Traditional and ritualistic practices are certainly needed to start with. It is like learning the alphabet first when one learns a language. Once you have the alphabet a, b, c, d, etc., you can learn words like God. After learning words, one can form sentences. Once one can read sentences, one can then read an entire book. In the same way, wise men of the past initiated people to the concept of Divinity by advising them to visit temples, holy places, etc. This is rather like learning the alphabet. All such practices were recommended as spiritual drill for the ordinary people and beginners on the spiritual path. But practicising rituals without understanding their real meaning becomes an obstacle in spiritual growth.
