Initiation rites are seen as fundamental to human growth and development as well as socialization in many cultures. These rites function by ritually marking the transition of someone to full group membership or adulthood. (1)
These transitions into man or womanhood have a long history, while many include some special task or special knowledge that assists the new adult transition into confident living and acceptance, ie; that life isn’t what you’ve been told, so here’s the deal…
While at first glance it appears we have no launch-pad liturgy in the west to welcome our youth to adulthood—but we do. In Hebrew/Christian/Islamic cultures of the western world there is only one, true rite of passage—it’s called psychotherapy. Either a self administered journey alone, or with a guide (psychologist) in an attempt to undo (often painstakingly) what has been done to you, as part of an age old game of hiding the truth from children. And siphoning out what nature made to operate at maximum efficiency all on its own.
Some however, are so thoroughly steamrolled into this false sense of religion they never swim out of it, perpetually thinking happiness awaits in promises, while holding onto a life of anxiety like it’s the will of god.
Children automatically know the meaning of life, yet immediately we name them, define them, and separate them from nature until they can be trusted to carry on a serious life of contemplation. That they are strangers here on probation, only candidates for the kingdom of god if they can choose the right belief.
This state of never knowing if your saved or damned is a cruel trick. It’s no wonder people are mixed up for years, or even lifetimes trying to undo what has been done with the best of intentions, in a religion that is impossible.
TheCommonAtheist 
Have you heard of brazen bull??
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Isn’t that like a barbecuer? I don’t know much about it other than the threat of it would make you a believer.
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Yeah that’s the one. You’re cooked alive and your screams sound like mooing.
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I heard something like that coming out of a bath house once. Maybe that was it?
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A bath house? That’s scary.
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Jim! Jim! I wanna know. Me. I wanna know. When do I finally know? ? What do I hafta do? Oh, please? Please?
You mean that was it? Big shit. I barely noticed.
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I know. I recall two early ones.
My 5th birthday party (rite) when I was so excited to be that grown up.
Second was also around that time, my first day of school happened (kindergarten). I objected loudly to no avail. Following that beginning (k-garden was fun), I thought school remained a pain in the ass.
Growing up Catholic there were so many. But I think I turned out fine in spite of it all. 🙂
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Thank the gods the artist retained the loin cloth otherwise this scene would be barbaric and disgusting.
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It is good to preserve the dignity of those you torture. Im just happy no one really believes in christianity any more. And to think this was done out of love.
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It’s business policy. No loincloth, no service.
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Ah come on. Knowing the outcome ahead of time would spoil the fun of the surprise.
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Here’s a new version of the spinner.
It’s amazing how much amusement rides have improved since the 16th century.
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These rites function by ritually marking the transition of someone to full group membership or adulthood. These transitions into man or womanhood have a long history, while many include some special task or special knowledge that assists the new adult transition into confident living and acceptance . . . In Hebrew/Christian/Islamic cultures of the western world there is only one, true rite of passage—it’s called psychotherapy.
Imagine what will happen when Jim learns about Bar and Bat Mitzvahs! ::mind will be blown!::
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Thanks. Maybe it is the Mitzvahs that put one in the chair instead of on the couch?
That is a fine tradition though. It takes a little more than coming of age before you’re old enough to come of age. I could one-up you with baptism or communion, if this is what you mean by mind-blown?
I would say some time alone in the mountains would fulfill this purpose through accomplishment vs a handout, but it is on a better track than nothing.
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Oh no. There are plenty of Jewish people with psychological issues.
My point is that the Abrahamic traditions have rites of passages as well. Rites of passages are geared towards what you will need to do and participate within that community.
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