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Edited by Tartan 118: 9/17/2015 10:04:32 AM
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A question for Christians

Why do many Christians place their hands together like a book when praying? Some interlink their fingers, I know. But I want to know the origin of the former gesture.

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  • Good question. I had to look it up. It appears there are several theories, but no one is completely certain of the origin. Some possibilities are: - It stemmed from Jewish tradition, predating Jesus. - When shackled, your hands are held together. Holding your hands together willingly showed an acknowledgement of another individual's power and authority. - It was a symbol of humility, similar to the stance one might take when being (which includes kneeling as well). - Placing two hands symbolized the coming together of the mortal and diving, body and soul, earth and heaven. Think of it as a western parallel to yin and yang. I realize that's not a definitive answer, but I hope it helps.

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    • Because if you open them, the fly you just catched might fly off if you didnt kill it

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    • We don't. At least not all of us. Only Protestants do. In the Eastern Orthodox Church and some traditional Roman Catholic Churches, our prayer is always complemented with the sign of the cross so our right hand is always left free for that purpose. There is no required use for our left hand, though per tradition many of us keep it on our heart for reasons I can't quite remember at the moment.

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    • Tradition, glory, and sacrifice. That's what makes a man

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    • Bump because Tartan

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