Everyday Life
What boundaries should religious workers maintain when discussing news or the deceased?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
When discussing the deceased, even a wish to help must respect family members. Without consent, claimed perception does not justify announcing that you have received someone at a particular place or erected a tablet. Is there a real connection? Is the identity certain? Why has this account appeared now? These deserve thought. An unusual story does not require everyone’s belief.
Public attention does not confer religious authority. Methods that mislead people about religion can damage trust instead. Some know me only through television, but I hope they learn about the actual person and methods beyond media image. Sharing faith must allow room for thought. “I am helping” does not remove necessary judgment.
Celebrity relationship news also requires restraint. Discussing a table-tennis couple, I spoke of relationship difficulties while clarifying I had not conducted divination or investigated infidelity. Practical experience can inform general interaction problems, but cannot then be reapplied as knowledge of those people’s actual relationship. Gossip must not determine karma.