Visiting Japanese Shrines as a Tourist

Sune

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Hi all, I'm planning to go to Japan to teach English next year and I was wondering what the general opinion of visiting shrines as a tourist is. In the past I have visited shrines and taken pictures of the buildings, nature and statues (idols), and admiring only their aesthetic qualities. However, I've lately wondered if even that was too much endorsement of pagan religions. While I never participated in the praying/fortune telling/talismans etc. I did occasionally wash my hands and mouth with water as a sign of respect of their beliefs, but in hindsight I don't think I would do so again. I realise there might not be a consensus on this topic outside of not actively participating, but I would appreciate hearing your opinions.
God bless,
S
 
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Albion

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Hi all, I'm planning to go to Japan to teach English next year and I was wondering what the general opinion of visiting shrines as a tourist is. In the past I have visited shrines and taken pictures of the buildings, nature and statues (idols), and admiring only their aesthetic qualities. However, I've lately wondered if even that was too much endorsement of pagan religions. While I never participated in the praying/fortune telling/talismans etc. I did occasionally wash my hands and mouth with water as a sign of respect of their beliefs, but in hindsight I don't think I would do so again. I realise there might not be a consensus on this topic outside of not actively participating, but I would appreciate hearing your opinions.
God bless,
S
Personally, I don't know enough about the meaning of all the gestures and actions, but if washing hands and mouth is understood by the people who are of that faith to be exclusively a gesture of respect (and also not obligatory, from what I think you were telling us), then...

I don't think what you've described is anything more than a non-theological politeness on the part of a visitor.
 
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Amittai

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To my mind the most crucial point is whether in the mind of adherents this implicates you in any affiliation.

A partly analogous but probably different case is the muslims' iftar where, even away from a mosque, you are alleged to be making yourself a moslem by joining in; also by reciting their recitations, anywhere; etc.

In the case of shrines any such quandary (if any) is presumably only confined to the premises and doesn't affect the rest of the country?

Then you could look up background information about how strongly any imprecations (or what kind) may have been impressed on the place? Has it been deactivated?

Apart from that listen to your gut feelings / radar; don't stare too hard at grotesquely intense objects (if any); make sure not to get influenced by strongly untoward texts (if any); etc? Not being familiar with that scene, I don't know how much you might run in to any of those things. And don't get mesmerised or hypnotised. Check details of participation out with natives / experts.

Christian churches are very different from most things because you can sit in a pew and listen to scriptures etc and not be under the slightest obligation.

From pictures, I personally like their buildings and gardens.
 
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WDSobieski

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It is no big issue visiting and appreciating them merely from an artistic aspect, their deities are nothing after all. However I won't be engaging in the activities such as washing hands before entering the shrine, ringing the bell or buying talismans from the clergy there. Even it's just out of curiosity and not believing in the gods, how would others view of us as Christians doing pagan rituals? Would it crumble our faith?

To be honest (also it'd be quite an unpopular opinion on CF here) it seems to be quite one-sided on non-Christians visiting Christian sites, such as the Vatican City, Cologne Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
 
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Sune

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It is no big issue visiting and appreciating them merely from an artistic aspect, their deities are nothing after all. However I won't be engaging in the activities such as washing hands before entering the shrine, ringing the bell or buying talismans from the clergy there. Even it's just out of curiosity and not believing in the gods, how would others view of us as Christians doing pagan rituals? Would it crumble our faith?

To be honest (also it'd be quite an unpopular opinion on CF here) it seems to be quite one-sided on non-Christians visiting Christian sites, such as the Vatican City, Cologne Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
I feel much the same, I felt very uncomfortable when my (non-Christian) chose to participate in the religious activities themselves, although they were understanding when I told them I wouldn't participate due to my faith.
 
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Sune

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To my mind the most crucial point is whether in the mind of adherents this implicates you in any affiliation.

A partly analogous but probably different case is the muslims' iftar where, even away from a mosque, you are alleged to be making yourself a moslem by joining in; also by reciting their recitations, anywhere; etc.

In the case of shrines any such quandary (if any) is presumably only confined to the premises and doesn't affect the rest of the country?

Then you could look up background information about how strongly any imprecations (or what kind) may have been impressed on the place? Has it been deactivated?

Apart from that listen to your gut feelings / radar; don't stare too hard at grotesquely intense objects (if any); make sure not to get influenced by strongly untoward texts (if any); etc? Not being familiar with that scene, I don't know how much you might run in to any of those things. And don't get mesmerised or hypnotised. Check details of participation out with natives / experts.

Christian churches are very different from most things because you can sit in a pew and listen to scriptures etc and not be under the slightest obligation.

From pictures, I personally like their buildings and gardens.

Thank you, I think I agree with you here. I admit, I don't think I even considered learning more about the shrines texts etc. while there. While I have a basic understanding of Shinto and Buddhist religions I have no desire to study their texts.
 
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Joined2krist

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Here's what David thought about people who worshiped other gods and participating in their rituals

'Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves, I will not take part in their sacrifices; I will not worship their gods' Ps 16:4

It's good that you have no intension of worshipping with them, I also suggest that you avoid participating in anything that gives them the impression that you're getting involved with their sacrifices.

Personally, I will avoid taking pictures of their idols and shrines even washing my hands in their Temples but that's up to you.

I pray you have great experiences as you begin a new life in Japan next year. God bless
 
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Hi all, I'm planning to go to Japan to teach English next year and I was wondering what the general opinion of visiting shrines as a tourist is. In the past I have visited shrines and taken pictures of the buildings, nature and statues (idols), and admiring only their aesthetic qualities. However, I've lately wondered if even that was too much endorsement of pagan religions. While I never participated in the praying/fortune telling/talismans etc. I did occasionally wash my hands and mouth with water as a sign of respect of their beliefs, but in hindsight I don't think I would do so again. I realise there might not be a consensus on this topic outside of not actively participating, but I would appreciate hearing your opinions.
God bless,
S
I am a Christian and had a chance to go to Japan (loved it!) and the company I worked for at the time, set up a tour that included a few shrines. There is a place to wash your hands before entering, but its not monitored or required (at least the ones I went to). I looked it from a tourist perspective like visiting the Eifel Tower or the Louvre and not a place of worship. I showed respect, but did not participate in prayer, bowing down etc. I enjoyed the nature outside the temples. My heart is always with God no matter where I am at.

Some of the botanical gardens are beautiful. I definitely recommend going to their highest building (its a tourist attraction) I forget the name the view from the top is incredible. Japan is massive, but everyone seemed really nice, respectful and helpful. I would love to go back again. I hope you have a blessed time there!
 
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