Mrebo, you have an eloquence about which that I envy. Your posts are always thorough and unapologetic, and I appreciate it. I echo what you have said when I say that these rituals have no real significance except in that they bring us closer to God. They are the means he has chosen for us to return to him, though as an omnipotent being, he certainly needs no ritual from us to give us salvation. Instead, it is a means of communicating, and a way for us to demonstrate our willingness to obey. Thanks for the good comment.