As I was reading in 3rd Nephi chapter 17, I came across the following.
10 And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.
I have heard this type of reaction before and I thought it was just a Jeweish tradition. These Nephites are closer to being familiar with that culture than others I have heard express that is how they would react.
I have often wondered how I would react. I mean, it isn't part of my culture to bathe a visitors feet. What are my traditions or traditions of today? (As Americans in general? Or rather Americans in the Church?)
Well we have no royal family, so it is not customary to bow. I guess shakeing hands is what is expected. I'm not in the military, so I don't have to salute the president.
I stand when the National Athem is played or when the prophet enters the room. This extends to a judge in a court room.
I suppose I would just stand there in silence. I mean, it would be better not to say anything because all facts are already known. There is no need for justification or too late to repent. I would probably wait for something to be said. If nothing was said I would jesture for a hand shake and ask "What is next? What happens now?" or "Where can I find Abraham Lincoln? or Joseph Smith, I'd like to wrestle?"
Posted by Michael at July 30, 2003 07:43 AMI've wondered that too. It is pretty unheard of to kiss someone's feet in our society and culture...where it was a great sign of respect in earlier cultures. I guess I'd do it if that is what is expected but it wouldn't be that meaningful to me. It would be kind of weird actually. I like that you bring up strange subjects like this that I have often thought about but never blogged.
Posted by: Jeremy at July 31, 2003 11:55 AM