Topical Encyclopedia
Superstitions refer to beliefs or practices that are considered irrational or unfounded, often involving the idea that certain actions, events, or objects can influence future outcomes in a supernatural way. Within the context of the Bible, superstitions are often associated with idolatry, divination, and practices that are contrary to the worship of the one true God.
Biblical Condemnation of SuperstitionsThe Bible consistently condemns practices that are rooted in superstition, as they often lead individuals away from trusting in God. In
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God explicitly warns the Israelites against engaging in superstitious practices: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."
Idolatry and SuperstitionsSuperstitions are often linked to idolatry, as they involve attributing power or influence to objects or rituals rather than to God. The prophet Isaiah mocks the futility of idol worship in
Isaiah 44:9-10 : "Those who fashion idols are all nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?"
Trust in God AloneThe Bible encourages believers to place their trust solely in God, rejecting any form of superstition.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the importance of relying on God's wisdom and guidance rather than on superstitious beliefs.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the apostles also confront superstitious practices. In
Acts 19:19 , we see the response of new believers in Ephesus who renounce their former superstitions: "And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. The value of these books was calculated to be fifty thousand drachmas." This act of burning their books signifies a complete break from their past superstitions and a commitment to following Christ.
Warnings Against False TeachingsThe New Testament also warns against false teachings that may incorporate superstitious elements. In
Colossians 2:8 , Paul cautions, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ." This warning highlights the danger of being led astray by teachings that are not grounded in the truth of the Gospel.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not use the term "superstition" explicitly, it clearly addresses practices and beliefs that fall under this category. The consistent message throughout Scripture is to reject superstitions and place unwavering trust in God, who alone holds power over creation and the future.
Library
Of theSuperstitions of the Jews, and their Hatred against Jesus.
... the divine institutes. Book IV. Of True Wisdom and Religion. Chap. XVII."Of
theSuperstitions of the Jews, and Their Hatred Against Jesus....
Of the Ages of VainSuperstitions, and the Times at which they...
... the divine institutes book i. of the false worship of the gods. Chap. xxiii."of
the ages of vainsuperstitions, and the times at which they commenced....
Of Avoiding Heresies andSuperstitions, and what is the Only True...
... the divine institutes. Book IV. Of True Wisdom and Religion. Chap. XXX."Of Avoiding
Heresies andSuperstitions, and What is the Only True Catholic Church....
They Give Rise toSuperstitions.
... Chapter IX."They Give Rise toSuperstitions. Such are the demons; these are
they who laid down the doctrine of Fate. Their fundamental...
Superstitions of the Jews.
... Chapter III."Superstitions of the Jews. And next, I imagine that you are
most desirous of hearing something on this point, that...
Of the Vanity and Crimes, ImpiousSuperstitions, and of the...
... the divine institutes Book V. Of Justice. Chap. XX."Of the Vanity and Crimes,
ImpiousSuperstitions, and of the Tortures of the Christians....
Of the Origin of Sacred Rites andSuperstitions.
... Addressed to His Brother Pentadius. Chap. XXIV."Of the Origin of Sacred Rites
andSuperstitions. These are the mysteries of the gods....
The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile...
... Book VI. Sec. V."The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile
Superstitions, Especially in Regard to Marriage and Funerals....
Thus the Word Condescended to Man's Engrossment in Corporeal...
... All man'ssuperstitions He met halfway; whether men were inclined to worship Nature,
Man, Demons, or the dead, He shewed Himself Lord of all these....
What Hermes Trismegistus Thought Concerning Idolatry, and from...
... Chapter 23."What Hermes Trismegistus Thought Concerning Idolatry, and from What
Source He Knew that theSuperstitions of Egypt Were to Be Abolished....
Thesaurus
Superstitions (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Superstitions (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 2:6 For you,
O Lord, have given up your people, the family of Jacob
...Superstitious (1 Occurrence)
... They were truly too "religious" with theirsuperstitions. Leonard W. Doolan.
Multi-Version Concordance Superstitious (1 Occurrence)....
Superstition (1 Occurrence)
... They were truly too "religious" with theirsuperstitions. Leonard W. Doolan.
Multi-Version Concordance Superstition (1 Occurrence)....
Josephus
... Josephus worked upon thesuperstitions of the general, and so ingratiated
himself that Vespasian took him to Alexandria in his train....
Imagery (5 Occurrences)
... Bertholet, Commentary on Ezekiel), or Babylonian (Redpath, Westminster Commentary
on Ezekiel); others that it was the revival of ancientsuperstitions of a...
Images (158 Occurrences)
... statement made from a very different standpoint by the author of Great Is Diana
of the Ephesians, or the Original of Idolatry (1695): "AllSuperstitions are to...
Flavius
... Josephus worked upon thesuperstitions of the general, and so ingratiated
himself that Vespasian took him to Alexandria in his train....
Rachel (42 Occurrences)
... Though a believer in the true God (Genesis 30:6, 8, 22), she was yet given to the
superstitions of her country, the worshipping of the teraphim, etc....
Moon (70 Occurrences)
... In fact in nearly all sections modified forms of oldsuperstitions still
hold sway and yield but slowly to scientific knowledge....
Pagan (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) of or pertaining to pagans; relating to the worship or the worshipers of
false goods; heathen; idolatrous, as, pagan tribes orsuperstitions....
Resources
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