I'm not at all shy about exploring the mechanisms of religions in other cultures. And, though I'm a conservative, Bible-believing Christian that belongs to a very conservative, fundamental church (the safest way to go in my opinion), I've even taken part in some ceremonies out of respect for the culture and other participants. My mother-in-law's funeral is a prime example.
But I knew someone, a member of the Church of Christ, that was so afraid and intimidated to be anywhere near this kind of thing it was downright funny. He visited Taiwan one time, and was at someone's home that had a shrine in a back room. A small statue of Buddha was positioned on a mantle along with some fruit and other accoutrements of worship. Every morning these homeowners would insert a couple of sticks of incense into the fruit as a prayer of safety, etc. for the day.
This fellow was a photographer - in fact, the best photographer I've ever known personally - and he could not resist the temptation to capture this back-room scene in a photograph. However this presented a dilemma, as he considering it a sin to be near such artifacts. I laughed out loud upon learning that he stood in the doorway for some time, gaining the courage to do his deed. When the time was right, he literally jumped into the room, snapped a single photo, and jumped back out of that room as quick as he could to escape whatever judgment would befall him on being so near these objects.
It was amusing, but at the same time I feel for those that live under such a cloak of insecurity that they effectively insulate themselves from many of the joys and pleasures of life on earth...not to mention some awesome learning and bonding opportunities that can help one to grow.
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