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Pagan Christianity

A Biblical and Historical Study

By Dr. J. D. Watson

 

From the back cover of the booklet: The so-called “Christian holidays”—Christmas, Easter, and all the symbols that go with them—are at the very heart of much Christian worship and activity. But what are the true origins of these holidays? In this study, the author traces these origins back in history and shows conclusively that their origins are, in fact, not Christian at all, but totally pagan.

 

But even more important than these origins, the author also presents a much ignored aspect of this controversial subject, namely, that their observance violates the Biblical principle that no manner of worship should be used that is not instituted in Scripture. He shows from history how many Godly Christians—such as the Puritans—have rejected these holidays in an attempt to keep Christianity pure.

 

This booklet is not meant to attack anyone but to inform and encourage Christians of the true history and significance of practices that form the celebrations of Christmas and Easter (as well as a mention of Valentine’s Day, and Halloween). The author’s motivating force is, as always, Sola Scriptura—The Scripture Alone.

 

To call what follows “controversial” would be an understatement to say the least. A more accurate word would probably be “volatile.” It is a study of what are commonly called “the Christian Holidays.” It is not meant to attack anyone but to inform and encourage Christians of the true history and significance of practices that form the celebrations of Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween.

            May I say again, I know how “controversial” all this is. As I’ll mention on the next page, I know from experience how upset people get when confronted with these facts. But I also know how vital it is that Christians face these facts and consider the application they demand in their lives. I pray that you the reader will bear with me and consider prayerfully what follows.

            To begin our study, may we look briefly at two texts of Scripture. The first text appears in I Thessalonians 1:9:

 

For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God.

 

This verse refers to the idolatry of the Greek world, which included all kinds of superstition, endless and empty ritual, and even immoral behavior. But Paul here declares that the believers in Thessalonica came out of this paganism when they came to Christ. Therefore, their coming out of such religion was an evidence that they were true followers and servants of Christ.

            Our second text is Revelation 2:20:

 

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou allowest that woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

 

We find here a graphic illustration of idolatry. A certain woman had lured the church into allowing pagan practices unto the church.

 

The point of this section is to challenge every Christian reader to rid his or her life of that which reeks of paganism. The material presented here is not personal opinion, rather historical fact, which frankly cannot be denied or even maturely argued. This information is readily available in reference books.[1] Yes, I’ll offer personal application for the believer, but this too is based on facts, not the opinions of one writer. The question every Christian will have to ask himself (or herself) is, “Am I willing to listen to and act upon Biblical truth and historical fact?”

            As a pastor, I have taught the following facts and applications to many Christians. I have had various reactions. One is that some folks have gotten angry with me, which was really quite silly since I was only telling them Biblical and historical facts. Often anger comes because when confronted by a particular truth we then become responsible for that truth, and many of us would rather stay ignorant because we are comfortable in our traditions.

            I’ll also not forget the day some 20 years ago when a fellow pastor happened to be visiting the church I then pastored. After presenting a few of the truths here with the sheep there that morning, he said to me later in an incredulous tone, “I can’t believe you taught that!” I asked him why, but he just shook his head and walked away. As you read, I’ll let you think about why he didn’t answer.

            Thankfully, I’ve also seen the opposite reaction. I have seen many Christians accept the counsel offered here and as a result see their lives deepen for the Lord. The third reaction, however, is probably the worst. I’ve seen some who care not at all, who, with a shrug of the shoulders, merely go on the way they did before.

            I have only one motive and goal in presenting this material: to lift up our Lord Jesus Christ and do away with the things that distract from His person, work, and glory. Mere words cannot express the burden I have had for many years concerning what follows. So, with this in mind, I prayerfully present this study.

 

The History of the Matter

 

            Nimrod was the grandson of Ham, one of Noah’s three sons. He founded the great cities of Babel (Babylon), Erech, Accad, Calneh, and Nineveh (Gen. 10:10–11). It was at Babel that the first organized system of idolatry began at the infamous Tower of Babel. Semiramis, Nimrod’s wife, became the first high priestess of idolatry, and Babylon became the origin of all pagan religion. In the last days, “the great harlot” will have written on her forehead, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Rev. 17:5).   

            Let us imagine for a moment that we are taking a trip back to Babylon. First, we encounter Semiramis, Nimrod’s wife. She was deified and considered to be “the queen of heaven.” In the pagan legends, Semiramis was miraculously conceived by a sunbeam. This legend would, in fact, eventually become the basis of the Roman Catholic teaching of the “immaculate conception” of Jesus’ mother Mary. Just like Semiramis, Mary became “the queen of heaven.”

            While Semiramis was a beautiful woman, she was unimaginably depraved and lived in unbridled lust. Upon her deification, she became the goddess Ishtar, the goddess of sensual love, maternity, and fertility. Worship of this “deity” included animal sacrifice, male and female prostitution, sacrifice of virginity, and at times even infant sacrifice. The Assyrians also worshipped Ishtar, while the Phoenicians (including the Canaanites) worshipped her under a different name, Astarte. Likewise, this same goddess was worshipped in pagan Greece under the name Aphrodite, in pagan Rome under the name Venus, and in pagan Egypt under the name Isis.

            The Old Testament tells us that there were several occasions when the Israelites fell into the worship of Baal and Astarte. Two vivid examples of Astarte worship appear in Judges 2:13 and 10:6. The Hebrew word for this goddess was Ashtoreth. This is significant because this word contains the same vowels as the Hebrew word for “shame,” bosheth. This fact shows how abhorrent this worship was.

            Second, we encounter the god Tammuz, the child of Ishtar. This, too, was paralleled in other pagan societies. Among the Canaanites, the child’s name was Baal (child of Astarte); in Greek society his name was Adonis (child of Aphrodite); in Roman society his name was Cupid (child of Venus); and in Egyptian society his name was Osiris (child of Isis). This god was a great hunter and was the god of pasture, flocks, subterranean water, and vegetation. As the story goes of Adonis, he was killed by a wild boar but was allowed to spend six months a year with Aphrodite while the other six were spent in Hades. The same basic story was told of Tammuz. The apparent death of vegetation in the Middle East during the hot, dry summer months was, in pagan thinking, caused by Tammuz’s absence and his descent into the underworld. His followers, lead by Ishtar, would weep and mourn his death for forty days (the origin of “Lent”), and in the spring he would return bringing the spring rains with him. Worship of Tammuz involved fertility rites such as the annual “divine marriage” of the king to the fertility goddess by way of the temple priestess.

            This paganism infected Israel centuries before the coming of Christ. We find at least two specific references to this in the Old Testament. First, the wicked and rebellious Israelite exiles in Egypt insisted on turning to Ishtar, “the queen of heaven,” which refers to Ashtoreth (Jer. 7:18 and 44:17–19). Second, we find a vivid reference to Tammuz in Ezekiel 8:13-14. While exiled in Babylon with his fellow Jews, the prophet received a vision from God concerning the idolatry and “abominations” of the nation of Israel. Among the pagan practices Ezekial saw were women at the entrance to the outer court of the Temple at Jerusalem “weeping for Tammuz” while they awaited his resurrection. What a terrible thing it was that God’s people had been drawn into such pagan, God denying worship!

 

The Contamination of the Church

 

            As we’ll outline in a moment, the pagan religion of old Babylon contaminated the Church and became the basis for virtually every aspect of our so-called “Christian holidays.” But when and where did this contamination occur? When Babylon was destroyed, the pagan high priest first fled to Pergamum (or Pergamos, referred to as “where Satan’s throne is” in Rev. 2:13) and finally to Rome. By the fourth century AD, then, the transplanted paganism of Babylon had wormed its way into the Church. It was from that source that the ideas of Lent, Mary’s immaculate conception, Mary being the “queen of heaven,” and all the customs of our “Christian holidays” originated. How tragic it is that the “mother-child cult” infected the Church, but more tragic still is the fact the Church continues to cling to it.

 

The Significance to “Christmas”

 

            Returning from our little trip back to Babylon, we now need to consider the present day significance of all this. The first area involves the holiday we call “Christmas.” As we view this holiday, we find that without exception every aspect of it goes back to pagan origin. Let us look at several of the customs observed at Christmas time.

 

            The Date, December 25th. We must first realize that the Lord Jesus Christ was not born on December 25th. There is absolutely no doubt of this for several reasons. One reason is that even though the winter is not as cold in the Middle East as it is in many parts of America, the night cold is still piercing. Therefore, the shepherds did not watch the sheep in the open fields later than about the end of October. Another reason is that it would have been too cold for women and children to be traveling to the city in which they were taxed. The date of Jesus’ birth is not known, but without question it had to be in the spring (probably April or May).

            Why then is Jesus’ birth observed on December 25th? At this point we should carefully note that no such holiday was ever celebrated by the early church. In point of fact, the Roman Catholic Church adopted “Christmas” (or “Christ’s Mass”) in the fourth century. The Roman emperor Con­stantine made it an official Roman holiday. Why did Catholicism do this? You see, long before Christianity, there was a pagan festival given in honour of Ishtar’s son Tammuz, that is, a festival given to celebrate Tammuz’s “rebirth.” This was paralleled in Rome by a festival dedicated to Sol invictus, the “invincible sun.” This festival occurred during the “winter solstice,” the time when the days begin to get longer, around December 22nd. This was also the time of year when the “Saturnalia” took place. This festival, held from the 17th to the 23rd of December, was held in honour of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. It was a time of merriment at the end of the harvest when sacrifices were made and presents exchanged.

            So, the Roman Catholic Church chose December 25th to celebrate Christ’s birth to try and “offset” the Saturnalia. It was thought that this would lead the pagans away from the rebirth of the “sun” to the birth of the “Son.” But this is an age-old mistake. The Church has made the mistake many times in history of trying to meet the world “half-way.” But where does the Word of God say that we are to meet the world “half-way?” Where does God’s Word declare that we are to compromise? Do we ever see Jesus do that? Did Paul ever do that in his travels in the book of Acts?  Indeed not!  How dangerous it is to blend the world with Christianity! Why? Because Christianity is always weakened as a result. Paganism and the world in general are never weakened by such a union, but Christianity is. This will become even clearer as we continue.

 

            The Christmas Tree And The Yule Log. It is widely held that Martin Luther began the custom of the Christmas tree in Germany. He felt that as the evergreen was a symbol of life to the pagans, it could be a symbol of the Savior to Christians. German immigrants brought this custom to America in the nineteenth century. Many Christians today seize on this idea and even say, “Oh, the Christmas tree is a beautiful picture of the tree of Calvary.”

            But the Christmas tree is rooted in Babylon! It did not originate with Luther! The “yule log” was the sun god cut down by his enemies. This log was burned, and out from it sprang the evergreen tree, the symbol of the god coming to life once again. There is reference to this in Scripture. Judges 3:7, for example, speaks of Israel serving Baal and Ashtoreth, but the crux of the matter is found in II Kings 17:9-10, which says that they set idols beneath “every green tree.” There is no doubt that this refers to the “evergreen,” a symbol of life.

            I would offer an illustration at this point. Many years ago I heard a preacher tell of an incident he remembered from his childhood. He told of a missionary who, during the Christmas season, was visiting the church he and his family attended. This missionary was a native missionary to India and was well aware of the pagan religion of his country (the parallel of Ishtar and Tammuz in India is Isi and Iswara). When the missionary walked into that home and saw a Christmas tree, he was shocked and appalled that Christians would have the same decorations that the pagans of his country worship. Many Christians today say, “Oh, these ancient customs are dead,” but the fact is that they are very much alive.

 

            Mistletoe. This custom, which people think is so cute at Christmas, actually comes from the Druids. The Druids were the pagan priests of ancient Britain who existed from the second century BC to the second century AD They worshipped Mercury, Apollo, and Mars and practiced sorcery, astrology, and human sacrifice. Analysis proves that the Druids paralleled the Babylonian system. Mistletoe was revered by the Druids; they believed it possessed mysterious and magical powers of healing, fertility, and good luck. To the Romans, mistletoe was a symbol of peace. If enemies found themselves under mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons and declare a truce. From this came the custom of “kissing under the mistletoe.”

 

            Holly, Ivy, and The Wassailing Bowl. Holly, too, was worshipped as a sign of the sun’s return. One legend says that Christ’s crown was made of holly and that before the crucifixion the berries were white, but afterwards turned red like drops of blood. It is also thought that the Christmas “wreath” came from this very legend.

            Ivy was the symbol of the wine god Bacchus in pagan Rome, the worship of whom was characterized by unrestrained drinking and food orgies. Similarly, the wassailing bowl has its roots in the drunken festivals of Babylon.

 

            Santa Claus And Gift Giving. As pointed out earlier, “gift giving” is a throw-back to the Roman Saturnalia. The custom we see today, however, also came to us through the actions of Saint Nicholas, a Roman Catholic bishop of the early fourth century. Supposedly, this bishop gave gold to three poor girls to provide them dowries for marriage and to prevent their having to live lives of shame and slavery. So, Nicholas became the patron saint of children, virgins, sailors, and merchants. From all this arose the custom of secret gift giving on the “Eve of St. Nicholas” (December 6th). This date is, in fact, still observed in Holland. In America, however, it was just celebrated right along with Christmas, since this date was close to the 25th.

            Oh, would to God that Christians would realize that “Santa Claus” is nothing but a false God! We hold him up as one who knows all and sees all and picture him as one who rewards those who have been good and withholds from those who have been bad. Why don’t parents stop and think that they are literally lying to their children when they teach them about Santa? May we then ask, if we lie to our children about Santa (whom we can’t see), why do we think that when they find out it was a lie they won’t then think that God, too, is a lie (for neither can we see God)?

            Moreover, no one can argue that Santa, presents, and general commercialization is the emphasis during the Christmas season. I read some statistics just prior to the 1986 Christmas season that during the coming Christmas season over ten billion dollars would be spent on one and a half billion presents, which would be wrapped in 150 million dollars worth of paper.

            But there are those who object to what I’ve just presented. Some say, “You are destroying the ‘spirit of giving.’” On the contrary, may I submit that most giving at Christmas is done out of obligation, not to mention the financial debt that we incur. I have seen many families go into unnecessary debt out of obligation. Please think of this: If you want to give someone a gift, you don’t need a special day to give it; give it anytime. In fact, the gift will mean infinitely more when given in this way than it will when given out of obligation or in exchange for a gift given to you.

 

            The Terms “Christmas” And “Merry Christmas.” “Christmas” literally means “Christ’s Mass.” The Roman Catholic mass is a “continual sacrifice,” a reoffering of Christ’s body for the sins of the living and the dead. So, “Christ’s Mass” was (and is) a special mass and feast day. The implication and application of this is clear. Why would any evangelical Christian want to be involved in any way whatsoever in the Roman Catholic mass? Why would we even want to say the word, much less do anything that celebrates it?

            The term “Merry Christmas” comes right out of the “merry‑makers” of the feast of Saturnalia. This feasting would literally go on for days. Not only was there the wassailing bowl and the drunken revelry that went with it, but the main course at the feast was wild boar. In fact, in Medieval England the high point of the feast was the procession of the chef and waiters carrying the boar’s head. Why was this done? Because it was a boar that killed Tammuz and Adonis, and the eating of the boar was a sign that the boar had been conquered.

            Candles. The burning of candles has always been associated with pagan religion, and may we add, they are an integral part of Roman Catholicism. No, it is not wrong to burn candles in our homes, as many of us do. But when candles are used for some religions reason, we have stepped into the shadows of paganism.

 

            The “Nativity Scene.” The “Madonna and Child” come directly from Babylon. Sad to say, and to the disappointment of many Christians, the nativity scene is merely a variation of the Madonna and Child. Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have created the first “nativity scene” in 1223, but he certainly was not the one who originated the idea.

 

The Significance to “Easter”

 

            As we did with Christmas, let us look at several things involved in the “Easter Season.”

 

            The Term “Easter.” This is the most obvious feature of this season. From whence does this term come? I have read some historical sources which say that the derivation of this term is “uncertain,” but we beg to differ with these; this term is not all uncertain. Please follow the following explanation carefully. The first thing we must realize about this term is that it is in no way a Christian term. It is, in fact, nothing but a transliteration of the word “Ishtar.”

            At this point, there are those who say, “Oh, but ‘Easter’ is even used in the Bible in Acts 12:4.” This is quite true, but the reason for this should forever dispel all the objections that are raised against a study like this one. The reason for the word “Easter” is because pagan worship was introduced into ancient Britain by the Druids (who we examined earlier). As a matter of historical fact, this term originated in ancient Britain. It was because of this pagan influence that the word “Easter” tragically appears in the venerable King James Version of the Bible. The Greek is pascha, which everywhere else is correctly translated, “Passover.”

 

            Lent. As we know, Lent is a forty day season of repentance and fasting that precedes “Easter.” Supposedly, Lent was to be an imitation of Christ’s forty days of fasting, and while at first it was a free will act, it gradually became a fixed custom and ordinance of the Church. In reality, it was the forty days of fasting by Tammuz’s mother who awaited his resurrection.

            It is interesting to notice that the actual length and starting day of Easter was not really known and was, therefore, subject to debate. This is quite typical of man; if God doesn’t tell man what he thinks he should know, then he just takes the matter into his own hands. It was Gregory I, the pope from 590-604, who fixed the Wednesday of the sixth week before Easter as the starting point of Lent. This Wednesday is called “Ash Wednesday” because at this time the priests and people would sprinkle themselves with dust and ashes as a symbol of repentance. But, as we’ll see, all this is without any Scriptural support.

            The last week of the Lenten season is called “Holy Week,” which is devoted to commemorating Jesus’ passion and death. This week is characterized by daily public worship, rigid fasting, and deep silence. “Holy Week” begins with “Palm Sunday,” a celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for His enthronement on the cross.

            Next comes “Maundy Thursday,” another Roman Catholic invention. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mendicare, which means “to beg.” So, the pope, bishops, and priests are to wash the feet of twelve or more poor men or beggars to commemorate Jesus’ washing of the disciple’s feet. In the seventh century this was, in fact, made into an official feast day commemorating the Last Supper.

            Then comes “Good Friday,” the observance of the day of Christ’s death. This day involves the deepest penance and fasting. All Sunday splendor and liturgical pomp is stripped away, which is rather puzzling, for why should this worship be different from any other? Men’s ideas are often inconsistent. At this time the Lord’s Supper is omitted (since it was celebrated the night before), lights are extinguished, the people sing penitential psalms (instead of hymns), crucifixes are veiled, and the passion of Jesus is read.

            Finally, there comes “The Great Sabbath” (Saturday), which is another fast day in honor of Jesus’ death and descent into Hades. In the evening, the “Easter vigils” begin and continue to the dawn of Easter morning, during which time there is Scripture reading, singing, and prayer. This Roman Catholic invention is, in fact, the origin of the “Sunrise Service,” which many evangelical and fundamental churches think is some important New Testament practice, or even a mandate. I’ve seen puzzled looks on people’s faces when they find out our church does not have such a service, but what is more puzzling is why they do.

            With all this in mind, may I point out that every aspect of this Lenten observance is rooted in Babylon. The early Church never observed “Lent;” it was invented by Catholicism, which in-turn borrowed it from pagan religion. To the pagans, this Lenten season was an indispensable prelude to the great annual feast that commemorated the death and resurrection of Tammuz. This observance was in the spring of the year and involved all sorts of immorality. Once again, the Roman Church blended all this with Christianity.

Hot Cross Buns. We can trace this custom as far back as the ancient Athenians, some 1500 years before Christ. A sacred bread called “Boun” was made of fine flour and honey and was eaten during the festival of Astarte. But again, it all goes back to Babylon. In fact, the prophet Jeremiah refers to this:

 

The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven. . . (Jer. 7:18; see also 44:19).

 

            The “Easter Egg.” Without doubt, this is the most vivid symbol of Easter. The writings of the ancient poets are full of the fable of the “mystic egg of the Babylonians.” Supposedly, a giant egg fell from heaven into the River Euphrates. The fish of the river rolled it up onto the bank where doves could settle upon it and hatch it. It was from this egg that the “queen of heaven” (Ishtar, Venus, etc.) came. Hence, the egg became one of the symbols of this goddess all over the world. The egg was a sacred symbol in the order of the Druids. The Greeks consecrated an egg during their ceremonies of the mysteries of Bacchus. The egg of the Hindus was gold in color, while the Japanese had a brass egg. Sacred festivals in China use colored eggs as we do in here in America.

            One of the most interesting (and most distressing) facts about the egg is how the fable of its origin was used to pervert the Biblical record of Noah’s ark. Of course, Babylon did not exist before the flood and, obviously, neither did Babylonian religion. But the Babylonian pagans taught that the goddess, in a previous incarnation, lived in the antediluvian world (i.e. before the flood). So, in the Babylonian teaching, it was actually the egg, with the goddess and the world shut up in it, which came through the flood.

            Dear Christian, this is the history of those cute little eggs that many Christian parents color and hide from their children. But worst of all, Roman Catholicism adopted this egg as a symbol of Christ. Pope Paul V (1605-1621) actually taught his subjects to pray:

 

Bless, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this Thy creature of eggs, that it may become a whole­some sustenance unto Thy servants, eating it in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The first time I read this, I was appalled beyond belief. Knowing this, why would any Christian want to be connected with such a terrible, blasphemous thing?  Akin to this is our next point.

The “Easter Bunny.” The rabbit, as well as the dove and the chicken, are ancient symbols of fertility. In fact, it is believed that the famous armless statue of Venus was once holding either a dove or a rabbit. But once again, we cheerfully allow the Easter bunny and his cute little eggs into our homes and even our churches. In my years of ministry, I have seen several fundamental churches provide an Easter egg hunt for the children. How abominable and disgraceful this is!

 

            The Date Of Easter. Here is a controversy that has, quite literally, raged for centuries. Jewish Passover was observed on the fourteenth day of Nisan in the Jewish calendar and, therefore, could fall on any day of the week. Some early Christians, around the second century, tied Passover in with an observance of Christ’s resurrection. But then other Christians thought that Christ’s resurrection should only be observed on a Sunday; plus, these didn’t think Christians should identify with the Jews because they killed Christ. So, the Roman Catholic Church “settled” the debate. The Council of Nicea (325) declared that “Easter” was to be observed on “the first Sunday after both the fourteenth of Nisan and the first full moon following the vernal equinox.” The vernal equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator (heading north) beginning spring. Therefore, Easter falls between March 22nd and April 25th.

            Once again, however, all this goes back to Babylon. To the pagans, the vernal equinox looked to the resurrection and new life of Tammuz. It cannot be argued, “Easter Sunday” is not founded upon the Word of God, but is founded upon Roman Catholic opinion, which in-turn is rooted in pagan Babylon.

 

The Significance to “Valentine’s Day”

 

            We mention this observance because it, too, is rooted in paganism and because most Christians think it’s “cute.” It is loosely connected with Saint Valentine, who was martyred on February 14, 270. A feast was instituted in his honour and was characterized by boys choosing a “steady partner” for the next year. So, Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and engaged couples. But, more to the point, Cupid is the symbol of the day. He is made to look so cute with his chubby little body and his floating around on a heart shooting his little “arrows of love” that we are lulled into thinking that he and the holiday are harmless.

            But in reality, Cupid is the son of Venus, the Roman parallel to the Babylonian Ishtar and Tammuz. Valentine’s Day is nothing but an observance of sensuality, or, at the very least, an over-emphasis of physical attraction. There is absolutely nothing in this observance for Christians, but tragically many Christians observe it anyway.

 

The Significance to “Halloween”

 

            We include this short section because, tragically enough, the vast majority of Christians today think nothing about celebrating this day. Please recall our reference to the Druids earlier in our study, for Halloween actually came from them. It literally means “All Hallow’s Eve,” that is, “the night before All Hallows” (“All Saint’s Day”). It was at this time, according to the Druids, that Saman, Lord of the dead, called up hosts of evil spirits who did evil things to mortals. To escape these, mortals would have to build fires, offer food, and/or dress up like demons and witches and roam about with them. Of course, it is from this that we get “trick or treat” and Halloween costumes. It is truly appalling that Christians allow this to go on! It is no less than outright blasphemy that pastors allow “Halloween parties” to go on in their churches! Halloween comes right out of Hell itself, but sad to say, there are Christians who think it’s “cute.”

 

The Challenge to Christians

 

            Before getting to specifics, I would like to offer a general challenge to Christians. If Christians today would just stop and think with whom they are celebrating these pagan holidays, then this alone would cause them to throw these practices into the nearest garbage can. Many Christians go right along with a world that truly hates Jesus Christ but turns around and “celebrates” his birth and resurrection. What a blatant inconsistency! While it is true that the world emphasizes other things over Christ at these times, we still notice that it does get “quite religious” during these holidays. Furthermore, during these holidays what “Church” is in focus? What Church does the news media flash on television as being the representative of Christianity? Roman Catholicism, a pagan system that is no more “Christian” than was old Babylon. Let us make a few direct challenges with regard to each of the holidays we’ve explored.

 

            In Regard To “Christmas.” It is quite interesting to note that twice in history an attempt was made to get rid of this pagan celebration in Christianity.

            First, there was an attempt during the Reformation by men such as John Calvin and John Knox. The suppression of the Roman Catholic mass by the reformers led to a sharp change in the observance of Christmas; many people recognized its pagan origins. The General Assembly of the Reformed Church of Scotland, for example, of which the great reformer John Knox was a part, wrote in 1566:

 

Concerning the festival of our Lord’s nativity, circumcision, passion, resurrection, ascension , and sending the Holy Ghost upon his disciples, that these festivals at the present time obtain no place among us; for we dare not religiously celebrate any other feast-day than what the divine oracles prescribed. 2

 

Prior to this, in 1560 Knox and other drew up the First Book of Discipline, which not only made a clear statement of the authority of Scripture as it applied to doctrine and worship, but also included a scathing condemnation of:

 

. . . vows of chastity, foreswearing of marriage, binding of men and women to several and disguised apparels, to the superstitious observation of fasting days, difference of meat for conscience sake, prayer for the dead; and keeping of holy days of certain Saints commanded by men, such as be all those that the Papists have invented, as the Feasts (as they term them) of Apostles, Martyrs, Virgins, of Christmas, Circumcision, Epiphany, Purification, and other fond feasts of our Lady. Which things, because in God’s Scriptures they neither have commandment nor assurance, we judge them utterly to abolished from the realm.3

 

One of the most interesting things about this statement is that the so-called Christian holidays are included in the list of Roman Catholic abuses. Is it not odd that evangelicals today condemn and reject all the other abuses but not only retain but then staunchly defend the idolatry of the holidays?

            We could cite similar quotations from Calvin and others, but we’ll go on.

            Second, and more or less in continuation of the first attempt, there was the objections of the Puritans in the seventeenth century. In June 1647, in fact, the English Parliament adopted legislation abolishing the observance of Christmas and other holidays:

 

Forasmuch as the feast of the nativity of Christ, Easter, Whitsuntide, and other festivals, commonly called holy-days, have been heretofore superstitiously used and observed; be it ordained, that the said feasts, and all other festivals, commonly called holy-days, be no longer observed as festivals; any law, statute, custom, constitution, or canon, to the contrary in anywise not withstanding. 4

 

 

This was carried over to America when the pilgrims came. The image that many Christians have that the pilgrims gather around the fireplace while chestnuts roasted over the flame could not be further from the truth. To the pilgrims, December 25th was just another day. With the wave of Irish and German immigration in the nineteenth century, however, this pagan festival was brought back into popularity as these peoples brought their customs to America. Christmas became a legal holiday in 1856.

            At this point, we should consider a Biblical principle that is totally ignored by most Christians when this issue is raised, namely, that Scripture, both in word and by example, simply forbids any form of worship that God Himself does not institute. Theologians call this “The Regulative Principle of Worship.” It simply means that all forms and aspects of worship must be expressly stated in Scripture or they are to be rejected.

            Now if anyone wants to argue this point, and many do, he’d better open his Bible and read several passages that address man’s innovations. I strongly urge you to read the following: Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:1-4, 29-32; Leviticus 10:1-2; I Samuel 13:9-13; Matthew 15:3, 8-9; John 4:24; and Colossians 2:18, 21-22. God did not institute the “worship” that takes place at Christmas, and this fact alone condemns it.

            In this same vein, while true Christians would never dream of worshipping an idol, by giving deference to certain Christian symbols, they actually do just that. To illustrate, how many Christians hang a picture of Jesus in their home? Is this wrong? Well think about it. Do they give that picture more esteem or respect than they would a Rembrandt painting? If so, that is worship. Likewise, during the Christmas season, manger scenes and numerous other images are erected as items of special spiritual significance, and that is idolatry. The Second Commandment—“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Ex. 20:4)—clearly forbids any such practice or attitude.

            Historically, many Godly men have stood against this pagan influence. Take, for example, Puritan William Ames (1576-1633).

 

No instituted worship is lawful unless God is its author and ordainer. . .For every addition as well as every subtraction is a departure from the observance and keeping of the commandments of God, and a corruption of them, Deut. 12:32. . .The most solemn time for worship is now the first day of each week, called the Lord’s Day, Rev. 1:10, I Cor. 16:2. . .Opposed to the ordinance of the Lord’s Day are all feast days ordained by men when they are considered holy days like the Lord’s Day. 5

 

Referring to Leviticus 10:1, Ames also writes:

 

The sons of Aaron are there condemned for bringing strange, or ordinary fire to God’s worship; as doing that which God had not commanded, and yet had not otherwise forbidden, than by providing fire proper to his worship, and not appointing any other to be used in the tabernacle; And this is the very plea which we make against ceremonies of human institution, in God’s worship. 6

 

Writing more specifically on the Lord’s Day and ceremonial festivals, Ames further states:

 

Concerning ceremonial festivals, of man’s making, our practice cannot be objected; because we observe none. . .I would to God that every holy day whatsoever besides the Lord’s day were abolished. That zeal which brought them first in, was without all warrant of the Word, and merely followed corrupt reason, forsooth to drive out the holy days of the pagans, as one nail drives out another. Those holy days have been so tainted with superstitions that I wonder why we tremble not at their very names.7

 

            This was exactly the position taken in the seventeenth century by those who penned the great doctrinal statements of The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 21, Section 1) and The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 (Chapter 22, Section 1):

 

. . .the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestion of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scriptures.

 

Likewise did Puritan Thomas Vincent (1634-1678), in his The Shorter Catechism Explained from Scripture, write these powerful words:

 

The Popish holidays ought not to be observed, because they are not appointed by the Word: and, by the same reason, no other holidays may be kept, whatsoever pretense there be of devotion towards God, when there is no precept or example for such practice in the Holy Scripture.8

 

Even in more recent days, some men, such as Charles Spurgeon, for example, have stood against this corruption of worship. On December 24, 1871, Spurgeon opened his sermon with these words:

 

We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be said or sung in Latin or in English; and secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because it is not of divine authority.9

 

            We could look at numerous other quotations, but the point should be obvious by now. May I state the challenge this way: how can it be right for Christians, those who love Jesus Christ and who are committed to truth, to celebrate warmed-over paganism? Perhaps even more to the point, why would Christians even want to do so? As Vincent rightly puts it, these are “popish holidays.” The facts are so clear that they simply cannot be argued. Why then do so many of God’s people want to cling to Babylon?

            I’ve heard many objections over the years. In fact, I too voiced many objections when I was first confronted with these truths in my early college days. Like most Christians, I was raised with all these traditions and clung to them as though they were important. But in view of our previous study, all objections must fall.

            One objection often heard is, “You are taking away the joy and ‘spirit’ of Christmas.” I even heard a preacher say this on one occasion. But may we ask, to what joy and “spirit” are these folks referring? Are they referring to the joy and “spirit” of pagan worship? Is this what they are defending? Now, of course, they would not say that they are doing this, but they are doing this nonetheless. I was shocked beyond words when I heard a fundamental preacher say from his pulpit, “I know all about the origins of Christmas, perhaps better than anyone else, but I love my Christmas tree and I’m going to have it.” The Christians in his church are to be pitied indeed, for they have a shepherd who doesn’t love the Savior or His Word enough to keep out things that blaspheme Him. How is this man going to explain this when he stands before the Lord Jesus?

            Another objection goes, “Oh, but I don’t celebrate these pagan things; I don’t use these the way the pagans did. I believe in a ‘Christian Christmas.’” This is a common objection; at one time I used it myself. But may we ask in response, why use these things at all? You see, the origin of these things is the same no matter how you use them. Why would any Christian want to hold on to something that is as blatantly anti‑God as are these pagan practices? Further, is it really possible to have a “Christian Christmas?” Truly, the religious aspects of Christmas are the worst aspects of it. The only “gospel” that is heard is one of “peace, love, joy, and good will.” This diluted “gospel,” however, obscures the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone accepts the imitation “gospel” that is propagated during the Christmas season, but not everyone accepts the true Gospel.

            May we also add, shouldn’t the very popularity of Christmas cause the true Christian to question it? Absolutely anyone can celebrate this so-called “religious holiday” and do so without question. Unsaved people, as well as nominal and spiritual Christians, and even Buddhists can all gather around the same tree and join the celebration. How can this possibly honour our Lord?

            The above objection leads to another, “Oh, but we look at the Christmas tree and other decorations as symbols of Christ.” But as mentioned earlier, God strictly forbids such practices (Ex. 20:4). Symbols, images, likenesses, relics, idols, and all such things are part of paganism and Romanism, not Biblical Christianity.

            This brings us then to the final application: how, then, should Christians celebrate Christmas? The answer will be shocking to some, but it is nonetheless clear: we should not celebrate Christmas in any way. Let me say right away that I am not a Jehovah’s Witness. I’ve heard Christians insult other Christians in this way because they do not celebrate this pagan holiday. But it matters not what the Jehovah’s Witnesses say; they are lost because they deny the Deity of Christ. And what an insult this is to believers who are only trying to honor the Lord by not mixing Him in with paganism.

            The fact remains: there is no Scriptural command or even implication that we are to commemorate Christ’s birth. Think of it this way: if God wanted us to commemorate the Savior’s birth, why didn’t He give us the date to do so instead of allowing the Roman Church to come up with a day that came out of paganism? Also, why didn’t He tell us exactly how to observe the day? Why do we think that we can actually worship Christ using pagan symbols? Indeed, God gave no such command because of how it would be perverted in the future. We say again, every aspect of this holiday is pagan; thanks to Roman Catholicism, even Mary and Jesus are perverted into Ishtar and Tammuz. As Scottish preacher David Calderwood (1575-1651) wrote in 1619:

 

If it had been the will of God that the several acts of Christ should have been celebrated with several solemnities, the Holy Ghost would have made known to us the of his nativity, circumcision, presentation in the temple, baptism, transfiguration, and the like . . . let us utter the truth, December-Christmas is a just imitation of the December-Saturnal of the ethnic [heathen] Romans. And so used as if Bacchus, and not Christ, were the God of Christians. 10

 

            We often hear the statement today, “Oh, but we want to put Christ back into Christmas.” But may I submit, He was never in it. There is not one single thing about Christmas that is Christian. What we are really doing is putting Christ into a pagan celebration.

            Consider one other thought: what, then, should Christians do during the Christmas season? May we offer four suggestions. First, Realize that there is nothing sacred or even Scriptural about Christmas. Second, Reject all the pagan practices of the season. Third, Rejoice in fellowship with family and friends without the pagan traditions. Most people are given time off from their jobs, so may we take the opportunity to reunite and rejoice in the things of the Lord without being distracted by pagan custom. Fourth, Recognize the opportunity to give the world, that is, the lost ones around us (which again may be family), the true message of Jesus Christ.

 

            In Regard To “Easter.” I must truthfully admit that I struggled with the following truths. Throughout our Christian experience (in fact, even before we were Christians) we have been taught to commemorate Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. But as one truly and objectively studies, he finds that just like Christmas, the holiday called Easter has no meaning to the Christian whatsoever. In light of what we’ve already seen, there are no less than four reasons why we should not observe this pagan day. Please consider each prayerfully and honestly.

            First, there is no Scriptural command to observe this day. In fact, nowhere in Scripture is the Christian told to observe any festival. It was Roman Catholicism that decreed the observance of Easter, not the Word of God. This leads directly to the second reason.

            Second, there is no proof that any such observance existed in the first century Church. Some church historians speculate that there was such an observance, but there remains no proof whatsoever, either Biblical or otherwise.

            Third, the great debate over the day of Easter discounts the validity of observing it. As stated earlier, if this date were so important, God would certainly have made clear on what day we should observe it. This thought leads to the fourth, and most important, reason.

            Fourth, there is no need to observe “Easter” as the day Christ rose from grave because we celebrate this event every Lord’s Day. The only thing we need to know is that Christ rose on the first day of the week. If we try to add to this, like Catholicism has, then we are in essence saying that God’s Word is not sufficient. Some Bible teachers use I Corinthians 5:7-8 to “prove” the observance of Easter:

 

Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

 

This is the only place in the New Testament that we find the words, “Therefore, let us keep the feast.” This obviously cannot refer to the Jewish Passover; as we saw earlier, Christians ceased observing this. Neither is this speaking of the Lord’s Supper, for that doesn’t fit the context. To understand this statement, one must look at the context, which clearly speaks of church discipline. “Leaven” is used figuratively here to picture sin (as is true in many other Scripture references), and “feast” is used figuratively to picture the Christian life. Therefore, the command here is to put away all evil and continuously live for Christ. No other view of this passage fits the context or even makes sense.

            In closing, may I repeat that my only motive for presenting this material is to lift up our Lord Jesus Christ and do away with the things that not only distract from His person, work, and glory, but actually blaspheme Him. I am the first to admit that what we have just studied is difficult to accept. Why? Because these holidays are so ingrained in us that we cannot even conceive of doing away with them. Unlike the Reformers and the Puritans who were close to all this and recognized it for what it was, we are so far removed from it that we no longer give it any thought.

            At the beginning of this study, I told of a pastor who 20 years ago was incredulous that I had taught on this subject, but who gave me no answer when I asked him why. Do you now know why? We can’t know for sure, of course, but I believe that part of it is that there was no way he could answer without openly denying the truth.

            Indeed, what we’ve seen here is very unpopular and will bring ridicule upon those who implement it into their lives. But the facts are clear and to ignore them is—if we may be so blunt—sin. Our opinions and feelings on the matter are irrelevant. What matters is what God says. Dear Christian Friend, will you take these facts and act upon them?

 

&     &     &

 

NOTES

_____________________________

 

1 This study was the result of many hours of research, but any committed student of the Scriptures can do the same research. One of the most important sources on this subject is the classic work, The Two Babylons (or The Papal Worship), by Alexander Hislop (Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1959). This work, originally published in 1916, is perhaps the best exposé of the pagan origins of Catholicism ever written. It is technical, thorough, and truly fascinating. Other sources include works on Church History (such as Philip Schaff’s eight volume work), Bible Dictionaries, and various other related reference books and encyclopedias. Another well done, though short, work on this subject is Christmas: A Biblical Critique by Michael Schneider and Kevin Reed (Dallas: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1993). Other sources are mentioned in other notes below.

2 Works, Vol. II, p. 547-8.

3 Knox’s History, Vol. II, p. 281.

4 Daniel Neal, The History of the Puritans (London, 1837; rpt. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock, 1979), Vol. II, p. 458.

5 William Ames, The Marrow of Theology, John D. Eusden, editor and translator (Boston: Pilgrim Press, 1968), pp. 279, 280, 287, 300.

6 William Ames, A Fresh Suit Against Human Ceremonies in God's Worship (1633; rpt. Gregg International Publishers, Ltd., 1971), Second Part, pp. 24-25.

7 Ibid, pp. 359-360.

8 Thomas Vincent, The Shorter Catechism Explained from Scripture (1674, Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1980), p. 139.

9 C. H. Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit (Pasadena: Pilgrim Publications), p. 697.

10 Perth Assembly, pp. 79-81. Cited in Christmas: A Biblical Critique (see Note 1) p. 32-33.

 

 

 

 

 

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