The Importance of Respecting Religious Traditions and Boundaries in the Age of Social Media: A Follow-Up to Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah (1993)

In the first part of our exploration of the Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah Supreme Court case, we examined the landmark decision that reinforced religious freedom for minority religions, especially in relation to practices that may be misunderstood or controversial. The case established that minority religious groups, like the Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, have the constitutional right to practice their beliefs without fear of discriminatory laws or government interference. However, with the rise of social media and the increased visibility of religious practices, particularly those that were once considered private, it is important to consider the potential consequences of publicly sharing sacred rituals and practices.

As we celebrate the religious freedoms that the Lukumi Babalu Aye decision helped protect, we must also reflect on the responsibilities that come with those freedoms. In a world where the urge to share everything—from personal moments to religious practices—is prevalent on social media, it’s crucial to understand that not all aspects of a religion should be publicly displayed, especially when it comes to practices such as animal sacrifices, sacred ceremonies, and secret rites.

The Dangers of Sharing Sacred Practices on Social Media

Social media has become an essential tool for connecting with others, sharing ideas, and promoting causes. However, in the case of religious practices, especially those that are meant to be private and sacred, the spotlight can often have negative consequences. This is particularly true when it comes to traditions such as animal sacrifice, initiations, or other secretive aspects of spiritual practices that are not meant to be exposed to the public or non-practitioners. The sharing of these practices online can lead to several unintended negative outcomes:

1. Misrepresentation and Misunderstanding: Sacred rituals, especially those that involve animal sacrifice, are often deeply misunderstood by those who do not practice the religion. When these practices are shared on social media, they can be taken out of context, misrepresented, or sensationalized. This can lead to a negative public perception of the religion, perpetuating misconceptions about its beliefs and practices. Instead of fostering understanding and respect, public displays of private ceremonies can reinforce stereotypes, fear, and prejudice.

2. Violation of Religious Traditions: Many religious traditions, particularly in African diasporic faiths like Santería and other Afro-Cuban religions, have specific rules regarding what can and cannot be shared with the public. For example, initiates are typically instructed to keep certain aspects of their religious experiences private. The exposure of these inner workings not only violates those sacred traditions but can also cause harm to the spiritual integrity of the practitioners involved. By sharing these private moments, practitioners may be unknowingly disrespecting the very faith they seek to honor.

3. Feeding the Ego and Personal Gain: In many cases, the decision to share private rituals or ceremonies on social media is not motivated by a desire to educate others or promote understanding of the religion. Instead, it often serves as a form of grandstanding or self-promotion. The act of posting ritualistic ceremonies can feed an individual’s ego, making them feel more “important” or “influential” within the religious community. This kind of self-serving behavior distracts from the deeper spiritual goals of the religion and can mislead potential initiates about the true nature of the faith. Followers may be drawn to the outward display of power or prestige rather than the true essence of spiritual growth, devotion, and service.

4. Potential for Exploitation: When religious practices are shared publicly, particularly those involving animal sacrifice or other sacred rites, it can attract individuals who are more interested in exploiting the religion for personal gain or sensationalism than in genuinely following its teachings. This could include individuals who want to profit from offering “exclusive” glimpses into secret ceremonies or those who use the religion’s imagery for marketing purposes. Exploiting the faith for financial gain or attention diminishes the authenticity and sanctity of the practice.

The Greater Good: Promoting the Positive Aspects of the Religion

In light of these potential negative impacts, it is important for practitioners to remember that the true power of any religion lies in its teachings, its community, and its ability to bring people closer to their spiritual selves. While social media may seem like a tempting platform for showcasing religious practices, it is crucial to recognize that sharing private rituals does not serve the greater good of the religion. Instead, it can create unnecessary division, misunderstanding, and exploitation.

Religious communities have long used ceremonial rites and rituals as a means of connecting with the divine, and these experiences are meant to be transformative for the individual. When shared with the public, however, they lose their sacredness and often become diluted. The ritual becomes a performance, rather than a genuine act of devotion. This can be harmful not only to the practitioners but to the integrity of the faith itself.

For prospective initiates, it is essential to understand that the spiritual journey within a religion like Santería or other Afro-Cuban traditions is deeply personal. The path to enlightenment and divine connection requires a commitment to the teachings of the religion and an understanding of its practices—practices that are not meant to be consumed as entertainment or spectacle. Publicly displaying animal sacrifices or secret rites does not help potential followers better understand the religion or its values. Instead, it fosters a false sense of spirituality based on spectacle and external validation.

Moving Forward: Responsibility and Respect

As religious practitioners, we must respect the sacredness of our practices and ensure that we are not using them for personal gain or public attention. The spiritual journey requires humility, reverence, and a deep commitment to the teachings of the faith. Social media, while a useful tool for communication and outreach, should not become a platform for showcasing what is meant to be sacred and private.

Religious communities have a responsibility to protect their traditions from exploitation, to preserve the sanctity of their rites, and to guide others toward a deeper understanding of their faith. Rather than focusing on grandstanding or self-promotion, practitioners should focus on the true purpose of their religious practices: connection, healing, and spiritual growth.

In the end, the teachings of any religion are best communicated through lived experiences, compassionate actions, and respectful engagement with others. Public displays of ritual practices should be approached with caution, ensuring that what is shared serves the collective spiritual growth of the community, rather than feeding individual egos or promoting misrepresentation. Let’s work together to protect the integrity of our sacred practices, honor our traditions, and share our faith with respect, reverence, and authenticity.