Babylon & Paganism

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>Lynne A. Yohnk wrote:
>> There was an ancient Babylon and in Rev. 17 we read of a "Mystery
>> Babylon". When something is a mystery, it means that something about
the
>> mystery is hidden and unrevealed. In a mystery, there is some digging
>> that must take place.
>>
>> In the book "The Two Babylon's" by Alexander Hislop, he takes the
history
>> of ancient Babylon and paganism and compares it to the Roman Catholic
>> Church. There are stunning parallels between the two. I will list
some of
>> these parallels here. (For further study, I would recommend getting
this book.)
>
>Dave responds:
>Well, this brings up a question I have. Are Christians to celebrate
>Christmas and Easter since both of these had "pagan origins"? I know
>of some Holy Ghost filled people who celebrate Christmas and exchange
>presents. So it is either right or wrong since it has pagan origins.
>It's one thing to compare the Catholic Church with paganism, but what
>about Apostolics who celebrate Christmas?
>


Is using the Christmas holiday to celebrate the birth of the Lord or
celebrating Easter the same as praying to a dead person, ignoring the
Bible for man's teachings. It becomes a heart issue as well as an
obedience issue. You see you compare a religious system ( the RCC) to 2
celebrations a year. One must be diligent and wise in their activities
as most are not originated within the realm of Christianity or by the
Hebrews before that. Most holidays are pagan or at least secular in
origin. Most activities are secular or pagan. So we must be careful. Is
celebrating the Christmas wrong....if you think it is, then it is for
you.

1Cor 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are
offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in
the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.
1Cor 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or
in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
1Cor 8:6 But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all
things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all
things, and we by him.
1Cor 8:7 Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some
with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered
unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
1Cor 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are
we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
1Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a
stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1Cor 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in
the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be
emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
1Cor 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for
whom Christ died?
1Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak
conscience, ye sin against Christ.
1Cor 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no
flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Here is an example of an OT no-no (it had some strong pagan
implications) that Paul tells us is okay if we have no conviction
otherwise. He also tells us that we should not offer stumbling blocks to
our brethern by doing it if others find it a problem.

1Cor 10:20 But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice,
they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should
have fellowship with devils.
1Cor 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils:
ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
1Cor 10:22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
1Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not
expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

All things are lawful (lots of rope to hang ourselves with there :o(  )
but not all are expedient or edifing....

Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also
ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

IMHO, using pagan originated holidays to glorify the Lord (keeping Him
100% in the focus and not the fat red suited guy) is not the same issue
as using pagan religious rites to form a new form of Christianity. One
that removed Jesus as the focal point and places man there. One that
mirrored the predominate pagan rites of the day as opposed to the
Christian rites. Having a Christmas tree is not equal to praying to a
statue of Madonna.

Lord Bless
Bill

PS: I do not agree with the Easter thing...the bunny, the eggs...or the
fat man at Christmas...so even I have limited my acceptance of what I
allow in my home :o)


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