Respect and symbols #
Before we start talking about religion lets first start with culture.
why do we show respect to the flag
We show respect to the American flag because it symbolizes the nation’s history, its people, and the core values of freedom, justice, and democracy, as well as the sacrifices made by those who defended these ideals. Following proper flag etiquette, such as correct display and handling, demonstrates patriotism, national pride, and a commitment to upholding the principles the flag represents.
Google AI
source: https://www.google.com/search?q=why+do+we+show+respect+to+the+flag
why do we dress up to go to church
People dress up for church to show respect for God and the sacred nature of worship, to honor God as a sign of reverence, to reflect a tradition of preparing for a significant event, and sometimes as a way to distinguish the holy place from the ordinary.
Google AI
source: https://www.google.com/search?q=why+do+we+dress+up+to+go+to+church
I asked Google’s Gemini AI “examples of showing respect towards something for what is symbolizes” Some example it gave were:
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Honoring a National Flag: A national flag symbolizes a country’s history, values, and people. Respect is shown by:
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Proper etiquette: Standing at attention, placing a hand over one’s heart, or saluting during the national anthem or a flag-raising ceremony.
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Careful handling: Ensuring the flag does not touch the ground, folding it in a specific, ceremonial manner, and not using it for commercial purposes.
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Displaying it correctly: Hanging it at the proper height and ensuring it is not tattered or dirty.
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Respecting a Religious Icon: A cross, a star of David, or a statue of a deity symbolizes the core beliefs, history, and spiritual devotion of a faith. Respect is demonstrated by:
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Reverence in holy places: Removing shoes before entering a mosque, bowing one’s head in a church, or maintaining silence in a temple.
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Gentle handling: Not treating a religious text or artifact as a common object, but with care and reverence.
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Avoiding blasphemy: Not using the symbols or names in a disrespectful or mocking way.
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Treating an Historical Monument with Reverence: A monument like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or a statue of a historical figure symbolizes a key event, a sacrifice, or a set of ideals. Respect is shown by:
- Appropriate behavior: Speaking in hushed tones, not climbing on the monument, and not littering.
- Learning its history: Taking the time to read the plaques and understand the lives or events it commemorates.
- Participating in commemorative events: Attending memorial services or laying wreaths to honor those it represents.
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Honoring a Veteran: A person who has served in the military symbolizes sacrifice, duty, and protection. Respect is shown by:
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Thanking them for their service: A simple expression of gratitude shows you value their sacrifice.
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Listening to their stories: Taking the time to hear their experiences and the history they represent.
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Supporting veterans’ causes: Donating to or volunteering for organizations that help veterans.
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In all examples there is respect given to something for what it represents.
What was interesting about the Google Gemini AI is that it pointed out that there are examples of showing respect towards something for what it represents within religion. In the case of ‘Removing shoes before entering a mosque’ this represents cleanliness and respect towards prayer and being close with Allah. The reason they have this belief is due to
It is truly I. I am your Lord! So take off your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Ṭuwa.
Quran 20 Taha:12
Source: https://quran.com/taha/12
One should not show disrespect to the Eastern Gate, because it is in a direct line with the Holy of Holies. One should not enter the Temple Mount with a staff, or with shoes on, or with a wallet, or with dusty feet; nor should one make it a short cut, all the more spitting [is forbidden].
Mishnah Berakhot 9:5
Source: https://www.sefaria.org/English_Explanation_of_Mishnah_Berakhot.9.5.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
And one may go out with them into the public domain on Shabbat since they have the legal status of shoes. And one may enter the Temple courtyard with them. Although, generally, wearing shoes in the Temple courtyard is prohibited, in this regard, the supports do not have the legal status of shoes.
Mishnah Shabbat 6:8
Source: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Shabbat.6.8?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
The context of this is legals writing surrounding Jewish laws. This describes that a peg leg could be used while in the presence of the LORD even though there are other rules that would deny this. This rule was defined in the previous quoted verse Mishnah Berakhot 9:5.
This is also in Biblical sources in Exodus 3:5, Jeramiah 5:15, and Isaiah 20:2-3.