Guest jrob8503 Posted October 2, 2003 Share Posted October 2, 2003 (edited) Is there anything wrong with an appreciation for the art of other religions? I am a big fan of Asian culture. I love Zen gardens, bamboo plants, bonsai trees, calligraphy, kabukis, samurai stuff and such. Some of these are inspired by Buddhism, Taoism and Shinto. I reading a post by this lady in another forum about how she flipped out when some friend of her's gave her a little Buddha statue as a gift. She was afraid to display it or even keep it in fear of commiting idolatry (even though Buddha isn't considered "the god" by many buddhist sects). I have a little Buddha statue (about 4 inches tall) display on my "tribute to the East" shelf, along w/ my bamboo plants and bonsais. I'm I doing anything wrong? I don't follow any of these religions nor have an interest in leaving the Catholic Church. I just happen to like some of the stuff they do. Just like many non-Catholics enjoy romanesque/gothic cathedrals, stained glass windows and Catholic icons (or is it frescos). I'm not flippin out like that lady was, but at the same time I don't want to be violating anything. Edited October 2, 2003 by jrob8503 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted October 2, 2003 Share Posted October 2, 2003 Being a different religion myself, I'd be one to say that it's perfectly fine to respect other religions, even if you odn't agree, there's no reason to pit yourself against anything different. I'm incredibly accepting of other religions because I'm a firm beleiver in the idea that if you aren't harming anyone or anyhting thing... then you aren't doing anyhting wrong. Besides, having the Buddha on yourself is perfectly acceptable, even as you're (most likely) a catholic, because you don't worship it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLAZEr Posted October 2, 2003 Share Posted October 2, 2003 I have and Evangelical Protestan friend who has a statue of the Infant of Prague in her entry way and St. Lucy by her Fireplace and the Blessed Mother in the Bathroom . . . she bought them cuz they were old anitque style things . . . but I think they have been interceding for her! She's so close to Rome, sooner or later she's gonna turn around and see she just swam the Tiber! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willguy Posted October 2, 2003 Share Posted October 2, 2003 I don't know what the church says, but I'm with you jrob. I LOVE Eastern art, including Eastern Religious art. When my family went to DC for vacation, I made them go to the one Smithsonian (Freer Museum) with all the Eastern art because I wanted to see it (I also made them go with me to the National Basilica). I also enjoy studying other religions. I have no intention of converting, I'm simply a curious person. Peace and God Bless, Willguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cure of Ars Posted October 3, 2003 Share Posted October 3, 2003 I don't see a problem with it. Catholics, at their best, have always followed the "Test everything; retain what is good." (1 Thess 5:21) But by definition anything that leads you away from Christ is not good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloysius Posted October 3, 2003 Share Posted October 3, 2003 i have a bonsai tree. it is cool. it looks cool. i like it. God created it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jrob8503 Posted October 3, 2003 Share Posted October 3, 2003 inDouche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmotherofpirl Posted October 3, 2003 Share Posted October 3, 2003 I would have all the art except for the statue of Buddha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Huether Posted October 3, 2003 Share Posted October 3, 2003 As long as you don't rub his belly! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PedroX Posted October 3, 2003 Share Posted October 3, 2003 I think trees, bamboo, paintings are fine. My rule on "religious" things (statues of Buddha, Krishna, etc) are that if they are religions that Christianity has defeated then they are OK. (for ex Zeus). This way they are more of trophys. That is however, just my opinion and not official church teaching. Cure posted a good point. peace... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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