In the Shaker Religion, we're taught to stay away from all things magical and mystical. Tarots, fortune-tellers, crystal balls, ouija boards, so on. Those things I can handle. Other things are wizards, witches, genies and such.
But we're also told to stay away from things that distract: movies, radio, TV, books (other than Christian-based). Those are the things that I can't handle, and I personally feel like they can be used constructively when not abused.
Of course, drugs are out: Alcohol, cigarettes, etc. It's okay to take medicine prescribed by a doctor and such. I smoke cigarettes and that's a habit that I'm going to end one day. I started smoking when I was 15 and I dread ever having started.
For the longest time, I was fascinated with the artwork of Ancient Egypt. My anthropology professor in college passed around an old coin that she found in a dig and when I touched it something in me just leaped! Whose coin was it? How did they make it? What was it last used for? A passion started burning inside of me to learn more. I almost didn't want to give the coin back to her!
I started collected Egyptian artifacts. I had an "Egyptian Room" at home and it was crammed! Little statues, papyrus, etc. I didn't bow down to worship these things, it was just a collection and I appreciated the artwork and detail.
My aunt, a strong Shaker from Washington, came to visit me and she warned me about these things. They were considered gods by the Ancient Egyptians, they were graven images. She kindly explained to me the danger that I had in my house.
It was hard...after years of collected and searching to find these items, I was proud of my little museum. It was so hard! But I'm getting rid of these items. Instead, I'm filling this room now with photos of loved ones.
My point is - sometimes we're told to stay away from something. But it's hard to do. Very hard! I know I like to justify my reasons for smoking, but it doesn't make what I'm doing to my body right. My collection of Egyptian artwork was only art, I said. I didn't worship those things or consider them as gods...but other people did. I was in danger.
Doing the right thing is sometimes hard to do. But doing the wrong thing can separate us from God, and that's going to hurt us worse in the end.
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