What Is Tradition?

Is there anything more "traditional" than the oppression of women and girls? Is there -- seemingly -- anything more "traditional" than the sexual exploitation of children and youth by priests in the Catholic Church? Is there anything more "traditional" than the raping of the Earth by a predatory capitalism?

Justifications of "tradition" cover the humungous ass of the Unholy Trinity of the Three P's: Privilege, Profit, and Power: World Without End, Amen... Whether Jewish, Christian, or Islamic, the justifications of and for "tradition" are, at their core, exercises in the practice of "power over" as opposed to the "power that lifts up": of people and of the Earth itself. The "power that lifts up", as exemplified by Yeshua (Jesus) the Poet of Nazareth, St. Francis of Assisi, Rumi the Ecstatic, Martin Luther King, Jr. Cesar Chavez, Rosa Parks, Wangari Matthai, and Dorothy Day (from among many others), is the liberation of the people into their divine possibilities. The recognition of these "divine possibilities" is all the difference in the world!

Patriarchy / Oligarchy / and the Religious Theologies that require the separation of people from the Divine Beloved, from the Earth, and from one another are the root "traditions" cultivated by the Unholy Trinity. These "traditions" manifest in such ideas and practices as "original sin", the shaming of the female, the denunciation of sexual pleasure, the justifications for violence (greed, war, racism, capital punishment, human trafficking, sexual slavery, etc.), and the rape of the Earth for endless and mindless profit. Likewise, "little traditions" like white supremacy, nationalism, corporatism, unlimited gun rights, union busting, and mind-manipulation through a barrage of public lying all serve the Unholy Trinity.

On the "other side of things", there is all that actually makes the the world go round and life still worth living! In spite of all the manifesting greed and violence, most people on this precious blue Planet want, and do, live in peace. Most of us are more than willing to both respect and share with our neighbors. We practice empathy and compassion as "just" our daily way of life: no big deal. We reverence our children. We really want to serve and protect this planet. We enjoy a mutuality in our sexual practices. We delight in pleasure and the simple gifts of life. AND we would construct a paradise all across this planet and borders if the Unholy Trinity would just shut up and get out of our way!

We might practice Islam: but we do so in the ecstatic spirit of one such as Rumi. We might practice Judaism: but we do so in the generous spirit of one such as Abraham Heschel. We might practice Christianity: but we do so in the contemplative spirit of one such as Bede Griffiths. The religions of the world are each in a different way very much alike. We -- if left alone by the power-mad and pleasure-haters -- actually do believe that loving one's neighbor and the Holy One is the summation of all the Law and Prophets: with very practical implications: we don't steal (organize greed), we don't lie (like the White House), and we don't kill (like a tin-horn dictator or war profiteer). We practice compassion and build social justice and equality for all! We erase the boundaries of inequality between men and women and minorities! AND we envision -- not only "Green New Deals" -- but a Paradise of Promise on this Planet that includes everyone and is focused on a Good and Beautiful life for those alive seven generations from now! This is the "tradition" that really matters!