Asking the clergy about keeping faith contemporary

The world changes so fast these days. Can religion keep up? This week's clergy take a look at whether being old-fashioned is out of fashion in the worship of God. We asked: "Is it important for religion to be contemporary?"

Rabbi Howard R. Buechler, Dix Hills Jewish Center, Dix Hills:

At the heart and center of Judaism is a faith and belief system rooted in ancient traditions, yet also evolving with every generation. Yes, of course, it is important for religion and faith traditions to be contemporary, but it is even more vital for Judaism and every faith to be meaningful and relevant.

Contemporary aspects that come to mind include women being full partners in ritual roles -- bat mitzvah, becoming rabbis and leaders in prayer.

In Judaism, women from ancient times had the potential to become prayer leaders and fully equal in ritual roles. However, it is only in recent years that we have turned that potential into a brilliant reality. Women are assuming their rightful place on the bimah (in worship) and in the synagogue boardroom. Traditions are now incorporating the role of women as it was intended to be, in partnership with men.

Judaism can be observed in a contemporary rock havdalah service to conclude Shabbat, through online studies or in outreach beyond the walls of the synagogue.

Central to Judaism is a deep meaning and eternal relevancy. Contemporary realities add to Judaism in opening access and bringing more people to the ongoing dynamics of Jewish life. From equal gender roles to innovative worship and social media, Judaism is a tapestry of contemporary relevancy and trusted traditions -- and that is certainly divine.

The Rev. Fritz Nelson, Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne:

You don't have to be contemporary, but you do have to be relevant and engaged. It isn't necessary to have the latest music, be in with the latest fad or have the latest video. You do have to be connected to what is going on in the lives of individuals and the community.

If you're so out there that there's a major cultural disconnect between what is going on inside your church and outside your church, you can't address the community's needs or be involved in its lives. For example, we've committed to two years of superstorm Sandy relief because that is what is needed in our community. We also occasionally sing music from AD 500 because it is relevant and speaks to the congregation. Think about Scripture. It is really old but still relevant.

As a house of worship, we have to be relevant to the congregation and the community. You're ministering not only to those inside your walls but also to those who are not there yet.

James Campbell, clerk, Jericho Friends Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers):

For the Religious Society of Friends, one of the reasons why we have no creed is because our beliefs are constantly evolving. We do have a series of guidelines called "The Queries and Advices." They are a series of ideas that we believe in, but they're not written in stone and are constantly evolving.

For example, in the 18th century, slavery was not a big issue, just an accepted way of life. By the 19th century, Quakers were very, very active in the abolition of slavery. One example is prominent Quaker minister Elias Hicks (1748-1830), who, on his death bed, refused to be covered with a cotton blanket because it was a product of human bondage.

In the 19th century, the environment was not a huge issue, but today it comes up consistently in Quaker discourse. These are ideas that at one time may not have been thought of, but are now critical.

One of the big dangers of not being contemporary is becoming frozen in time and locked into rituals instead of the spirit of things. Rituals can take the place of real religion. One of the problems that people have with Quakerism is that there is no pomp and circumstance. I can appreciate that, but pomp and circumstance are not the core, not the cake but the frosting.

Our meetings here are almost always conducted in silence. In this age of all the technology, all the chatter, being bombarded by words and images 24-7,

I would think the silence of a Quaker Meeting would be welcome. What once would have seemed old-fashioned -- silence -- may now be contemporary.