Seeing there is a Bible example covering that type of situation, it seems OK to me.

Bowing and/or kneeling IS an act of worship in some pagan communities. I suppose it depends on if one is aware of the intricacies of said *worship* as to whether the Biblical advice is applicable? If one does not KNOW it is considered worship, maybe it is okay?

Personally, I wouldn't do it, as for me, it would be wrong, however, I think it is a matter of personal conviction.

Act of worship: What is it?

I will suggest that God looks at the intent of the heart.

Let me illustrate: In recent times I have been reading books on Hinduism. Hinduism does not have the concern for intent that mose of us have. Hinduism is more concerned about actions. Therefore, an unbelieving person may perform a act that the Hindu sees as an act of worship.

Case in point: When I eat vegetarian food in an Indian restaurant, run by a Hindu, I probably will participate, without intending to do so, in an act of Hindu worship.

Does that stop me from eating good vegetarian food in such a restaurant? No. Should it? You decide.

However, I believe that the sensitive person will consider the effect on other people.

So...God will consider acts of worship within the context of each person and the situation he/she is in? What are considered ADVENTIST acts of worship (as opposed to other denominational acts of worship)? Or is that also purely personal?

Sorry...I'm fishing for something here, but I'm not sure what it is...

As long as the person isn't really worshipping a false god himself, then I think you are correct.

God knows the heart. That is why He is the perfect Judge.

Re: "What are considered ADVENTIST acts of worship . . ."

I would be hard pressed to mention any act of worship that is solely SDA. Just about everything that we do is also done by other groups--even foot washing is done by several groups, although there may be some minor differences.

NOTE: There is a once a year foot washing service that is held by the Roman Catholic church. It differe from what we do, but is a foot washing service.

What I would do. I would see nothing wrong if I had to bow in order to help the person to bow, as long as I had made clear to the person that I was doing him a favor, and not worshiping his god, for I worship a different God (whom I would try to share with him if there is an opportunity to do so).

Hello Thomas,


No I did not intentionally misconstrue your statement. I am sorry if it appeared thus. Those persons listed had all given responses from the Bible which seemed appropriate (on a Christian forum) and of the highest authority. Our Savoiur responded to many questions in like fashion. I now see that you were looking for something else, so I misread your meaning.


I am unsure why we would want to try and inquire of others how their actions would deviate from the Bible instruction. It is true many lack faith or knowledge to follow God's Word. But is it our business to investigate and highlight their lack of faith? (I think not - your thoughts may differ). Such was the work of the Roman Inquisition over centuries and was the method used by the scribes & pharisees to accuse Christ - they tried to trap Him with their words to find His deviation from Scripture.



This may be very true Thomas, but examining others for their faults will not bring the solution. Lack of faith is the problem of sin. For this reason I asked if 'you follow the Bible's advice and to tell of your victories.' This could bring some light and encouragement as you have indicated:

You are correct Thomas. Please tell of your victories, it would be welcome advice for new believers,

Gordon

Your question establishes a rather theoretical conversion. It establishes that the new believer has confessed “belief” in Christ, and now he is worried about what God thinks about it. That is a fairly normal response of one who got to know "about" someone who he has to “worry” about.

I would tell my friend that he needs to discover his Savior personally and receive "His Rest" personally. Then he will hear the voice of the Lord bid him what He will. Moreover, I can assure you that when my friend has discovered the Joy of the Lord’s Salvation, he will not be able to hide it from his Muslim friend, and will be bubbling over with the testimony of his God.