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Hello everyone. I'm a Norwegian who loves to visit the United States. In Norway, which I believe is the most secular country in the world, you never see priests walking around in the streets -- at least not in the places where I've lived. In the U.S., however, it happens very often. On such occasions, is it proper to acknowledge/greet the priest in any particular way? Should I, for example, nod my head and say "Father" even though I don't belong to his congregation?
Hello everyone. I'm a Norwegian who loves to visit the United States. In Norway, which I believe is the most secular country in the world, you never see priests walking around in the streets -- at least not in the places where I've lived. In the U.S., however, it happens very often. On such occasions, is it proper to acknowledge/greet the priest in any particular way? Should I, for example, nod my head and say "Father" even though I don't belong to his congregation?
Hello ErikMartinsen, probably not answering your question, but that scenario reminds of this Scripture:
Matthew 6:5
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 23:9
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Just thought that was interesting. Thanks for the post.
Not sure why some scripture was posted, the goal to go off topic perhaps?
Don't know that I have passed a priest in the streets in a while, but frequently pass the Rabbi that lives down the street while out walking. Usually say something like "Morning" or what is appropriate for the time of day.
Hello everyone. I'm a Norwegian who loves to visit the United States. In Norway, which I believe is the most secular country in the world, you never see priests walking around in the streets -- at least not in the places where I've lived. In the U.S., however, it happens very often. On such occasions, is it proper to acknowledge/greet the priest in any particular way? Should I, for example, nod my head and say "Father" even though I don't belong to his congregation?
You don't have to do anything but greet him at the proper time of day. If you want to talk to him that is. A good morning or good afternoon will suffice. And yes, it's kind to shake his hand. But you don't have to. Then you can either proceed to talk to him or be on your way.
Norway actually forbade Jesuits from entering the country until 1956 and Catholicism in general was repressed until 1843. You do have one famous Catholic convert, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset. Anyway although very secular doesn't Norway still have some Lutheran parsons? Reportedly rural parts of the southwest coast are a bit religious.
The Quiet Norwegian - Norwonk - Open Salon (http://open.salon.com/blog/norwonk/2009/06/20/the_quiet_norwegian - broken link)
I don't know that you're expected to acknowledge ministers or priests of other faiths, but if you want to nod your head and say "Morning Father" or Reverend or whatever that's nice.
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