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JaniceM

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    JaniceM reacted to Evacuated in Is it wrong for a Christian to open a fortune cookie?   
    Depends how you feel as this is a matter for individual conscience.
    A fortune cookie is nothing but an small, edible biscuit or cake of sorts, usually made from  made from flour, sugar, vanilla, and sesame seed oil. They traditionally contain a short script consisting of a vaguely "prophetic" message or "wise" saying.
    The Wikipedia article on fortune cookies states that there are  "approximately 3 billion fortune cookies made each year around the world, the vast majority of them used for consumption in the United States".
    It goes on to suggest that, although apparently a relatively modern American custom, there may be connection with a Japanese Buddhist or Shinto temple practice of dispensing (for money) random fortunes written on strips of paper (omuji). These sayings can predict favorable or unfavorable outcomes for the participant.
    Probably the easiest comparison would be to the vague predictions found in the popular horoscope articles frequently seen in the popular press. Not many would deny having never, ever, looked at one of these, even if to ridicule its content. However, others, without the benefit of a relationship with Jehovah and an insight into demonic practices, may take these means of "divination" very seriously, regardless of their impotency.
    Some now serving Jehovah, may have formerly taken these matters very seriously and have allowed such messages to exert a powerful influence in their lives. Although in the case of fortune cookies, obviously the cookie itself has no power,  they might still find that the practice, (especially if they read the message) could trigger an association and they might be tempted to look for some application of an "uncanny" or superstitious influence in their lives. A person with such a background would do well to avoid fortune cookies altogether.
    In the light of Jehovah's viewpoint on such matters, clearly expressed at De.18:10-13, there is no reason why Christians would ever pay money for prophecies or wise sayings about future events from sources clearly described as demonic. Some may see this as including the purchase of fortune cookies, even under the guise of "fun". Paying money could be viewed as contributing to the promotion of a practice rooted in superstition..
    But, what if these cookies are given free in a restaurant as part of the presentation of a meal? Well, eating the cookie while discarding the message is one option, Who would know apart from the staff? (What would they think if they had seen you asking a blessing before eating?). Alternatively, it would be an easy matter to decline these items, or to return them if unsolicited.
    What if the group sharing a meal are not all servants of Jehovah, such as at a family or workplace outing? This is a bit more complicated but a minor trial thinking of what some of our brothers face. We might want to avoid these cookies in that situation because we do not want to stumble others for any reason, whether giving the wrong impression, or encouraging them to do something which could be detrimental in Jehovah's eyes. Compare 1 Cor 8:13. We may take the opportunity to explain why as a witness to them. Or, we could explain to the group our scriptural view of divination and magic, and how cookies are cookies regardless of a silly message, then throwaway the paper and scoff the cookie! It really is up to the individual.
    So, ..............fortune cookie anyone?
     
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