Can you tell whether a person is praying by his or her posture or proximity to a religious sculpture?

Question

If so, can you identify who or what the person is praying to?

I'm asking because evangelical Christians regularly chastise original Christians for "praying to statues." I'm wondering how they can tell this from posture or proximity to a sculpture.

To those who think prayer in view of others is contrary to Jesus' teachings, Jesus prayed in view of others. This suggests your interpretation is in error.

Answer 1

Love it. "Looks like worship, so that must be what's going on." And from this come accusations of idolatry. Someone actually suggested the other day here that, in essence, the Church would be wise to do away with statues and such -- in order to avoid the appearance that the faithful "worship" idols, even if in fact they do not. Sure. Let's strip the sanctuary, too, while we're at it, since having an altar "looks like" we're re-sacrificing Christ. Let's ditch the Tabernacle, as well; my goodness, people are bowing to it! And those rosary beads, well ... the least we can do is tuck them out of sight, lest we offend someone with what looks like "vain repetition".

It is the height of presumption for someone else -- anyone else -- to tell me what is in my heart when I pray or worship, based on what they see. If people wonder why we get a bit testy about being questioned on this, there's the answer.

Answer 2

No u r not hurting any hindu. But this 'someone' does not know any thing about true hinduism. Some hindu do pray in front of one or many idol not only that they pray some type of power like snake, lion, fire, water and air also. Some do not keep any idol, they pray just sitting in particular posture and closing eye it is called sandhya or dhyan or sitting in open air and with the help of beeds keep on repeating their gods name, they also pray by offering water to trees (Belif) plant or to sun thinking it to be a god. No one particular type or posture is needed. If u do not pray at all even than u r hindu

Answer 3

Depends on the person. Some people like others to know they are praying so they make sure their posture tells everyone while others take what Jesus said seriously and pray in such a manner as other people will not know.
BB

Answer 4

Excellent question! Unless they can hear the actual prayer, how would they know the content of it? Is the person praying for intercession or for someone else? Are they engaged in worship, or is their prayer for penance? Clearly the intent of a prayer cannot be judged simply by what is seen. This simple common sense application should show others that they need to rethink their accusations before they throw them.

Answer 5

Unless someone has "bionic hearing" or an eavesdropper I really doubt they can hear what another person is saying during prayer. If I kneel before my bed, does that mean Iam praying to my bed or worshiping my bed? I dont think so

Answer 6

Hahahahhahh. Hhahahhahah

Madmen made me laugh outloud at work. Please stop.
Where did you come up with that question. How can you tell what someone is praying to without knowing them personally.
You shouldn't make assumptions about people especially when they are praying.

Answer 7

Sure.

Each religion has its own prayer traditions and rituals.

Muslims locate Mecca and bow down several times, Hindus pray in temples and in front of shrines and Christians traditionally bow their heads and shut their eyes.

Answer 8

Only God can answer that question and he's in the business of examining hearts, not posture. He also examines the intent behind deeds. Many who imagine themselves to be devoted to God may find themselves cast off into the darkness when it is time for the final judgment:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" Matt 7:21-23

I think Christians should be carrying on the works of Christ, pointing the way to reconciliation with God, and not be questioning the authenticity or posture of people's prayer.

The disciples once expressed their worries over appearances to the Lord: "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." Jesus responded by telling them not to stop them, "for the one who is not against us is for us. . ." (Mark 9:38-40)

Christians all too quickly fall into the error of judging their brethren by appearances and forget the words of Jesus to judge by their fruits.

Answer 9

so called "christians" question catholics on almost everything even though we are the church christ established.
these sites may interest you and help our seperated brothers and sisters in christ understand us and christ better.
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/
http://www.fisheaters.com/
http://www.salvationhistory.com/
http://www.catholiceducation.org/

you'd think they would be happy we are praying yet they still try put a negative spin on it.

Answer 10

i think i can tell if a person is praying ..but no i dont think i'd know what he is praying to if i had no back ground of his religion