But fortunately God doesn't grade us on our diet. We're neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can't stomach it. But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track. ~ 1 Cor 8:8-9 (Message)
Many couples are torn between parents’ wishes to practice certain Chinese traditions which the couples feel are not biblical. Traditions are fine but rituals with religious significance are not (eg. wearing a red dress, or kua, without dragons/phoenix symbols is fine, but not eating food offered to idols).
The guiding principle should be not to stumble other believers and non-believers. And we have to do it gently. In cases where the parents are very strong believers, it may be necessary for the couples not to make a scene out of all the traditions but choose to make a stand on major unbiblical practices (e.g. idol worship).
Reference• A Biblical Approach to Chinese Traditions and Beliefs by Daniel Tong (ISBN 981-4045-92-6) 2003
• Chinese Wedding Traditions (http://www.chcp.org/wedding.html)
• Chinese Dowry Traditions (http://www.femalebridesonline.com/articles/wedetique/amain.php?article=oct2000)
Labels: chinese tradition
