Can you tell us anything more about that experience?
It's another day, and I'm keen to hear a story from India.
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Have you attended religious services for religions other than your own?
- Thread starter Quintessence
- Start date
Can you tell us anything more about that experience?
It's another day, and I'm keen to hear a story from India.
Hey, that brings up an interesting element about experiencing other religious groups and services - the art that is brought into it. I've heard about some congregations that basically make service like a high-energy rock concert, and other groups will play quiet folk music. If there's one thing religion is really good at, it's inspiring the arts, from the storytelling to painting, dance to theater, odes and poetry to drum beats.
The experiences in Israel must have been amazing. I know a few folks who have gone there, and there was a lot of powerful emotion that was involved in visiting something so closely tied to their ancestors. There's a magic to it, in a fashion. Maybe it's just there's something exotic about visiting religious structures outside of one's home country in general? When I got to travel to Japan, I was able to visit some Shinto shrines and the like. This was before I knew Neopaganism existed, but even dulled as my senses were, I felt the spirits of that land and those shrines even as a proverbial muggle. If anyone here ever visits Japan, make a point of experiencing the shrines. They're amazing!
No, I've not had the chance.
How so?
LOL... I almost forgot about those. As a kid, I used it as a footstool anyway.
What about it made you edgy? Does that imagery in general bother you? Maybe it was something about the aesthetics of the presentation?
In a way, I can sympathize. The iconography of a guy nailed to a cross isn't exactly pleasant.
Cool! There's something to be said for holding religious services in a different language, as it can have the effect of making the moment feel more sacred. I learned that there is a Jewish temple in my community recently - I'll have to see what denomination they are. If nothing else, they can give me tips on where to look for matzo meal to make my favorite matzo ball soup.
I have now learned two new words in the course of this thread. Yay, learning! I'd have just called them Hindu temples and Sikh temples.
That is correct, right?
Akivah
Well-Known Member
It felt so foreign. And that I shouldn't be there. I'm glad that we didn't have anything on our heads, I felt a complete absence of G-d's presence.
Unveiled Artist
Veteran Member
For some reason, you have an positive and relaxing aura in your post. (I can feel the vibes. Seriously.)
I actually think it would depend on the area. Maybe if the UU Church was not practically next to the Catholic Church, they may not be to organized religious-focused. I did meet one pagan there from their CUUPs (Covenant of Universal Unitarian Pagans). He asked me to help him develop a group for pagan sermons. He tried years ago, but the congregants wanted a coven instead. There is a lot of technical and financial planning involved with creating a group within the church; and, I don't know if the members really got that. I was thinking about doing it. I'm not too much into mythology as he is; so, trying to find a variety of "sermon like" topics ranging to accommodate all pagans would be difficult.
Maybe find a CUUPs within the UU Church near you and talk to the people there? They may have something more close and specific to what you may be looking for. UU sermons seem to be various. One time they talked about science and origination of the universe through non religious means. Others were strictly against organized religions. Check it out.
I wanted to visit these temples. They are quite out of my area. Here are some links and pictures from the temples I want to and have gone to.
Home
Welcome to Wat Thai D.C.
I went this this temple here. It's Pure Land
(I was told it had a Christian-like feel to it)
Home :: Ekoij Buddhist Temple
This is modern. It is the SGI multicultural center. Nichiren Buddhist sect.
This is the one I went to above. It is cute, a little off the bus route, but worth going. The owner and monk there did not speak a word of English; so, I was glad my friend can translate in Vietnamese. Inside:
(Sometimes I think I'm meant to be a Buddhist; but, can't throw down the paganism.) My friend and I bowed keeled just as these two gentlemen. Further back on either side are miniature statues of different Buddhas. Each Buddha means something different. One for blessings. One for protection. On the right, there's a little more private room that we were allowed to go and look around (look but don't touch). It had picture history of the owner's home town, family, and other Buddhas and temples from their country.) Annandale VA: Annandale house transformed into Buddhist temple
Haha. I know. I had an acquaintance years ago who was born into the JW. She said that she barely got any sleep. Her parents wanted her to study the Bible and Watchtower daily. She had high school studies and also had to fulfill obligations to go door to door and evangelize. She couldn't celebrate birthdays and Christmas with her other friends.
Yet, the couple I know now happy in their faith. They have strict rules, of course. They have never turned their back or told me what I believe is false. Even though I agree a little bit with the JW doctrine, I couldn't commit myself as they do. I long for fellowship; but, not to the extent of obligation but desire to learn and worship with like-minded people. Hard to find pagans like that here in a christian oriented area, and Catholic oriented town.
Seriously.)I actually think it would depend on the area. Maybe if the UU Church was not practically next to the Catholic Church, they may not be to organized religious-focused. I did meet one pagan there from their CUUPs (Covenant of Universal Unitarian Pagans). He asked me to help him develop a group for pagan sermons. He tried years ago, but the congregants wanted a coven instead. There is a lot of technical and financial planning involved with creating a group within the church; and, I don't know if the members really got that. I was thinking about doing it. I'm not too much into mythology as he is; so, trying to find a variety of "sermon like" topics ranging to accommodate all pagans would be difficult.
Maybe find a CUUPs within the UU Church near you and talk to the people there? They may have something more close and specific to what you may be looking for. UU sermons seem to be various. One time they talked about science and origination of the universe through non religious means. Others were strictly against organized religions. Check it out.
I wanted to visit these temples. They are quite out of my area. Here are some links and pictures from the temples I want to and have gone to.
Home
Welcome to Wat Thai D.C.
I went this this temple here. It's Pure Land
(I was told it had a Christian-like feel to it)
Home :: Ekoij Buddhist Temple
This is modern. It is the SGI multicultural center. Nichiren Buddhist sect.
This is the one I went to above. It is cute, a little off the bus route, but worth going. The owner and monk there did not speak a word of English; so, I was glad my friend can translate in Vietnamese. Inside:
(Sometimes I think I'm meant to be a Buddhist; but, can't throw down the paganism.) My friend and I bowed keeled just as these two gentlemen. Further back on either side are miniature statues of different Buddhas. Each Buddha means something different. One for blessings. One for protection. On the right, there's a little more private room that we were allowed to go and look around (look but don't touch). It had picture history of the owner's home town, family, and other Buddhas and temples from their country.) Annandale VA: Annandale house transformed into Buddhist temple
Haha. I know. I had an acquaintance years ago who was born into the JW. She said that she barely got any sleep. Her parents wanted her to study the Bible and Watchtower daily. She had high school studies and also had to fulfill obligations to go door to door and evangelize. She couldn't celebrate birthdays and Christmas with her other friends.
Yet, the couple I know now happy in their faith. They have strict rules, of course. They have never turned their back or told me what I believe is false. Even though I agree a little bit with the JW doctrine, I couldn't commit myself as they do. I long for fellowship; but, not to the extent of obligation but desire to learn and worship with like-minded people. Hard to find pagans like that here in a christian oriented area, and Catholic oriented town.
Yeah, sometimes there is that vibe from certain UU fellowships, though in my experience it's typically subtle and not intended to be a dig against various other religions. A number of UUers are Christian, so... yeah. The fellowships really vary in character. It's been a long time since I've been, but I really ought to start making a point of attending.
What was the architecture of the space like? I know that good rooms for meditation and contemplation tend to be designed a certain way, and it'd be interesting to hear if their site had any of those considerations in mind. Maybe the energy of the space just felt relaxing, or something?
Wow... how do they keep people active and engaged during that whole time?! I remember the most painful thing about hour-long mass on Sundays being the sheer boredom of it as a child having to sit through that. I can't imagine two or three hours, even as an adult.
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Well, just not had the chance lol. It's not like where I live is brimming with houses of worship. There isn't even a nearby Catholic Cathedral, let a lone a Hindu Temple. Also, if I'm going to attend the service of another Religion, I want to see it properly, not an Anglicised version of it. I want to go to a synagogue but to get to my closest would not be practical. It's sad. I don't have lots of money for travel, I can't drive (and if I could I could not afford a car). So...
NewGuyOnTheBlock
Cult Survivor/Fundamentalist Pentecostal Apostate
I am atheist and though I don't consider atheism a religion, I decided to post anyway.
I have recently accepted an invitation by my Mom to attend a charismatic Christian revival. It was ... interesting ...
In dealing with depression, my room mate (druid) believes that part of my issue deals with closure. He has offered a druidic "last rites" ceremony on my behalf in honor of those whom I missed the opportunity to say "goodbye" to. I have accepted.
I have recently accepted an invitation by my Mom to attend a charismatic Christian revival. It was ... interesting ...
In dealing with depression, my room mate (druid) believes that part of my issue deals with closure. He has offered a druidic "last rites" ceremony on my behalf in honor of those whom I missed the opportunity to say "goodbye" to. I have accepted.
Terrywoodenpic
Oldest Heretic
The greatest distinction between churches is in how and who they pray to.
some pray to God through an intermediary, such as a saint, Mary or one of the Apostles.
others Pray to Jesus directly for his help and deliverance.
Many others like my self Pray directly to God, as we were taught to do so by Jesus.
Those churches that believe in the Apostolic succession worship in forms that are remarkably similar, down to the words and responses used. To the extent that a casual visitor might not know which church he was in,
The more, recent denominations have distinctive styles, beliefs, and usually an exclusiveness that is a bar to those who do not believe as they do.
However all claim in some way to be christian.
Terrywoodenpic
Oldest Heretic
Where in the Uk do you live. It sounds like you are out in the country some where.
I live in a village , but there are several methodist, several Anglican, a catholic, a congregational, a non demonational and even a spiritualist church all with in walking distance. If I fancied a five mile hike I could add a Unitarian to the list.
I'm in a tiny little village, nearly a hamlet, in North England. There are three Churches within reach. All are Anglican. One doesn't function except rarely.
Terrywoodenpic
Oldest Heretic
I know what that is like, as a boy I lived for a while on a small farm in the wilds of wales.
You can feel so cut off from the world in such places. Transport is always a major problem. Luckely a spell in the army from 17, then 3 years away at college. Set me on a totally different life. I only ever went back on short visits.
It must be even tougher for a young lady.
metis
aged ecumenical anthropologist
When I've talked to people who have been to Israel, regardless as to what their religion may be, I typically say "One doesn't visit Israel-- one experiences Israel".
As far as Japan is concerned, you make me jealous because that's the country I haven't visited that I wanted to visit the most.
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
I think that's very likely the case. I don't think you'd be likely to see that kind of thing happening outside of Utah.
I was envisioning in my head that you were being held hostage or something. *laughs*
I bet there might be some services and other religious functions available online as documentaries or on a site like YouTube. It's not the same as actually going yourself, but it can offer a window, eh?
*chuckles* You're more than welcome. There are atheistic religions too, and even if there weren't, the idea of exploring other people's cultures applies to pretty much anybody.
Aren't those the ones where there is a lot of shouting and pumped, high-energy music or something? Or am I thinking something else? I've never been myself.
You'll have to tell me about how that goes. One of the things our culture seems to have lost (I suppose I shouldn't presume - by "our" culture I mean American, Western culture, and probably this applies to Western European culture as well) is the practice of rites of passage. Because of that, we often lack any sense of closure as one part of our lives moves on to another. I wonder what it would be like to live in a society with ingrained, ritualistic rites of passage? Traditions that are meaningful? Hard to say. Either way, I do hope it helps you out.
NewGuyOnTheBlock
Cult Survivor/Fundamentalist Pentecostal Apostate
Yyyyyyep.
I'll try to remember. Thing is, my depression hits seasonally, and my next bought isn't due until November. I can't promise I will remember, but I will put forth effort to do so.
Well...a whole mess of different Christian denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Assembly of God, Baptist, and...whatever else.
But some of the indigenous stuff I have been able to go to have been more interesting to me. I tend to get a little pissed off in Christian services for what I perceive (rightly or wrongly) as hypocrisy. The indigenous ceremonies always struck me as less 'religious' and more 'cultural'.
I've attended indigenous Australian and Maori ceremonies, but they were in some cases a little theatrical, and in some a little half-arsed.
But I was able to attend a major sing-sing whilst living in Papua New Guinea. There were only 2 non-locals there, including me, and it was a major cultural event (celebration of independence) so they went the whole hog. Several hundred people involved for most of a day.
That was pretty amazing. Even had a witch doctor there in traditional garb and mask.
Lots of singing, dancing and traditional costume, and lots of ancestor worship.
But some of the indigenous stuff I have been able to go to have been more interesting to me. I tend to get a little pissed off in Christian services for what I perceive (rightly or wrongly) as hypocrisy. The indigenous ceremonies always struck me as less 'religious' and more 'cultural'.
I've attended indigenous Australian and Maori ceremonies, but they were in some cases a little theatrical, and in some a little half-arsed.
But I was able to attend a major sing-sing whilst living in Papua New Guinea. There were only 2 non-locals there, including me, and it was a major cultural event (celebration of independence) so they went the whole hog. Several hundred people involved for most of a day.
That was pretty amazing. Even had a witch doctor there in traditional garb and mask.
Lots of singing, dancing and traditional costume, and lots of ancestor worship.
Vishvavajra
Active Member
I've been to a number of Christian services throughout my life, both at times when I was trying to identify as Christian and at times when I wasn't. Just this year I've been to a Catholic mass at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and a number of local Methodist services at my neighbor's church. I'm baptized Catholic from infancy but don't actually practice, so it's mostly a foreign tradition to me. The mass was beautiful on the aesthetic level, but it's also alienating to those who aren't used to doing things just so, and most folks don't seem to have a lot of patience for those who don't know the drill. The Methodist services were OK, and the pastor is cool, but the songs were pretty terrible, and the Total Depravity business was very off-putting. It wasn't hellfire and brimstone or anything, but they spent so much time hammering on how helpless and incapable people are without God that it got to be ridiculous. I got to feeling that even though I was welcomed on the outside, my perspective would not be.
In any case, it's good to get out and do that sort of thing, if only to remind oneself that religions are cultures and the people are basically the same. When people get all tribal over that sort of thing, it's no good.
In any case, it's good to get out and do that sort of thing, if only to remind oneself that religions are cultures and the people are basically the same. When people get all tribal over that sort of thing, it's no good.
If the door's open you can just go in, though you'll probably be asked to remove your shoes. There may be someone around to answer questions if you have them, but unless there's a group activity going on at the time, visitors do their own thing. Common individual activities include prostrations and offerings of incense. Groups may do those as well as chanting. Nobody will mind if you just want to walk around and admire the images.
dust1n
Zindīq
FreedomIsNatural
Member
I've been to many Christian services, I would like to attend more different kinds but I live in the bible belt so it can be difficult. I do plan on joining a Baha'i organization to learn more about them though. I would really like to get to know some Druids though.
Twilight Hue
Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
I've been in Kingdom Halls as many among my family are JW's and also attended synagogues in the past. Both were reasonably pleasant and accomidating experiences.