One of my favorite anecdotes in this real goes something like this.
Japan at one time hosts a very large religious studies event and scholars come from all over the world to discuss religion. To open the ceremonies the hosts invite a group of Shinto priests to perform and they do an elegant choreographed dance. One American Christian scholar is particularly impressed and after the performance seeks out one of the dancers.
"It was a very moving performance", he says. "But can I ask, what are the tenets of your religion? What is its underlying philosophy?"
To this the Shinto priest smiled, bowed, and then said, "We dance."
(no subject)
Japan at one time hosts a very large religious studies event and scholars come from all over the world to discuss religion. To open the ceremonies the hosts invite a group of Shinto priests to perform and they do an elegant choreographed dance. One American Christian scholar is particularly impressed and after the performance seeks out one of the dancers.
"It was a very moving performance", he says. "But can I ask, what are the tenets of your religion? What is its underlying philosophy?"
To this the Shinto priest smiled, bowed, and then said, "We dance."
(no subject)