A woman from Africa who was studying to be a member of the clergy came to preach to us one night.
In her sermon she mentioned how she spent an entire year in India. She described a ceremony (of Jaipur) that was going on when she got there. There was an elephant that was painted pink, with many ornaments. This elephant was made of papier mache and carried on a very large platform down a street. At the end of the street was a river, which the elephant was then thrown into. She found this quite troubling. She also saw what they were doing to be 'idolatry' which she clearly passed judgement upon. I found it quite strange that you could live in India for a whole year and A.) not make some effort to learn about their culture, so you could at least intelligently speak upon it. and B.) Have enough reverence and respect for them after all that time not to speak of them in this manner.
In Spain, they have Easter festivals, where they carry huge crosses with a crucified Jesus on them through the streets, with people singing praise to the cross as it passes in the street. But this isn't idolatry? It just seems like an unfair assessment. I really don't like the 'I am right and you are wrong.' sort of attitude that goes with some Christian teachings. Here you are a college educated person, but somehow you can't extend yourself enough to learn about the culture you are living in. I am sure her purpose was to minister to people there and convert them to Christianity. So I guess knowing about their beliefs doesn't matter at that point.
I dunno.
Just seems lazy to me.
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