Is it proper to mix Christianity with pagan symbolism?

Question

2 Cor.6:14-18 says that light and darkness have nothing in common.

Answer 1

The wise men or magoi as the Greek word is (practicers of magic) arrived 2 years later when Jesus was a walking talking young child living in a house. Matthew chapt 2. Herod had all boys 2 and under in the area killed in his haste to kill Jesus.





That isn't the only place in the Bible that prohibits it for Christians also.



1 Corinthians 10:20-22 does also and says these other nations worship demons.



1 Timothy 4:1-5 says Christians will fall for the doctrines of devils.



Rev. 22:15, 21:8 shows that all liars and those loving lies lose eternal life.



Matthew 7:21 to end of chapter shows that the bulk of Christians will be destroyed by Jesus.



There are many others.



People basically don't care. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 especially note 5 and 7.



They want to have a good time, party, relax, make money and get all the entertainment they can. They don't want to have to do deep Bible study, much less obey. They want human governments to rule them and think God's kingdom is only a mere heart condition (Isaiah 9:5, 7, Dan. 2:44, Rev. 11:15, 18, 19:15-18). But it is an actually government that is going to destroy man's rule of the earth to install Jesus as king along with his bride class who don't get involved with or fall for all this stuff (Rev. 17:2, 5, 18:3, 4).



Most Christians have not read the Bible in it's entirety. A study of the religious denomination, its origins, beliefs, etc. is NOT required for membership in most churches. In fact, they usually don't tell you much of anything except Jesus died for you until after you join and donate money. And then Bible stories that could be told to anyone or pop psychology type helps are the topic of norm, not deep historical controversial things like this.



The Bible is more widely read by atheists, non Christian religions, historians, etc. Archaeologists often use the Bible to locate dig sites or search for historical details/proofs of someone's existance or a city, artifact, etc.



But this life is the inheritance all get to do what they want. It is not our business to control, rule over or force others to listen or join. Nor is it our business to force our sexual morality, marital laws, etc. on those not in the faith. They are having their reward in full as the Bible says.



Debbie



EDITED TO ADD: Christianity is not the same as Christendom. The latter had it's big start in the 4th century. Though even before that and in the Bible text, the apostles were putting out heretics right and left for taking up their own doctrines or other things (some made up teachings suited to the ideas, some wanted to be Christian, but return to parts of Mosaic/Jewish law, and other things).



The apostasy from true Christianity was expected, warned about and mentioned over and over...so actual Bible Christianity is NOT based on pagan religions. IT is based on Bible Judaism (not popular Judaism which had/has taken up mysticism, numerology, Greek philosophy and other things).



To Been There Done That (or anyone interested) Hyslop's The Two Babylons is online as well as many of those other hard to find books.

http://philologos.org/__eb-ttb/



At the lady who says "worship requires intent"....to a large extent that is true. However, falsehood, untruth, poison, etc. don't require intent. The Bible says that there are ways of a man (human) that are right in his own eyes, but the ends thereof are death.



While some of these customs are or seem harmless, many aren't. Many result in ill health and death. Such as ungodly sodomous sexual practices which are forbidden even between male/female Christian married couple (same sin whether straight or gay).



Big business/greed make many products, medicines, etc. which kill people and cause side effects, sickness, additional medical cost, lost wages/work, etc.



Worship of the God of the Bible is NOT about performing some rituals that please the doer. It is not about God needing anything (he doesn't need us at all). IT is about safety, about life/truth (having life and having it more abundantly free from sickness, death, old age, violence, stress/hate and all the things sin does that damage our life form). IT is about sound medicine, sound science, good and true government, eternal life and good health, etc.

Answer 2

The thing is, nobody owns such symbolism. And a symbol only has the meaning its user assigns it.



A Christian may look at the star atop a Christmas tree and to him it might represent the Star of Bethlehem in honor of the birth of Jesus.



To me, the star atop the tree could represent the earth elements and spirit (like the pentagram does).



Neither is wrong. Worship requires intent.



"light and darkness have nothing in common" What does that mean to you? Does light = good and darkness = evil? If so, why doesn't the Bible be clear about what light and darkness mean.



In my world, light and darkness are both necessary - but they don't equate to "good" and "evil" to me - they equate to natural cycles of the earth...day and night, summer and winter, life and death (and yes, death is necessary for continued survival of all the species that live on this planet).



People existed before Christianity did, so if you want to get nit-picky and go back thousands of years, then everything and everyone has some sort of roots in some pagan cultures. That doesn't mean everything everyone does today is pagan.



Again, worship requires intent. One can't worship pagan gods, or the Christian God, by accident. It requires a conscious choice in the heart and mind of the worshiper. Intention is everything. It's really no big deal that two people from two different faiths may look at the same symbol and find different meaning in it.

Answer 3

In cooking or with chemicals (and other things), we mix things to DILUTE the original.



Now with cooking and chemicals, the results of diluting may be what is desired.



But with Christianity it isn't.



That is why Revelation 22:18-19 says we are not to ADD or TAKE AWAY anything from the scriptures.



By adding or taking away, the original meaning is distorted, and confused AND confusing. That is why we have thousands of denominations of Christian belief.



Once we strip away the false, and the pagan, we have in essence the simple, true beliefs that are the original Christianity, what was taught by Jesus and the apostles.



What is taught in the Bible is meant for all mankind. As for allowing the mixture of customs and traditions with Christianity? Christianity should not be lowered to allow people to come in with their past practices. But people should remove those false practices and be ELEVATED by the truth.



The Bible is meant to IMPROVE a person's life, not just to laterally add to it. Tacking on Christianity with what a person already practices is not beneficial. People would not get the "spiritual nourishment" they need from watered down teachings.



We have a world of "spiritually malnourished" people, and we see the results of it every day in the news.

Answer 4

Where did Perm Dude do his research? The whole thing is backwards. Christianity began as a new covenant between God and humans, which additionally broke off the bondage that had been placed upon the Jewish men and women by way of the leaders of Jewish group at the moment. Later as Christianity unfold abroad to Europe and Asia, more than a few ethnicities tried to mix their previous cultures and beliefs with Christianity to make anything that satisfied them. Also, up except after the time of Martin Luther, the Catholic Church twisted what was reality with what would fulfill their desires. They forced new legal guidelines upon the humans that have been supposedly required for entrance into heaven. A few of them incorporated distinct vacation trips and celebrations that ended up being carried down over the years to us. All of these were essentially false, and virtually all of them required for peasants to pay cash to the church. Most of this cash of path went to the cardinals, bishops, and priests.

Answer 5

The Celtic cross is a mixture of a pagan symbol and the cross.

What would light have in common with darkness? they are opposites.

Hope is all we have without it you go into darkness and despair.

Pagans had bits of the Truth it just comes to fruition through Christianity.

Answer 6

there are some theories that even Christianity has a basis in paganism. when Christianity first started rather than starting new religious holidays the Christians decided it would be easier for the average person to accept them if they incorporated their pagan holidays into the Christian Belief System. since this is the case then many argue that Christianity is also pagan. interesting concept.

Answer 7

Christianity does have pagan symbolism or at least some similarities to pagan religions--such as celebrating christmas on a previously known pagan holiday, as well as celebrating easter on a pagan holiday for fertility in the spring, as well as the sun or circle symbol that's often seen behind a depiction of jesus. Those three examples relate it to paganism. Who knows if its proper or not? Everyone must decide that for themselves. As for me it's just as well.

Answer 8

"Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Be′li‧al? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I shall reside among them and walk among [them], and I shall be their God, and they will be my people.” “‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’;“ ‘and I will take ​YOU​ in. ’And I shall be a father to ​YOU, and ​YOU​ will be sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6: 14-18)



It is interesting that Jehovah's Witnesses, originally known as the I.B.S.A. (International Bible Students Association), actually believed that Jesus died on a cross. When they realized that the Greek word "Stauros" (meaning "Torture Stake"), was used in Bible, they had to risk unpopularity and announce that Jesus died on a stake and not a cross. They did the same with "Christmas" and many other pagan beliefs.



Truth is far more important than popularity.



I like the last portion of this scripture;



"....quit touching the unclean thing’;“ ‘and I will take ​YOU​ in. ’And I SHALL BE A FATHER TO ​YOU, and ​YOU​ will be sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6:17,18) Caps mine.



...that is 'one' of the reasons why the 'Bible Students' took on the the name "Jehovah's Witnesses"

Answer 9

nice quote mine, but unfortunately chriatianity could never be mistaken fro "light" and pagan symbollism isnt ALL about either light OR darkness.....



christianity is as successfull as it is today because in the PAST it ADOPTED, used and incorporated pagan holidays, Holy Days, and symbolism... you dont really thin JC was born on Christmas and dieed on easter do you? those are Pagan holidays.



religion is all about absorbing and adapting other religions.... for example, the catholics never really cracked down on the mexican and south american practices of making statues out of every martyr, saint and holy figure they could think of... their reverence borders on idolatry yet the church allows it rather than lose a large segment of the population.

Answer 10

While I have a lot of problems with the Catholic Church, I do understand and can appreciate the reasons for them trying to "Christianized" the pagan holidays, which was noble and honorable, but as a result, it was inevitable that there would be a crossover and mixture of the two. To answer your question, no, it is NOT proper to mix the two, BUT that does not mean that you should either throw out the holiday completely or that many of the symbols can't be salvaged! The earth is the Lord's and everything that is contained in it. Mistletoe and Easter eggs, throw them out, Santa and the Easter Bunny- throw them out, the Christmas tree, YES, it can be salvaged. Over the centuries people have idolized almost everything. People have worshiped money, career, jobs, and the list goes on and on. Just because some people idolized money, do believers not have anything to do with money at all? Certainly not, You've purchased a new car, why? Did you not know that cars have been used to transport Moonshine liquor and drugs and that people have even had sex in the backseats??? Does that mean that cars are evil and that you and I should not have one? The pagans worshiped the tree, however, we don't worship the tree. It's purely an article of decoration. It gives a festive appeal to the house. As long as our focus has not shifted from Christ to Christmas preparations, it's absolutely fine to enjoy ourselves.

Often non-Christians come and ask you for the significance of the Christmas tree. It's silly to lose an opportunity to share the gospel. The Evergreen is a symbol of life, that is where the name comes from- while other trees die during Winter, the “Ever” Green lives all year round signifying “Everlasting Life” man's everlasting hope in Christ, which has been given to mankind by Christ's sacrifice, death and resurrection, to those who believe in Him. The triangular shape is believed to symbolize the holy trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The lights signify Jesus being the “Light of the world” and that WE should let “Our light shine” to draw men unto God, showing them the way of Salvation. What about the star? God promised the World a Savior, who would come and set humanity free. The star on the tree represents God's fulfillment of the promise He made ages ago, through all the prophets. It also represents the shining hope of mankind that first shone in Bethlehem, leading the Wise Men to the manger. Once again, the Candles. Candles or lighting on the tree stands for Jesus Christ who died at Calvary on the cross, for the salvation of mankind. He came as light and hope into a dark and doomed world. He came to bind up broken hearts and free those in bondage. Candy canes represent the shepherd's crook, which helps the shepherd gather his lost and strayed sheep. Our Heavenly Father is our shepherd who eagerly waits for His sheep to turn back to Him. The candy cane can also be turned upside down, wherein it stands for the letter 'J' in Jesus. The red and white sugar coloring stands for Christ's blood and purity, which when brought together make us holy before the Father's eyes.

Christmas wreaths represent the unceasing love of the Father. It shows how God's mercies are new every morning, and how true love has no beginning or end! Wreaths remind us of how privileged we are to have a Father whose love is never-ceasing and unconditional! Gifts under the Christmas tree remind us of birthday gifts given in honor of Jesus and to celebrate His birth. They also should remind us of the fact that we have received the greatest gift on earth, which is 'eternal life' through the blood of Jesus Christ. It reminds us how God gave His all for us and how we are to live our lives for Him on Earth. Red and Green Colors of Christmas-

Red stands for the Blood of Jesus that was shed for our Salvation, as well as the fire of the spirit, while green stands for nature and one's life on earth. Red along with green symbolizes the Holy Spirit's union with nature to be incarnate on Earth and save the world. I see no harm in placing a Christmas tree in the house. It's something that's really pretty to look at and can be used as a focal point for family members to come together and have some quality time and fun time getting “in the spirit” of Christmas. I will have to admit, that while I LOVE Christmas Trees, I personally do not enjoy the trouble of putting them up.

Answer 11

Well, it's not the best practice. However, seeing as many people go to church specifically on these days, it is still good for Churches to worship on these days so that possibly God may open the lost's eyes through the preacher and they maybe saved! In other words, take advantage of the situation and use it to glorify God!

Answer 12

Christians claim it's all in innocence and good fun. Surely their God doesn't mind now that all the symbols, customs and dates are about Jesus and so much time has passed. This doesn't seem like a safe attitude to have when you consider the God of the OT. You know, the jealous one with the short fuse and a flair for retribution? The one to whom a thousand years is a day? Yeah, that one...

Answer 13

"Thou shalt not commit adultery."



You know what adultery means, right? It means offering a mixed substance when only a pure substance is acceptable. Among the Hebrew people, adultery meant offering a girl for marriage claiming she was a virgin when she was not. There has to be an element of fraud involved. The word also has a sexual meaning. God uses sexual terms to speak of spiritual matters. God does not appreciate mixed worship. Only the pure substance is acceptable.

Answer 14

Hello,



Yes so long as that symbolism is directed to God/ Christ. As Christianity spread the leaders and missionaries were smart enough to allow the people they converted to keep some of their ceremonial festivities and symbols in order to make their transition more easier and palatable hence reducing the great cultural shock.



Cheers,



Michael Kelly

Answer 15

Is like mixing Dubstep with House music.

Answer 16

HAH! I was waiting for someone to ask this questions. Jehovah witnesses can't say nothing about this when they use so much Pagan symbolism. C.T Russels grave for one.

The watchtower looks exactly like the pagan god spoken about in revalations

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/528588_3823776430701_650153834_n.jpg

Event the creator of the watchtower uses pagan symbolims on his books.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/565010_3823770750559_691941631_n.jpg

And don't forget them even putting it on there own watchtowers

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3823772390600&set=o.137264590301&type=1&ref=nf



https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/66144_3823768110493_227833946_n.jpg



Yet no one has explained why Charles T. Russell chose the Watch Tower as the name and central idea of his new religion, many return-to-the-Bible movements, for instance, Campbell’s Church of Christ churches, have eschewed being associated with any symbology. The idea of the Watch Tower must have been very important to Russell for him to have situated it as the central symbol for his movement. Was he thinking that a tower towered him above others? Or was it because ancient Watch Towers could view approaching armies and thereby warn of approaching battles? Or was it chosen because Masons have been associated with building castles and cathedrals?



Each of these explanations put forth, has some merit. But there is another explanation. One that seems bizarre, in fact so bizarre that this author dismissed it until such time as he was able to confirm C.T. Russell’s Masonic membership.



This author has located 4 Masonic chapters so far in the world that are named Mizpah, and three of these are in C.T. Russell’s area of Pennsylvania. These are all York Rite (R.A.M.-Royal Arch Masons) lodges like Russell belonged to. They are Mizpeh Chapter No. 288 R.A.M. of Allegheny, PA, Mizpah Chapter No. 252 R.A.M. Mahonoy City, PA, and the Mizpah Chapter 96 of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of PA.



What could be important enough to Masonry to call their lodges Watchtowers? The highest Masons, who get cryptic and mystic, are exposed to Enochian magic, where the use of the magical watchtowers is the key, the heart so to speak, of Enochian magic. And the use of the word Mizpah among the Masons is interesting.



Watchtowers are regions of the Magical Universe. The tope of Magic that uses these regions is called Enochian Magick.



According to occultists, Magic is merely the use of hidden laws to bring about the will. Every person has a spark of divinity—a inner God, also called an angel or Holy Guardian Angel. The Magician is to get in touch with his Angel—his divinity. This is where his knowledge of the Watchtowers is helpful. Enochian Magick claims for itself two unique elements: an original language and the map of the indivisible worlds. The Indivisible worlds are known as the Magical Universe. The map of this Magical Universe contains 4 Enochian regions called Watchtowers. These are the Watchtower of Fire, the Watchtower of Air, the Watchtower of Water, and the Watchtower of Earth. These 4 regions are often symbolized in ancient esoteric manuscripts.





EDIT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZeS4BeuccA&feature=my_liked_videos&list=LLzF-LSj_Z2Ci6jlcgN_T5kw

This video also shows how its not pagan

(And before anyone goes around using the word APOSATE! You have to learn what it really means. Even the ex jehovah witnesses aren't even apostates. And apostate bibical wise was someone who turned there back on Jesus christ. A lot of ex Jehovah witnesses believe in christ.)

Also the bible says Hell fire several times

Answer 17

Catholicism has been doing that very thing for centuries.

Answer 18

Seeing as how it has adopted, adapted, and bastardized about every pagan tradition and ritual there ever was, of course it is.

Answer 19

No. That's apostasy.

Answer 20

No it is not proper.

Answer 21

they have been doing it for centuries.