerous-phrase-in-business-weve-always-done-it-this-way/

(And, no April Fool’s Jokes today - or maybe the whole blog is one again???)

“THAT’S THE WAY WE ALWAYS HAVE DONE IT”

Now, at times that makes sense - and sometimes - it keeps us from growing.  Forbes Magazine (in the linked article) says, “Companies That Stay Static Don’t Succeed”.  Simply relying on past achievements can lead to stagnation.  However, when companies embrace a culture of change, they maximize their potential.”

The article continues, “Many of our problems stem from fear: of failing, of the new, of the unfamiliar. And the worst part? This dread can be subtle and might manifest itself in unfamiliar ways. There’s a difference between a company that sticks to its guns and one that’s simply afraid of change. Whereas the former may fizzle out, the latter is prone to failure from the start. Regardless, fear is one of the most potentially destructive impediments for businesses.”

“THAT’S THE WAY WE ALWAYS HAVE DONE IT”

As I have aged, I think I’ve embraced the concept that’s the way we have always done it.  I remember a poster on a friend's door - with a figure (Ziggy?) asking “Am I in a rut or in the groove.”  

In the past 50 years, computing has changed about everything in our lives.  I’m doing some substitute teaching - and my check gets directly deposited into my bank account.  I pay most of my bills online with direct payment systems.  Will cash disappear?  

I cook with a microwave.  I can have a cup of coffee anytime with my Keurig coffee maker.  I can program my oven to start heating dinner half an hour before I come home. I can get ice (and water) from my refrigerator’s door.  

In business, innovation is a major key.  Keeping up (or keeping ahead) of competitors is important.  Stagnating means dropping behind.  Some of the best personal products (like detergent or laundry soap) have used the slogan “New and Improved” with bright colors on their labels for years.   

SO HOW DOES THAT WORK WITH RELIGION

Since this is Holy Week and I’m trying to write on religious subjects, I’m trying to think of innovation with religious beliefs.  And, that is hard to do.

Let’s start with women in religion.  

St. Paul (writing in 1 Corinthians 14) says “Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings”

Or this: “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head”. (1 Cor. 11:3-6 NIV)

And, one more “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.” (1 Tim. 2:11-15)

So, “That’s the way we’ve always done it” seems to apply in many churches.  So, male pastors, priests, congregation leaders; and women sitting with their heads covered, in submission, on the side (or the balcony) of the church.  (But, they can still be saved through childbearing!!!)

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I know of some denominations that adamantly abide by the comments from St. Paul (above).  (Some churches have even split based on these viewpoints - into liberal versions and conservative versions).  I write “LOVE WINS” and that “I can only love God as much as the person I love the least”.  

Can the “new and improved” concept apply to religion? Somehow it just doesn’t seem appropriate.

I think I’m trying to be equalitarian.  A lot has changed from St. Paul’s time.  At that time, women were slightly more than slaves.  It has barely been 100 years since women were allowed to vote in the United States.  World War II forced a change in our societal views of women.  We (as a country) needed the “Rosie the Riveter” to help build the equipment for the war effort.  And, in my lifetime, the view of women in the military has changed from office and clerical to on the battlefields and frontlines.  There are women senators and representatives.  There are women CEOs of companies.  More and more universities have women Presidents, Deans, and leaders.

In religion, things move slowly.  “Tradition” is a major part of some faith communities.  “This is how we’ve always done it” is considered stagnation in the business community, but the natural part of religious philosophies.  Can Catholics allow women priests?  Not yet?  Some day?  I don’t know.  My personal guess is that married priests will happen first (after all, Peter was married - scripture records that he had a “mother-in-law”).  How about accepting LGBTQ+ folks?

Aside.  As a neo-woman, I am learning more about life, gender, tradition, value, and viewpoints.  Yes, it can be humbling to be a woman.  (And, hallelujah, my former male ego - and I had a lot of ego, has been replaced by love!!)

So, in this Holy Week, Passover observance, spring awakening - is “This is the way we’ve always done it” still applicable?  I don’t know!!!  (Or, if you will “idk” in webspeak!!!)

LOVE DOES WIN!!

HUGS!!!

Karen

(And, a bad joke - why do Christians in Minnesota’s state capital read their Bibles more than Christians in AustinTexas?  Because St. Paul is an important person and Austin isn’t even mentioned in the Bible)