Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos
It's good to honor the memory of deceased loved ones, but taking them
food and beverages at cemeteries, or doing this with home altars as part
of Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos, borders on veneration of the
dead, an idolatrous practice condemned by God.
The first two of the 10 commandments address idolatry:
Exodus 20:3-5 [a] (NKJV) - "3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
 |
| Day of the Dead traditions.https://dayofthedead.holiday/ |
The first two of the 10 commandments address idolatry:
Exodus 20:3-5 [a] (NKJV) - "3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of
anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or
that is in the water under the earth;
5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them."
People tend to be focused on cultural aspects of these practices, and by that defend them as "traditions" without researching their spiritual roots. According to indigenous beliefs in various parts of the world, during Hallow's Eve (Oct. 31) and the Day of the Dead celebrations Nov. 1-2 (Nov. 1-3 in certain regions), a portal between the dead and the living opens, and supposedly, this allows the spirits of the dead to enter the dimension of the living to partake of food and drink items. Most observers of this "tradition" realize that the "dead" don't actually eat and drink the items left for them, but some really do carry out these things as part of a necromancy ritual.
In Mexico, the veneration of the dead, and offering sacrifices to them in exchange for favors, has grown in recent years. White-collar professionals are among the newest adherents, taking up ancient Maya and Aztec practices, among others, and some going so far as to adopt Aztec deity names for themselves, such as Mictēcacihuātl (goddess of the dead). Certain criminal organizations worship "santa muerte" (holy death) and other death idols. Doing so, can incur divine judgment:
Exodus 20:5[b]-6 - ... "For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."
God condemns any efforts to contact the dead - whether through such rituals or other means.
If we look at the nations where idolatry is common, then we shouldn't be surprised to find that they are also places where oppression and poverty run deep and wide. The spiritual heritage of a nation determines its prosperity.
Although we exist in a "live and let live" era, God has warned us against practices that can harm our souls. Followers of Jesus Christ are to separate themselves totally from idolatry:
2 Corinthians 6:17 (CSB) - "Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you.”
(I recommend the Gilberts' book on this topic.) See video featuring the Gilberts Day of the Dead
Shalom
5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them."
People tend to be focused on cultural aspects of these practices, and by that defend them as "traditions" without researching their spiritual roots. According to indigenous beliefs in various parts of the world, during Hallow's Eve (Oct. 31) and the Day of the Dead celebrations Nov. 1-2 (Nov. 1-3 in certain regions), a portal between the dead and the living opens, and supposedly, this allows the spirits of the dead to enter the dimension of the living to partake of food and drink items. Most observers of this "tradition" realize that the "dead" don't actually eat and drink the items left for them, but some really do carry out these things as part of a necromancy ritual.
In Mexico, the veneration of the dead, and offering sacrifices to them in exchange for favors, has grown in recent years. White-collar professionals are among the newest adherents, taking up ancient Maya and Aztec practices, among others, and some going so far as to adopt Aztec deity names for themselves, such as Mictēcacihuātl (goddess of the dead). Certain criminal organizations worship "santa muerte" (holy death) and other death idols. Doing so, can incur divine judgment:
Exodus 20:5[b]-6 - ... "For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."
God condemns any efforts to contact the dead - whether through such rituals or other means.
If we look at the nations where idolatry is common, then we shouldn't be surprised to find that they are also places where oppression and poverty run deep and wide. The spiritual heritage of a nation determines its prosperity.
Although we exist in a "live and let live" era, God has warned us against practices that can harm our souls. Followers of Jesus Christ are to separate themselves totally from idolatry:
2 Corinthians 6:17 (CSB) - "Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you.”
(I recommend the Gilberts' book on this topic.) See video featuring the Gilberts Day of the Dead
Shalom
No comments:
Post a Comment