This morning I had a very interesting conversation between my cell grp members in church and I wish to express my views here after the conversation. This is about religion vs cultural vs Christianity kinda of thingy but I do not wish to cause any disturbance between both of the different aspects cuz this is kinda individual kind of view thing. Firstly, I would like to apologise if I said any negative comments about religions or cultures cuz this is all from my perspective. OK. Let’s get started!
Our cell grp-in-charge was saying the problem of respecting elderly and ancestors and the use of joss sticks. When there is a wake, should Christians follow their relatives who are non-christians to use the joss sticks? For me, I think the answer would be a yes, as long as it doesn’t affect my faith. One can be doing a certain kind of ritual but they are doing out of respect and not really praying to that person so the most impt thing is wad the heart thinks. Additionally, the bible states that we shld: “Obey our parents.” The assumption is parents are also equals to our ancestors, if we don’t do a ritual that is a form of respect, are we not following the bible’s words of not respecting our elderly? Moreover, even if we kneel down or use the joss sticks, it doesn’t mean that we are conforming or showing the non-christians --- we are actually jus showing our respect and we are definitely not praying or worshipping. Ultimately, what really matters is how ur heart actually thinks when u are doing these rituals. In addition, from my experience, most ppl think that respecting is a very essential good work that Christians shld have. Besides the non-christians, those that are abt to believe in Christianity may think that why isn’t the Christians doing the simple filial piety? Of, course we do not want their faith in God to waver. In conclusion, I do not wish to conclude wad a Christian really shld do cuz this is a debatable question and kinda sensitive. And, if one does the rituals, it is impt that he explain to others abt his actions to avoid confusion. However, I believe that wad matters is wad a person really thinks and that they are following bible’s words and not affecting him or herself or others’ faith. Overall, this is still a debatable question as said before, anyone can comment :)
