Should Christians Worship at Shrines?

THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF SHRINES

How, then, should Christians view pilgrimages to and worship at shrines?  Taking into account Jesus' command that true worshippers worship God with spirit and truth, it is clear that worship rendered at any shrine or sacred place has no special value to our heavenly Father. Additionally, the Bible tells us how God view the veneration of idols in worship. It says: "Flee from idolatry" and "guard yourselves from idols." (1 Corinthians 10:14;  1 John 5:21)  Therefore, a true Christian would not worship at any place that is viewed as holy in itself or one that encourages idolatry. Thus, on account of the very nature of shrines, true Christians refrain from worshipping at them. 

This, however, does not mean that God's Word forbids having a preferred location for prayer, study, or meditation.  A meeting place that is orderly and dignified is conducive to learning and discussing spiritual things.  Neither is it wrong to make a memorial, such as a tombstone, for a deceased person. This may simply be an expression of remembrance or affection for the deceased. However, considering such a location as a holy place or venerating images or relics there would be completely contrary to Jesus' words.

Therefore, you do not need to go to a shrine in hopes that God is more likely to hear your prayer there.  Nor will God be pleased with you or give you special blessings for making a pilgrimage to a shrine. The Bible tells us that Jehovah God, the "Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples." But this does not make God distant from us. We can pray to him and be heard anywhere because "he is not far off from each one of us." -Acts 17:24-27. 

What Is a Shrine?

Originally the word "shrine" represented a case that held sacred relics.  The meaning has since broadened; It now refers to a place considered sacred, religiously or otherwise.  Religious shrines are dedicated to the worship of a deity or the veneration of a "holy" person. they often house images and relics that are believed to be associated with miracles, visions, or apparitions from the spiritual realm.  Today a shrine may be a temple, a church, or a niche  where a person worships.  Some set up a shrine in their home. Home shrines, in  both Oriental and Western lands, are small altars where people pray, meditate, or make offerings.

Not all shrines are intended to be places for religious worship.   For example, worldwide, families and friends of victims of fatal automobile accidents commonly make 'roadside shrines' in remembrance of their loved ones. Other shrines are more secular in nature and commemorate famous battles or those who died in a war or in some other tragedy. Although such shrines give people an opportunity to meditate and mourn, they often reflect the religious  beliefs and practices of those who set them up. 

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From The Watchtower magazine