Religious Displays in Public

[QUINNSCOMMENTARY]

I was just in a restaurant and the people sitting next to me began their meal holding hands and praying. While in Heathrow airport last week there were several orthodox Jews in their traditional clothing praying, swaying back and forth, and reading from a book, presumably the Torah, out loud.

I am not an overly religious person and I am definitely not a person who would display any religious activity or special garb in public, I find religion a very personal and very private experience, but obviously my views are my views and not shared by many people. I actually find overt public displays of religious beliefs or practices embarrassing.

How do you feel when the person sitting next to you starts praying or reading out load from his or her Holy book?

[CARLA]

I see your point but not sure they who are doing it find it offensive or embarassing. Just the way it is these days everything is out in the open. I guess it beats the heck out of them killing people or hurting others, it is praying nothing else.

[QUINNSCOMMENTARY]

Originally Posted by CARLA

I see your point but not sure they who are doing it find it offensive or embarassing. Just the way it is these days everything is out in the open. I guess it beats the heck out of them killing people or hurting others, it is praying nothing else.

I'm sure they don't, they obviously feel such action is not only normal but I suspect required of them.

But how do you feel about it?

[Carolly]

Originally Posted by QUINNSCOMMENTARY

I was just in a restaurant and the people sitting next to me began their meal holding hands and praying. While in Heathrow airport last week there were several orthodox Jews in their traditional clothing praying, swaying back and forth, and reading from a book, presumably the Torah, out loud.

I am not an overly religious person and I am definitely not a person who would display any religious activity or special garb in public, I find religion a very personal and very private experience, but obviously my views are my views and not shared by many people. I actually find overt public displays of religious beliefs or practices embarrassing.

How do you feel when the person sitting next to you starts praying or reading out load from his or her Holy book?

It really does not bother me one little bit.Who am I to judge somebody who does this just because I may have different views regarding their religion.No its upto them if they decide to pray to their God just as its my choice to suddenly get up and sing which would upset people alot more no doubt

[CARLA]

It doesn't bother me at all as long as it stays peaceful and they don't try and push their agenda on me.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by QUINNSCOMMENTARY

I was just in a restaurant and the people sitting next to me began their meal holding hands and praying. While in Heathrow airport last week there were several orthodox Jews in their traditional clothing praying, swaying back and forth, and reading from a book, presumably the Torah, out loud.

I am not an overly religious person and I am definitely not a person who would display any religious activity or special garb in public, I find religion a very personal and very private experience, but obviously my views are my views and not shared by many people. I actually find overt public displays of religious beliefs or practices embarrassing.

How do you feel when the person sitting next to you starts praying or reading out load from his or her Holy book?

Just for once I find myself in agreement with you. I always find it presumptuousness at formal dinners when they say grace-I accept it as part of social convention but the assumption we all agree to it nigles. The diners at heathrow and those praying aloud show a lack of consideration for others IMO. Demanding respect and tolerance for their religion but have no respect for those who don't want any part of it.

Next time sacrifice a rabbit and examine the entrails claiming to be a pagan.

[QUINNSCOMMENTARY]

Originally Posted by gmc

Just for once I find myself in agreement with you. I always find it presumptuousness at formal dinners when they say grace-I accept it as part of social convention but the assumption we all agree to it nigles. The diners at heathrow and those praying aloud show a lack of consideration for others IMO. Demanding respect and tolerance for their religion but have no respect for those who don't want any part of it.

Next time sacrifice a rabbit and examine the entrails claiming to be a pagan.

Just for once? I'm crushed, but I'll take it just the same.

[chonsigirl]

Just for once I find myself in agreement with you. I always find it presumptuousness at formal dinners when they say grace-I accept it as part of social convention but the assumption we all agree to it nigles. Don't accept invitations to those occasions where something would bother you.


The diners at heathrow and those praying aloud show a lack of consideration for others IMO. There is no lack of consideration, or we become intolerant of everything within a crowd of people-hair color, dress style, perfume, etc.

Demanding respect and tolerance for their religion but have no respect for those who don't want any part of it.They did not demand anything of you, if you do not want to participate you do not have to, you can always turn and walk away.

Next time sacrifice a rabbit and examine the entrails claiming to be a pagan.Yikes!

I do not see anything wrong with praying over a meal in public, as long as it is done quietly and respectfully. What about other person's conversations during mealtime, on other topics you would find objectionable? Or clothing styles and manners? That is the chance you take in going into a public venue, there will be others with different beliefs, cultures, etc.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by QUINNSCOMMENTARY

Just for once? I'm crushed, but I'll take it just the same.

Well most of the time I can appreciate where you are coming from and we probably agree a great deal about the basics but would argue endlessly about the means to get there.

My Presbyterian upbringing abhors overt displays of religious fervour but being a liberal I try to be tolerant of others and not condemn too harshly.

[along-for-the-ride]

Public displays of affection and religious beliefs happen. When I see it, I usually smile to myself and go about my business.