When might a Jew enter a church?

This is from the OU's Shabbat Shalom emailing this last Friday
http://www.ou.org/shabbat_shalom/article/hausman_leaving_the_church_and_cynthia_behind/

Take time to read the link (and the comments at the bottom of the
article).

Basically it about a Ger who was told by her conversion rabbi that she
was not permitted to go to her friend's wedding. It is also about how
she visited the Sistine Chapel later on with a Jewish tour group.

Some rabbis think that one should never enter a church. Others say it
is ok if one is merely visiting but not worshipping. And others feel
what matters is what images are present (Saints for example which may
have been idols that were "christianized").

But then could an observant Jew be able to visit pagan sites in
ancient Rome or Greece? Or even visit a Mosque or a Buddhist temple?
(I know of a college professor who was a "convert" to Buddhism along
with his wife, that was common for many Jews in the '60s).

And what about true pagans like the Hindus? Can one sight see at one
of their temples? Is it ok as long as one is merely looking at the
cultural aspects?

This is a subject that is both very clear yet confusing (depending on
the scholar). What symbols are used plays a big part. The Catholics
and the Eastern Orthodox use a lot of imagery (ie saints) while the
mainstream protestants merely have a cross. And most evangelicals no
longer have any symbols (well some do have a Dove).

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: When might a Jew enter a church?
    ... Basically it about a Ger who was told by her conversion rabbi that she ... But then could an observant Jew be able to visit pagan sites in ...  Or even visit a Mosque or a Buddhist temple? ...
    (soc.culture.jewish.moderated)
  • Re: When might a Jew enter a church?
    ... what matters is what images are present (Saints for example which may ...  Or even visit a Mosque or a Buddhist temple? ...  The Catholics ... mainstream protestants merely have a cross. ...
    (soc.culture.jewish.moderated)