Don't you feel like an intruder when taking part in religious ceremonies that are not your own? Like someone who watches it like a movie he only understands in parts and thereby desecrates it? I did and still do. Perhaps it's different for someone who really has a religion or at least grown up within one.

Juliane

You asked Arnon but I would like to comment on your comment of feeling like an intruder. I remember as a child going to catholic school, it's just the same. certain things are expected of you during mass, you learn about Jesus and sacrifice etc etc, but you haven't got a clue what these crazy adults are up to with their charade. You assimilate to their rituals, but is there ever a point at which you stop feeling out of place there? So in my case, there is no difference between feeling like an intruder into someone's religion and the experience of being amongst those of your "own" religion...

Juliane

Do you mean that you desacrate a ceremony by being detached?

In and out

Yes, it is awfully long, but on the other hand, you can pop in and pop out as many times as you like, pretty much like a sauna...

Church

Nice picture. Mama Church and baby Church. In which one was the Mass?

Mass & schnapps

In many Christian-belief ceremonies mass & schnapps go together.
Not only during mass, but immediately after it as well.
I guess you all know: when touring Europe and in need of a drink, far from any big city, look for the nearest steeple, drive into the village and go for the church.
It's a dead cert: the bar is within sight.
Meet the locals, visit the cemetery (right next to the church as well of course), and have a nice rest.
That small church in the picture: a bar in disguise?
Or has there been a (recent) schism?

Ah well, ....
'The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.'
=========================================

After a mystic ceremony Schnapps is the opium for believers, it keeps the mind in the same dreamy state.

Juliane B.

Do you feel like an intruder when you go to the theatre?

Juliane

I always feel like an intruder, especially while having sex.

While havig sex

It should feel like coming home.

Arnon
Your comment made me laugh so hard I almost peed in my pants - thank you :)

Mieke Dutoit
I think only E.T. truly comes home... :)

Dries / Teresa / Vera / Arnon

@ dries

Thank you for giving me a view „from the inside“. Are you Catholic yourself or did you just go to a Catholic school?

@ Teresa

I always perceived the church service as something intimate and connecting for the congegration of believers who live and move in the familiar liturgy like I would in my own home. Not being able to grasp the meaning and thus failing to appreciate the service feels like entering someone's home with dirty shoes.

@ vera

If I had to stand on stage amongst the actors. Yes, very much so.
But I feel like an intruder in a theatre even when sitting in the audience because I don't have a clue about the theatre.

@ Arnon

But that's only a question of a few inches.