Paganism in Christianity - Page 5

mfblume · #41 09-04-2008, 10:08 PM

I disagree strongly with redeeming paganism and pulling it into the church, as the Catholics thought to do. But on the other hand every day of the week and month of the year is also named after a pagan god. They praised those gods when they spoke the names of those months and days. To be consistent, one must never use the names of the days of the week or months of the year.

Paul said that meats offered to idols were idolatrous. But to him, who knew there was only one God and that the rest were fakes, it was only meat.

What matters is whether something is done unto a false god or not. Let's not go witch-hunting and wasting God's precious time with pointing out every little shadow we see.

U376977 · #42 09-04-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

Ah, the old "Jeremiah tree" of Jeremiah chapter 10.

I used to belong to an organization called The Church of Jesus Christ Pentecostal Faith. Our Presiding Bishop was against lots of stuff. Some of the preachers used Jeremiah chapter 10 to preach against Christmas trees.

One family in which the Dad and at least one son were preachers lived in SE Kentucky. Folks down there did not go to a lot and buy a tree. They went out into the woods and cut one. One year some of the family members decided they wanted a Christmas tree that year and went out and cut one and brought it home. Their Dad was agin' it. He told them they were heatherns (that's how some say it in Kentucky). One son who was a preacher clearly showed his father how Jeremiah chapter 10 did not apply to them. He pointed out verse 3 where it says, "...one cutteth a tree out of the forest..." He said, "See, Daddy, it says here that ONE cutteth a tree out of the forest. We didn't have just one person go get that tree. There were several of us."

Sam, So very funny. Loved the story. I told the Jeremiah 10 story to my MIL. She read where it says the tree has no power and cannot speak. She said, "well if it has no power, then I am putting it up." Never did change about Christmas, but she did at least get baptized and receive the HG before she died.

I know Jeremiah does not speak to a Christmas tree, there was no such thing as Christmas in Jeremiahs time. Just to the practice of cutting and decorating a tree as heathen.

mfblume · #43 09-04-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U376977

I know Jeremiah does not speak to a Christmas tree, there was no such thing as Christmas in Jeremiahs time. Just to the practice of cutting and decorating a tree as heathen.

Actually it was not even talking about that! It was saying that a wooden carved IDOL was actually in reality a tree. And as they carved wood made from trees into shapes of faces and false gods, and plated the wood with silver and gold, Jeremiah said in actuality they are plating trees with metal! It had nothing to do with anything similar to taking a bare tree with branches and leaves and hanging ornaments on them like folks do with christmas trees.

U376977 · #44 09-04-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

I think some of us just need to lighten up and not be looking for a devil under every rock and behind each tree. This is the day that the Lord hath made. And every day is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in each day.

Sam, I will accept that as good fatherly advise. I am out of this thread.

Aquila · #45 09-05-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK Burk

First you said...

And a few posts later you said...

What "season" are you referring to, Aquila?

You first claimed Christmas was all about remembering Jesus' birthday. You then listed all the "traditional" things that you enjoy doing for Christmas, like the tree, egg nog, and such. Then when I said it is paganism when you include such things into celebrating Jesus, you claimed you did not make them central. Hmmm... Now, you're calling them "seasonal decorations"?? And THAT is not making them central to your 'seasonal' celebration of Jesus' birth?? Oh, okay....

Bro….in my neck of the woods we’d say that you’re, “itchin’ for a scratch”.

None of that stuff is pagan if it isn’t connected to pagan worship. Even meat sacrificed to idols was just meat to Paul. A Christmas tree is just a decorated tree to me. If meat sacrificed to idols and decorated trees offend you….don’t do it bro.

TK Burk · #46 09-05-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

Bro….in my neck of the woods we’d say that you’re, “itchin’ for a scratch”.

None of that stuff is pagan if it isn’t connected to pagan worship. Even meat sacrificed to idols was just meat to Paul. A Christmas tree is just a decorated tree to me. If meat sacrificed to idols and decorated trees offend you….don’t do it bro.

Yeah, I understand perfectly. You're saying now that you're cornered, I better be careful or you'll come out swinging?

And you have a problem with my attitude?

Brother, swing away. I'll just keep preching Truth and blessing you in Jesus' name....

TK Burk · #47 09-05-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

Oh...and did you know that the idea that Christ's birth was on the 25th of December is rooted in an ancient Jewish tradition? I'll tell you more if you're interested.

Yes, I'd love to hear about this. As a matter of fact, an Orthodox Rabbi that's good friends with Bro. Benincasa wants to know about this as well.

A_PoMo · #48 09-05-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

We're dealing with a weaker brother who would be very upset if we ate meat sacrificed to idols. We have to approach him with love and never violate his conscience if in his presence. But, we're also not to allow him to use his weakness to bully or lord his convictions over us.

?

Evang.Benincasa · #49 09-05-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

Oh...and did you know that the idea that Christ's birth was on the 25th of December is rooted in an ancient Jewish tradition? I'll tell you more if you're interested.

My friend who is an Orthodox Rabbi and I were in a discussion today and Brother Burk had mention this above post to me prior to my talk with my friend. My friend wanted me to get your information. Can you please direct me to where I can find it?

Rhoni · #50 09-05-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revelationist

Oh, the list goes on and on with this one.

Steeples on the church? Yes... from pagan temples of the fertility god.

Shekhina... oh how we like to use that word.. the Shekhina Glory of God was really in this place tonight... did you know that word is not even in the Bible? Where did it come from? Jewish Mysticism. Believe me, just because I put the word Jewish in front of it, doesn't change the fact that it's mysticism. Shekhina was the mother of God. Yep..

Sunday is Sun God worship.. the sabath was really on Saterday.

From Friday to Sunday is not three days for the resutection.

Shekinah is a noun another name for God. It is scriptural...let me find it for you

Blessings, Rhoni