Superstition in the Church
Common Sense Christianity
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)
My son and I had a conversation about superstition displayed in religion. He reminded me of the serpent on the pole that Moses had. When the Israelite children got bit by a snake, they would look up at the serpent and receive healing. If we did that today in our churches, it would seem ludicrous.
My son also reminded me of the Ark of the Covenant. If archeologists were to uncover the Ark, it would be terrible. Why? Because our focus may switch from a tangible historical idol instead of faith in an unseen God.
Have the cross, laws, rituals, and works become some of the biggest superstitious idols in Christianity?
The Cross
A friend of mine pointed out that some songs from hymnals allude to a worship of the cross. One hymn speaks of clinging, loving, and being true to the cross. It is symbolic of what Christ did for us on a cross, yet we are not to cherish or love a cross. Christ alone deserves that honor.
The Laws
The Bible is the book that points us to Christ. However, when hate is displayed, referencing the Old Testament laws as our ticket for meanness, is this what Christ had in mind?
Rituals
Suppose we pray specific prayers repeatedly, light candles, hold tightly to church symbols, memorize the entire Bible, confess to certain people, give more money, or perform some penance. Do we comprehend our motives? Are we merely fulfilling the obligations of our religion?
Works
Superstition comes in many forms in the church, and I admit being guilty of succumbing to its sway. I claimed Jesus as my Savior, but deep down, I felt that nothing this good could be free. So, I paid a charge of obedience through church work. I lived in fear of never measuring up to God’s favor.
Does anyone else relate to this?
The religious leaders showed a poignant example of distorted beliefs during the time of Jesus. The Pharisees zealously tried to follow the laws so that they would gain eternal life. It was a false hope which superseded faith. Jesus said to them,
You carefully study the Scriptures. You think that they give you eternal life.
(John 5:39, ERV)
The law could no longer bring eternal life because the giver of life, the Messiah, was standing before them. In the second part of that verse 39, Jesus tells them,
These same Scriptures tell about me! (John 5:39, ERV)
The laws were part of a faith-forward story of God’s provision and were never the prescription for sin’s sickness. Our prescription is Jesus Christ.
Truth is the antonym for superstition. Agnostics may view Christians as fitting the superstitious bill, needing to believe something without proof. However, a Christian’s proof is through a confidence of hope. We have an assurance of our unseen God by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
How can we know if we are living under the control of superstition or faith?
Fear can be the telltale factor, which is also an antonym for superstition. There may be an intermingling of faith and superstition without an awareness that faith sometimes takes a back seat, as actions motivated by fear give way to superstition.
Do laws, rules, and rituals have precedence in our church, or does faith?
Are we constantly living with anxiety about fulfilling church canons or doctrines? Does the church use the Bible to make us feel guilty, unworthy, and like one can never work enough or give enough? Is serving the Lord a burden, and deep inside, we think it’s a pious Christian virtue? Remember what Jesus told us.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28–30, NIV)
When we use our common sense, we will know the truth, and the truth sets us free of our fears. Service to God should be love-driven as opposed to fear-driven by superstition.
Dear Father, Fill me with faith, not fear. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
