Tradition is a beautiful thing. It's not handcuffs. You're free to worship. Jesus ain't your bro or friend. He's the Son of God and no man comes to God except through Him. So when you cross yourself, bow, show respect and love to those who've gone on before us, it's liberating and not trendy like music, always changing. Piety is not a bad thing. Going into a sanctuary, smelling frankincense, being surrounded by reminders that you're loved, partaking of the eucharist, confession, acts of personal piety are such an enriching thing.  Repetitive prayers and prayer aids can be empty BUT don't have to be. And for those like me, who pretty much suck at being Christian, piety is a path. It's a start, a tool, not the end goal.