Superstition and Religion

Colin Melbourne
© 05-08 Born-Again-Christian.Info

Part I of II

If you read horoscopes, hesitate to walk under ladders, carry a lucky charm, avoid stepping on cracks, bow to idols, consult Tarot cards, get nervous on Friday 13th. or mutter old wive's tales to yourself, this article will set you free from such demonic snares.

Superstition: The belief in magic and things that cannot be explained by reason

What is the Christian view of superstition?

A shocking number of 'Christians' still hold to superstitions, and thereby submit to demonic influence. The purpose of this article is to alert and release you from such bondage to fear.

It's relatively easy to get sinners saved, but more difficult to 'prise Ephraim from his idols' (Holy Bible, Ho. Ch.4-5): Particularly superstitious idols.

An illustration: Typically, for several weeks after leading an Asian Buddhist to Christ, you'll notice they continue to 'wai' idols on sight as a conditioned reflex. (Wai: Pay homage by placing palms together in front of their face and bowing.) Even after you've shown new believers from Scripture that it is a serious sin worthy of eternal damnation (1 Co. 6:9, 1 Jn. 5:21, Rev. 21:8, 22:15) equivalent to spiritual prostitution (Eze. 16:16, Lev. 20:6, Nu. 15:39.)

They've been indoctrinated from birth to honour and worship idols, and therefore repenting from the reflex takes a definite act of their will, sincere commitment to Christ, and genuine courage. Unsaved relatives do their utmost to fill new converts with fear and turn them back to idolatry.

Chinese Buddhists perceive repenting from the sin of ancestor worship as a personal insult to departed ancestors and relatives.

It's a heart-churning experience for a missionary to encourage them through this phase of their walk with Christ. Not all make it of course; some compromise and fall back into superstition and religion.

Animism and Shamans

Hilltribe people around the world are basically Animist, honouring local spirits related to created things and locations, such as mountains, trees, rivers, rocks and termite hills. Each village will have a shaman to perform demonic ceremonies to 'protect' their flock. Some have genuine demon power, most just make it up as they go along. It's a nice little earner for them.

The spiritual dynamics of leading Hilltribe villagers to Christ are fascinating. Often whole communities repent, destroy their superstitious paraphernalia, and come to Christ wholeheartedly. They in turn evangelize neighbouring villages and teach them to burn their idols, charms, spirit shelves, potions and magic dust. It's a joy to behold when they repent sincerely. They know that evil demon power is real, having lived under its influence for decades. They've seen that Christ's love-power is infinitely greater, and are acquainted with the danger of turning from the narrow path. So they rarely do so.

One former shaman I met, came to Christ, but didn't get filled with the Holy Spirit. A few years later he backslid into demon worship, and was soon struck down with bowel cancer. (Cancer is always the Devil's work.) On his deathbed he called for us, repented, and asked Jesus to forgive him. Then he died. Word of events like this soon get around hilltribe villages, and shakeout the nominal believers.

Charms, Idols, and Talismans

Many of these primitive superstitions are fashionable in 'sophisticated' western cultures, and are becoming increasingly popular as the hearts of men and women harden to the Truth. Few homes are without their good luck charms, often purchased on vacation as souvenirs, and mostly ignored. But God does not wink at such sin. Nor do the demon powers behind them.

It may be a miniature Buddha idol, or African Juju carving, a Balinese demon mask, some Red Indian handiwork, or Hindu painting. The form is not important: Its purpose is idolatry and superstition, and God forbids it.

God's Word is explicit about avoiding spiritists, fortune-tellers, and their demonic tools:

Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction. Deut. 7:26 Holy Bible NIV

A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist (wizard KJV) among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads. Do not practise divination or sorcery. Lev. 20:27; 19:26b

I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists (wizards KJV) to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. Lev. 20:6

Sinners love to have some token to carry with them for reassurance or 'protection'. A popular form is a coloured precious stone, or rock disc, with a hole in it, strung on a necklace or wristband.

Chinese sinners carry 'Foo' in their wallets or Jade jewellry items. It gives them confidence against the unknown. Nominal 'Christians' often cherish a gold cross (• See endnote), crucifix or medallions: God detests it.

It's pure idolatry. Throw such things away, destroy them utterly no matter how precious, and God will release you from all fear.

In Asia it is common to see people even carrying a phallus made of wood, for luck, and many shopkeepers have one displayed alongside their wares: Not to sell, but as a charm.

Continue reading Part II...