General Chat

Really interesting replies, thanks.

I guess I'll bumble along wearing it on the days I feel comfortable doing so and leave it in the box when I am less so.

Sue xx

I dont own a cross and chain I have done over the years, my mum told me once they were unlucky and I have never worn one since yet I still have my faith.

I was given a round gold pendent ,engraved with a sunburst and a cross in the middle.I am not religious at all and do wear it sometimes.
Just because I love the design and it has sentimental value

Sue,
Do all the owners of Dreamcatchers follow the religion of Native Americans? I don't think so. As for the Dreamcatchers with chinese wind chimes attached - well - even I'm confused!!!

I have no belief, but have a lovely blue enamelled 22 carat square 'locket ' which says 'Allah' on it, which is very precious to me, as, my dad, who was a convert to Islam gave it to me. If it suits the outfit, or my feelings, I wear it.

I also have a 'button badge', which is a copy of a medieval religious token, which I bought, that I have never been able to wear (though tempted) because of it's shape.

One day I'll pluck up the courage.

It's in the shape of - well, to put it delicately it is............ a penis & testicles!!

ROFLMAO Maggie,

I get your point and everyone elses'. I think if I hadn't been 'in the church' prior to 2004 I wouldn't have thought twice about it.

I feel, in an odd way, guilty about wearing them.

Sue xx

Sue, no, it isn't a crucifix, it is an ornate cross, there is no figure of Christ on it. So no hypocracy (sp) there.

And Maggie.... wmsl!! sorry, lolol

My niece has a thing about Asian culture and ornamentation, bracelets, lots of gold... plus she wears a cross from her mum, and a celtic cross as well. She is mixed race, Hindi and Christian... but she doesn't see it as religious, just cultural, which is different!

There is nothing in most religious texts about the wearing of crosses, bracelets and other adornments... it is suggested that women cover their *crowning glory*... their hair... in both the bible and the Koran.... but only when worshipping, and it doesn't state you have to.

The only difference is the wearing of turbans and daggers for Seikhs, as far as I remember. But I may be wrong about that..... happy for anyone to correct me.

So... it is personal choice over whether someone wears the symbols of their faith.... it is not a requirement, in most cases.

As someone said... the fish symbol is the one that Christians recognise now as being definitively Christian.... and I am sure there is some text in the Bible which actually specifically forbids the wearing of symbols. Could be wrong!

So... you go on wearing your cross, and don't feel guilty, Sue.

And Maggie... your locket was a gift to you from your dad, who really believed, so therefore it should be worn with love and remembrance.

Love

Daff xxxx

IMO Florence has the right answer - 'A true believer does not judge, whatever their faith'. xx

Something about worshipping false idols Daff.

I'm not sure the seikh turban is an absolute must either. I worked for three seikh brothers, two did not wear turbans, the oldest one did. Obviously the carrying of daggers is illegal for members of the public so that wouldn't happen except perhaps on ceremonial occasions.

But, as with any religion, it's all open to interpretation.

Thanks TW, that was niggling at me, lolol....

The wearing of turbans, the dagger, and the cutting of hair and nails is actually written into the text of the Seikh religion, I think... but lots of Seikhs are not *extreme*.... the religion is a sort of breakaway from Hinduism, I think.... but it doesn't threaten hellfire and damnation if you don't follow it to the letter.... I'm on a roll now... I shall look it up tomorrow, but am off to my bed now, lol....... my ex BiL (different sister, lol it's like the United Nations in our family, lol) was a moderate Seikh, converted to Christianity where he met my sister at church, and was a bit of a zealot, to be honest. When they divorced, he reverted to Seikhism (?) and has gone the whole hog, no nail cutting (he used to bite them, too) hair cutting etc.

Isn't it frustrating when you have half memories of things!! Grrr!

Love

Daff xxxx

I was brought up RC but don't really have any faith now but almost always wear a crucifix. It's more about my past and also a bit of protection(!) for me even though I don't relly believe now but I don't think it makes me a hypocrite either.

See Mrs Sensible knows what to say (even though it's late evening).

If you are interested on BBC1 now is 'Are Christians being persecuted? I am recording it but it may have a bearing on the wearing of religious symbols/icons/dress.

Sue x