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 had no special value to our heavenly Father. Additionally, the Bible tells us how God views 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 a 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 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 of us." - ACTS 17:24-27. 

Next time: What Is a Shrine?

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