As someone who grew up with a fascination of Japan, I ultimately traveled there many times, participated in many Japanese activities, and acquired many momentos.

Festival garments, wishing coins to donate to the Shinto temple, little charms for good luck, etc...

Japan is a secular nation that still practices many annual ceremonies of their Shinto/Zen past. To them, it is inert, but culturally rich. The spiritualism of it has faded with the younger generation. Now people go to enjoy the music, food, and sense of ancient times and culture of their people.

Before I was born again, I viewed this as harmless, and was fascinated with their far eastern way which was so exotic and strange compared with the west, especially Japan which has a wholly individual and unique culture.

Now, as someone being made progressively conformant to the Lord, I understand that these are objects and ceremonies of false religion, and even if I do not treat them as implements of worship, but as mementos, they still dishonor my Lord and must go.

Repent always.

#ToChristAlone