Have you attended religious services for religions other than your own?

[Quintessence]

When learning about the world's religions, one of the best ways to do so is to attend their religious services. It provides an inside, immersive look at what that religion is about. As much as I love academic treatises about various topics, they are no substitute for first-hand experience. Words only convey so much, after all, and they can never hope to capture the quirks and charms of each individual grouping of religious people within a demographic.

Have you attended religious services or functions outside of your own religious affiliation? As a Jew, have you been to a Christian church? As a Christian, have you been to a Hindu temple? As a Hindu, have you been to an Islamic mosque? If you've had these experiences, what was it like? Did you learn something new and surprising? Was it a little bit scary and intimidating? If you've never visited another religion's sacred spaces to experience a religious service, would you like to? Let's share some stories!

 

[arthra]

Being a member of our Interfaith Council I attended a Thanksgiving service at a Reform Synagogue a few months ago... I used to frequent a Mandir nearby for Prasad and also a Sikh service awhile ago..

As a Baha'i family we wanted our children to understand other religions and welcome diversity so we made it our business to visit Mosques, Temples and churches.

I've never felt intimidated or threatened at any religious service I've attended...

 

[Quintessence]

I'll share a story. This was many years ago, so many of my memories about this experience have flown into the ether, but I had the opportunity to attend an ethnic foods festival held at a local Mosque for the Muslim community. It was like entering another cultural world, and it was beautiful. Even though I was a guest, I was asked to wear a headscarf. They had a number of them available for guests, and some of the young women spent time showing me how to put one on properly (which I have since, sadly, forgotten). Even though I am not Muslim, I wouldn't mind wearing one every day, but I can't bring myself to do that or people would make wrong assumptions or it would be disrespecting the tradition. Wearing one wasn't at all uncomfortable, and there is a humble beauty to the idea of them. The food was also awesome - so many new flavors I had never experienced before! Everyone was nice and friendly, willing to explain what all that strange food was and what was in it.

That experience many years ago remains my only first-hand experience with Islam, which is why I get so perplexed when people bad mouth it so. The only direct experience I've had with Muslims was overwhelmingly positive.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Have you attended religious services or functions outside of your own religious affiliation? As a Jew, have you been to a Christian church? As a Christian, have you been to a Hindu temple? As a Hindu, have you been to an Islamic mosque? If you've had these experiences, what was it like? Did you learn something new and surprising? Was it a little bit scary and intimidating? If you've never visited another religion's sacred spaces to experience a religious service, would you like to? Let's share some stories!

From time to time I attend Quaker meetings and join them for "silent worship", which is a form of silent contemplation - nice people. I don't share their belief in God but appreciate sharing the silence with them. I led a Quaker Quiet Day for them recently as I'd led similar events in a Buddhist context.
I once went to a Spiritualist meeting and was quite impressed with the guy who was leading it, he seemed to have some kind of ability, though what exactly I'm not sure. Something....

 

[Jumi]

I have gone to a few Protestant Christian churches. I planned on visiting a Gnostic mass earlier this year, but nothing came of it. I like the aesthetics of Mosques, Jain, Hindu and Taoist Temples so I would go if presented an opportunity.

I've also been at a sumbel that was quite unforgettable.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

When learning about the world's religions, one of the best ways to do so is to attend their religious services. It provides an inside, immersive look at what that religion is about. As much as I love academic treatises about various topics, they are no substitute for first-hand experience. Words only convey so much, after all, and they can never hope to capture the quirks and charms of each individual grouping of religious people within a demographic.

Have you attended religious services or functions outside of your own religious affiliation? As a Jew, have you been to a Christian church? As a Christian, have you been to a Hindu temple? As a Hindu, have you been to an Islamic mosque? If you've had these experiences, what was it like? Did you learn something new and surprising? Was it a little bit scary and intimidating? If you've never visited another religion's sacred spaces to experience a religious service, would you like to? Let's share some stories!

I have. I even tried to blog about it briefly:

The Religiologue - a Travelogue of Religions

I tried my best to keep an open mind and a positive viewpoint, but I found the experience so unpleasant and draining that I couldn't keep the blog going long enough to get to religions more outside my comfort zone.

One thing I kinda regret not checking out in retrospect: my university' Sikh student group held regular langars in our student centre. I walked by, but never went in. I think I figured that it was either meant as charity for the truly hungry or was some sort of proselytizing tactic. Since I graduated, I learned more about the practice and now I kinda wish I checked it out when I had the chance.

 

[dust1n]

Basically no. I mean, I've been to a number of Christian churches, the best I've been around being a Greek Orthodox Church. Been to one UU service. There is a Buddhist temple up here in Austin, I drive by on the way to work all the time. It's supposedly open to the public, and I'd love to go in there, but I'm not actually sure how it's suppose to work, if I need an invitation, etc. There's a Quaker church here as well, I've wanted to check it out for the sake of my curiosity. I'd love to go a langar.

Besides, any of that, no not really. I'd probably go if invited, to a Mosque or a Temple or a Synagogue, but I never have.

Personally, I don't find the experience that pleasurable. People tend to depress me when I sit around and watch how large groups do their thing. Unless we are talking langar. I can get down with food.

 

[Quintessence]

I once went to a Spiritualist meeting and was quite impressed with the guy who was leading it, he seemed to have some kind of ability, though what exactly I'm not sure. Something....

From what I understand, Spiritualists would basically identify as mediums or channels for the spirits of dead people. From that, they have (or seem to have, or claim) to have special knowledge emerging from those connections with the dead. It's not something I know a lot about, but it is certainly an interesting practice!

 

[Quintessence]

I have gone to a few Protestant Christian churches. I planned on visiting a Gnostic mass earlier this year, but nothing came of it. I like the aesthetics of Mosques, Jain, Hindu and Taoist Temples so I would go if presented an opportunity.

I've also been at a sumbel that was quite unforgettable.

I have never heard of a sumbel. What is it? What tradition is that from?

There's a surprising number of Hindu temples in the United States. There is one relatively close by to me that I hope to visit within the next year.

 

[Quintessence]

I have. I even tried to blog about it briefly:

The Religiologue - a Travelogue of Religions

I tried my best to keep an open mind and a positive viewpoint, but I found the experience so unpleasant and draining that I couldn't keep the blog going long enough to get to religions more outside my comfort zone.

One thing I kinda regret not checking out in retrospect: my university' Sikh student group held regular langars in our student centre. I walked by, but never went in. I think I figured that it was either meant as charity for the truly hungry or was some sort of proselytizing tactic. Since I graduated, I learned more about the practice and now I kinda wish I checked it out when I had the chance.

I'll have to take a look at that when I get the chance.

In my experience, sometimes it can be difficult to go experience these things because of the baggage we bring to the door. I have had that happen from time to time in going outside of my "in" group, where one little thing a preacher says sets me so off-kilter that I can't get past that to see the good things in the rest of what is being said. Last time I went to Catholic mass was like that. I think it was a Christmas mass, and there was this (to me) rubbish about how we are all fundamentally wicked sinners, which just totally spoiled any of the positive messages that otherwise would have came out of the mass for me. I'm thinking of going to a Catholic mass this weekend, because it has been a very long time, and it is a way of honoring my ancestors. We'll see if I can drag myself out on a Sunday to actually do it, though.

 

[Wu Wei]

As a Protestant I attended a Catholic church and went to several Buddhist and Taoist Temples and attended some of their "services".

 

[Jumi]

I have never heard of a sumbel. What is it? What tradition is that from?

It was an Asatru ritual I was invited to many years ago. Still want one of those drinking horns for myself

I'm don't know enough to describe, wikipedia has some backround

Symbel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Katzpur]

I've been to a couple of Catholic masses, a non-denominational Christian service, a Pentacostal service and a Unitarian Universalist service. I have a Muslim friend, and I've told her I'd like to attend Mosque with her sometime. We just haven't gotten together to do so yet. The only bad experience was at the non-denominational Christian service which was here in Salt Lake City. Throughout the sermon, there were sarcastic and rude remarks made about "the dominant religion in the area." Nobody used the word "Mormon," but it was clear who they were talking about. There was a lot of snickering going on every time a derogatory comment was made. The Catholic masses were my favorite.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I have only attended services in a variety of Christian churches. I have never felt any reason to attend other religions services. Though if I were invited I most probably would do so.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Youre the only one here in RF and RL (Real life) that visits the Church to honor your ansestors as I do if I go to mass to honor mine. Also, I agree the "wicked sin" thing...it makes my skin crawl when I hear it.

I guess the positive thing to take from it is being the bridge between your ancestors, you, their faith, and yours combined.

I'll have to take a look at that when I get the chance.

In my experience, sometimes it can be difficult to go experience these things because of the baggage we bring to the door. I have had that happen from time to time in going outside of my "in" group, where one little thing a preacher says sets me so off-kilter that I can't get past that to see the good things in the rest of what is being said. Last time I went to Catholic mass was like that. I think it was a Christmas mass, and there was this (to me) rubbish about how we are all fundamentally wicked sinners, which just totally spoiled any of the positive messages that otherwise would have came out of the mass for me. I'm thinking of going to a Catholic mass this weekend, because it has been a very long time, and it is a way of honoring my ancestors. We'll see if I can drag myself out on a Sunday to actually do it, though.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

When learning about the world's religions, one of the best ways to do so is to attend their religious services. It provides an inside, immersive look at what that religion is about. As much as I love academic treatises about various topics, they are no substitute for first-hand experience. Words only convey so much, after all, and they can never hope to capture the quirks and charms of each individual grouping of religious people within a demographic.

Have you attended religious services or functions outside of your own religious affiliation? As a Jew, have you been to a Christian church? As a Christian, have you been to a Hindu temple? As a Hindu, have you been to an Islamic mosque? If you've had these experiences, what was it like? Did you learn something new and surprising? Was it a little bit scary and intimidating? If you've never visited another religion's sacred spaces to experience a religious service, would you like to? Let's share some stories!

I went to a UU service twice and a JW meeting. The UU service, I like because of the diversity. However, since I have feelings with the Catholic Church and the Church is right down the street from the UU Church, I heard a lot of harsh things about Catholics and organized beliefs. A lot of the time, it was more of a sermon of how "free" they are from their faith and congrad each other rather than a sermon that stood on its own.

I visited a couple of Buddhist temples. One theravada the other veitnamese zen. The former temple was a small home behind the public temple where the owners meditate. They invited me; but, I was so far from my area and dont drive. The latter, anyone can come and pray to the Buddha. My friend took me and we prayed together.

The JW meeting was a wonderful experience. Of course they dont have similar views as catholics and some prodestant denominations, the study was very extensive. Its a two or three our meeting and "worship" was bible study. We talked among each other socially as well. One JW couple invited me. They also invited me to a yearly meeting they have thats all day.

I may take them on their offer some day. I have to get a lot of rest first.

Rest of the churches I gone to where christian denominations (non denomni, pentecostal, prespytarian, baptist, and southern (bible belt) baptist.

 

[Desert Snake]

I went to a few Xian meetings some time back, didn't know what was going on. Other religions, nope.

 

[ChristineES]

I have visited Jewish Synagogue.

 

[Eliab ben Benjamin]

Well, yes, a long time ago a friend and i took too long chatting after a Passover
service that we missed the late ferry home (pass tickets prepaid) ,
we walked back towards the Synagogue and came across a Good Friday
midnight mass being held at the RCC Cathedral, so we entered and listened
to the Mass, Startling for the congregation to have 2 Jewish Males, bedecked
in Kippah (scull cap) and Talit (prayer shawls) standing in the entrance as they
listened to a service that included Jews killing their lord .... Giggles .. (the looks)

At the conclusion after the congregation filed past us, the Bishop was very kind
and invited us (after we explained we were stuck in town cashless ) to stay overnight
and share a pot of tea and the priests quarters .... wonderful education ...

Since then i have visited most religions, cathedrals in most capital cities,
the Dali Lama in India ... but that is a story for another day

 

[Treks]

<snip>
One thing I kinda regret not checking out in retrospect: my university' Sikh student group held regular langars in our student centre. I walked by, but never went in. I think I figured that it was either meant as charity for the truly hungry or was some sort of proselytizing tactic. Since I graduated, I learned more about the practice and now I kinda wish I checked it out when I had the chance.

You are more than welcome to attend a Gurdwara and partake of langar. They would be happy to have you there, I'm sure. Gurdwaras are open to everyone regardless of their religion. All you need to do is wear a bandana on your head and leave your shoes wherever they put their shoes, usually somewhere near the door, and follow the crowd.

You won't run into any proselytizing - Sikhs just aren't like that. Even when I wanted them to proselytize, so we could discuss religion, not much discussion of religion seems to occur at Gurdwaras, LOL.

It is well worth the experience.

---

I've been to some pagan rituals, some Catholic masses, a couple of Christian events, a UU service, and of course, Sikh services. I would love to go to an open day for a Mosque.

And @Quintessence, I hear you on the humble beauty of the headscarf. Sikh women also wear headscarves, but they are not really for modesty, so they are worn loosely, and they're a pain in the butt because they're always sliding off your head unless you clip them to your hair. I've worn a headscarf in a Muslim style and it is much more comfortable.