Is it sinful to like another culture?

[kentuckyliz]

I like other cultures. All cultures have their strengths and weaknesses, including our own.

Please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a1.htm#2110
numbers 2110-2117 to inform your conscience about wearing charms and appeasing evil spirits.

Why do you need to appease evil spirits, when you are on God’s team who conquered them?! Don’t make yourself out to be weak and powerless in their presence. Evil spirits have no power over you and you need not fear them. Even just saying the name of Jesus causes them to flee in horror.

Please note that the CCC says “Wearing charms is reprehensible.” Hopefully that clears it up for you!

If you put no faith in the charm, and you are solid in your Christian faith, and it is merely an aesthetic piece of jewelry, no problem (except perhaps scandal and causing another to stumble in their faith–if they think you’re endorsing syncretism). However, if you still retain doubts about it, and you think you might be warding off evil spirits with pagan jewelry, YIKES, tear the thing off now and don’t tempt yourself into a violation of the First Commandment. No false gods!

This section of the CCC is also really good at discussing motivations for superstition and idolatry.

Trust in the Lord and in Divine Providence.

 

[CarrieH]

There is nothing wrong with liking another culture as long as a person is moderate about it. If one “likes” it to the point that it becomes an obsession and that they become covetous and begin to despise the path God has chosen for them if it doesn’t include being a part of that culture, that might be sinful, though. Ack is right about people often having a one-sided view of other cultures, and rpp’s account of his year in Japan might be a reality check here.

As far as the necklace goes, I’d stick with my cross or crucifix and the Brown Scapular rather than messing with the other stuff.