Visiting temples and shrines as tourism

[Julie.S]

We know as Christians there is one God. Eastern religions have hundreds, thousands, and I think even millions of gods depending on the religion. Multiple gods are represented in the artwork and workmanship of the temples and shrines. This could confuse someone new to the faith who isn't quite clear yet on Who God really is.

I'm sorry but if someone knows the basics even of Christianity in general I would think they know there is only one God.

 

[Goodbook]

Some people do think they can worship God AND other gods as well.
So that is why.

But God doesn't like idolatry. What can confuse someone is catholic statues that are just like in hindu temples. Which is why protestants don't have statues in their church buildings. Its just the same idolatry except the devotion is to some paintings and statues supposedly representing Jesus, but people could be placing their faith IN the statue/painting rather than who Jesus is. Jesus doesn't need us to have a picture of him around all the time, and doesn't require us to idolise Him.

 

[Xalith]

I'm sorry but if someone knows the basics even of Christianity in general I would think they know there is only one God.

You'd think that, but then there are other solid core principles of Christianity that I've seen a number of "Christians" get wrong such as, say, repentance? How many people again, believe in "Free Grace", where they can say "I'm sorry" on Sunday and then go back to doing whatever it was they were doing wrong in the first place all over again and repeat this process every single week of their "Christian" lives? You'd think anybody who knows the basics of Christianity would know better, but... apparently not. You can't assume people know stuff.

Christians are to lead by example. We are called to live holy and separated lives. The world's ways are not God's ways. We are called to follow His ways, and while none of us are perfect, we can at least try our best to lead a holy, Christian life. Our life is the biggest witness to our faith that we have. A person who professes Christ, but goes out and do things no Christian should do (getting drunk, getting rowdy at sports games, swearing, etc) is only sullying Christ's name.

Gandhi once said "I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians for they are nothing like your Christ."

Let that sink in for a moment. Gandhi refused to become Christian, because of people who SAY about Christ, but don't DO what Christ did. They are hearers, and sayers of the word... but they aren't doers.

When you go to another religion's Temple, for entertainment purposes or curiosity... what does that say about you and your faith? Seriously, you're curious about a false religion? If you're a Christian, and you claim you have faith in Him, then you know you've found your Path. Why are you curious about any other path, which you (should) know is wrong?

EDIT: The 'yous' in this paragraph are hypothetical and not aimed at anyone in specific.

What does that say to other people who witness "Christians" visiting and watching, and learning about other gods? It shows a lack of faith in your own God. Do you really want to be telling other people that you're full of nothing but vain words when you try to witness to them about the One True God, and then you go out and go exploring amongst other false gods?

Is that the message you want to send? If you want to go to other Temples to witness the Faith, then one should stand outside of the Temple and offer their words to people coming and going. There's no reason to go inside the Temple.

 

[Goodbook]

In india, some of the temples are full of rats.

 

[SnowyMacie]

When you go to another religion's Temple, for entertainment purposes or curiosity... what does that say about you and your faith? Seriously, you're curious about a false religion? If you're a Christian, and you claim you have faith in Him, then you know you've found your Path. Why are you curious about any other path, which you (should) know is wrong?

EDIT: The 'yous' in this paragraph are hypothetical and not aimed at anyone in specific.

What does that say to other people who witness "Christians" visiting and watching, and learning about other gods? It shows a lack of faith in your own God. Do you really want to be telling other people that you're full of nothing but vain words when you try to witness to them about the One True God, and then you go out and go exploring amongst other false gods?

Is that the message you want to send? If you want to go to other Temples to witness the Faith, then one should stand outside of the Temple and offer their words to people coming and going. There's no reason to go inside the Temple.

Knowledge, intellectual growth, about other cultures and places, the architectural beauty, history, etc.

 

[Jack of Spades]

When you go to another religion's Temple, for entertainment purposes or curiosity... what does that say about you and your faith?

I think it shows that persons faith is solid enough to not make a single visit to a building of another faith a too big of a deal. Making huge point about things like a tourist visit to an ancient building is hardly a sign of deep faith or peace of mind.

I still think it's a good idea to feel spiritually comfortable with what you're doing.

 

[Goodbook]

I'd go visit the churches on my travels and worship with believers. Which is what I'm gonna do in the Cook Islands.

one of my uncles is a buddhist and he once invited us to a buddhist temple somewhere in Auckland but honestly there is nothing much to see. You can have vegetarian food and there's lots of idols, but...I wouldn't go there to be a tourist. There is a mormon church up the road from me I pass it nearly everyday but I sure aint' going to go inside just to see what it's like. Besides they can kick you off if you are trespassing anyway. Its weird as it says its open for visitors but every time I go passed the gates are always locked and I never see anyone there.
I have even been to some so called christian cathedrals and the presence of God was totally absent. It was just a building. Lots of them now charge money for tourists to pay for upkeep, unless its flattened in an earthquake like what happened to Christchurch. I recall it had a gift shop, so it had become a money-making enterprise and business just like the temple did in Jerusalem in Jesus day.

 

[alsughasoughaiuyfygh]

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