Is it permitted to watch an inspirational clip of a priest?

 

Question:

Sometimes on WhatsApp chats that are geared towards ‘chizuk‘, people will share various ‘inspirational’ video clips. Occasionally, the clip would be of a person (maybe a priest?) talking in front of a congregation in a church or a video of a Buddhist/Indian Munk.

These clips do not (visibly/overtly) discuss religion, rather a ‘positive/inspirational’ message that sounds totally neutral, positive, something one would agree with (sometimes they use the word G-d and sometimes not).

I have made a strong protest about it. Others argue: What’s wrong with learning wisdom from any person?

Kindly advise as to if it is permitted to watch/listen to and share these clips with others or not?

 

Answer:

From a Hashkafa point of view, this most definitely should be discouraged. The Rebbe once mentioned in derogatory way that a certain Rov gets his speeches from the Galach.

לקוטי שיחות יח ע׳ 460.

Furthermore, if he’s wearing any cross or signs of their Avodah Zorah it is halachically prohibited to look or watch such videos.

Additionally, one may not praise or bless a non-Jew because of לא תחנם.

 

See here as well: 

May one look at pictures of the inside a church? Must one spit when passing a church?

Are there any real issues with watching yesterday’s royal funeral?

 

 

#22751