“Do not worship the Lord your God in the way the pagan people worship their gods”
Deuteronomy 12:4
Take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.
Deuteronomy 12:30-31
The newest fad in our churches, Christian organizations and youth groups is the Color Run. The Color Run is an ancient Hindu and Hare Krishna festival also called the Holi festival. Holi was the name of the Hindu demon king’s sister. This festival dates back to over 2000 years ago. It wasn’t suddenly invented two years ago as some websites claim. It’s been going on for thousands of years at the beginning of spring. When I first heard about this 5k color run, it sounded super fun…however something didn’t feel right about it and I wasn’t comfortable with my children participating in it. When I found out the origins, I was still unsure. However that same day, I sat down to read my bible and this verse practically jumped off the pages:
“Do not worship the Lord your God in the way the pagan people worship their gods” Deuteronomy 12:4
Let me clear some things up first. I’m not judging anyone who is participating; I only hope that those who are feeling indecisive about this, would find their answer. I pray that the shepherds would be more aware of the paths along which they are leading their sheep and that those called out to be gatekeepers and watchmen would stand guard and protect the flock.
Color run origins:
The Holi (aka Color run) Hindu festival is celebrated at the beginning of spring each year. The name Holi (which means burning) originated from the name Holika, the demon king’s evil sister. She, Holika, helped her brother reign by killing his son/ her nephew. Legend says that the son of the demon refused to worship him and instead worshiped Vishnu. So Holika ended this by putting the boy on her lap and sitting in a fire so he would die. She thought she would be untouched because her super power was that fire could not burn her- but her plan backfired and she sizzled to death.
In India, they throw colored powders in the air over the people as a symbolic remembrance of this demon sister Holika (Holi) and the beginning of spring. On this day many others worship Kaamadeva, the love god. There are a few other variations and myths (and some have changed over the years): to some it was a time when the moon god was worshipped- here’s another one – Krishna wasn’t happy with his skin color so his mother told him to color his lovers skin so her complexion would change and from there, they started the color festival. Don’t ask me to explain that one, but if you want to find out more, see the links below.
Why are we turning to pagan religions, worldly traditions, new age ideas and witchcraft to find new ways to play church?
Last year, the fad was the Harlem shake. I embarrassingly watched my children’s youth group’s you tubes as they gyrated in their underwear wearing large animal head pieces. I cringed! Then I saw pastors and churches joining in. The year before this it was the Circle maker. Why are we going to pagan religions, worldly traditions, new age and witchcraft to find new ways to play church?
I wonder how many pagan practices we unknowingly have within our churches, traditions and holidays. It’s our job to stop it when it begins to sneak into our churches. What are we teaching the next generation by doing this? The Color run sounds like a lot of fun, no doubt about that- but I ask you, as Christians and Church members- When are we finally going to put the brakes on bringing the world and pagan practices into our churches?
Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned– as worthless as a half baked cake.
Hosea 7:8
For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob,
Because they are filled with eastern ways; Isaiah 2: 6
Reading through Hindu sites I found mixed emotions on how they feel about us celebrating their tradition. Some are deeply offended and some are happy they can share their Hindu and Hare Krishna religion with us- yes, they see it as an open door to share their faith.
Do Something New!
God wants us to be NEW. A new Creations. He gave each one of us an amazing mind- surely we can come up with our own new ways of worship and fellowship. I am sure we can think up new creative ways of fellowship without copying pagan religions. We are not to be conformed to this world, but TRANSFORMED by the renewing of our mind.
I just thought of something!!!!!! Joshua at Jericho and Gehazi with the Shumanite were both supposed to run/walk without a word spoken, okay maybe it’s boring – but think of how much we’d have to say when we reached the end. And how about Elijah’s supernatural run when he outran the chariots, there was a terrible storm coming. So I’m thinking everyone has to run like the wind and anyone who is slow gets soaked. Lol– but you see, you can get creative, amen?
He asks us to sing Him NEW songs. He specifically tells us in Deuteronomy 12:29-32
“When the Lord your God goes ahead of you and destroys the nations and you drive them out and live in their land, do not fall into the trap of following their customs and worshiping their gods. Do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations worship their gods? I want to follow their example.’ You must not worship the Lord your God the way the other nations worship their gods, for they perform for their gods every detestable act that the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters as sacrifices to their gods.“So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them.
Hear the Word of the Lord:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.Romans 12:1-3
“On that day of judgment,” says the Lord, “I will punish the leaders and princes of Judah and all those following pagan customs.Yes, I will punish those who participate in pagan worship ceremonies, and those who fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit Zephaniah 1:8-9
You have put pagan symbols on your doorposts and behind your doors. You have left me and climbed into bed with these detestable gods. You have committed yourselves to them. You love to look at their naked bodies Isaiah 57:8.
This disaster came upon the people of Israel because they worshiped other gods. They sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them safely out of Egypt and had rescued them from the power of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. 8 They had followed the practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of them, as well as the practices the kings of Israel had introduced. 2 kings 17
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother was Hephzibah. 2 He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. 2 Kings 21 (NLT)21
This festival is also called ‘run or dye’ – yes, churches are using that slogan. I have no comment for that- just a sigh……
Money, Money, and More Money
One more thing that weighs heavily on my heart- the pull of money, money and more money – isn’t that what this is all about? Are we feeding the hungry? are we visiting the sick? are we visiting those in prison? are we clothing the naked? are we helping the widow? are we going after the lost? are we guiding the those who have backslidden? Where have our priorities gone? What example are we setting for the next generation? How much of our thoughts- and our church leadership’s time and energy is put towards business/money and how much is put toward walking with God? It’s time for a heart check- where are my priorities? Am I really trusting in the Lord? How can I get to that place where I can walk with the Lord as Enoch did? Would I be on the left or the right in that last day parable described in Matthew 25:34-
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you were doing it to me!’
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Related articles:
- The myth behind the color run www.beyondferris.com
- http://www.holifestival.org/significance-of-holi.html
- What is 5K run or dye all about hindu ptreyrhodes.blogspot.com
- SC Pastor warns christians against run or dye events m.christianpost.com
- http://charginglife.com/2013/05/06/should-a-christian-participate-in-a-color-run/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
- http://charginglife.com/2013/05/06/should-a-christian-participate-in-a-color-run/
- http://ptreyrhodes.blogspot.com/2013/04/what-is-5k-run-or-dye-all-about-hindu.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holika
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Ancient Paths 
There are several holidays that Christians participate in that have very pagan roots. Excuses are made as to why it’s ok to observe them. Pagan is pagan and that cannot be changed for any reason ever.
Yeah, like ALL of them. I’d say Halloween is the worst, Yuck!, but when given the choice of several glasses of water with poison of different amounts, they’ll ALL kill you, so there’s not really a ranking of worst to first when they all stink. Rather than try to change the thinking of the church, maybe the author of this should look into finding a religion that refuses to pander to the wishes of the majority. How about abhorring what is wicked? 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “wherefore come out from their midst and separate yourselves, says the Lord, and do not touch an unclean thing,” (Byington).
Have you read the book, “Pagan Christianity”?
No, I’ve heard about it, have you? And is it good?
It is good and it will open your eyes. Another is Re-imaging the Church. Both books are by Frank Viola. Wait until you see how many things we take as gospel have their roots in paganism.
I have to get it, thanks for the info. I’ve been studying world history with my daughter (home school) and I have seen -during the studies-how so many outside influences have been allowed into the church. It’s infuriating.
and fyi- my wordpress keeps unfollowing people I follow- I just notice I have to press follow again on your blog-so annoying- I keep having to refollow bloggers all the time, they probably think I’m a nut. Just wanted to let you know.
These 2 books will make you mad. They opened my eyes and confirmed a lot of things that the Lord had been showing me.
So glad you put this out there. That’s the book im reading, pagan Christianity.. very eye opening and exposes many of the “traditions” of the churches. It’s time we start asking questions and getting back to Word of God alone and saying no to the world and it’s influence. Jesus is more than enough, He is so overflowingly enough to fill our church experience without all the rituals, traditions and programs, if we get back to the right place in our churches… our first Love. We need to see the power of God in our sanctuaries and around and through us, then we won’t long for what the pagans have, they will long for what WE have! Good job A Lisa. 🙂
Thank you for posting this article. I was wondering about this color run since I sensed in my spirit something was off. My family and I have come to understand the pagan traditions behind a lot of holidays we would celebrate as Christians. We no long celebrate Easter or Christmas. Christmas was a little harder to give up since there were so many emotions tied to it. We can learn about the pagan rituals and say “Well, that’s not what it means to me”. We are saying we can worship God anyway we want because He knows my heart. But do we know His heart on this issue? As you’ve quoted in Deut., God gives us explicit instructions regarding the observation of pagan rituals or even asking about them. We are NOT to do so. If we want to truly please Him, then we should worship Him the way He desires. God gave the 7 Feasts to the Hebrew children in the wilderness to worship Him. If we are grafted into the vine as stated in Romans 11, those 7 Feasts are for us as well. They are not Jewish Feasts, they are the Lord’s Feasts. If you want to learn more about these feasts, you can visit El Shaddai Ministries.com or Passion for Truth Ministries. Both are excellent and trust worthy! Jesus fulfilled the first 4 feasts when he died on the cross, Passover; when He was buried, Unleavened Bread; when He rose from the grave, First Fruits; when He sent the Holy Spirit, Pentecost. There is so much to learn of God’s character and His love towards us when observing these feasts.
Janiece,
You are correct!! My family and I gave up celebrating Christian holidays about 14 years ago and keeping the Biblical Feasts instead. It really gives the Scriptures depth and meaning that wasn’t there before. It gives us purpose, hope and a fulfillment we never got from the church. Another excellent resource is http://119ministries.com/ Everything they teach is straight from the scriptures. We are to emulate and follow Jesus (Yeshua) as He walked, worshipped and practiced while on earth.
Great job ! Keep it up.
Pagan Christianity is an excellent book. Here are some excerpts:
Thank you! Someone mentioned the same to me earlier today. I’ve got to read that.
This one is one of my favorites:
http://www.toolong.com/
Wow-That looks really good- id love to see that
Thank you for passing this information to me
And thank you for this article. I had no idea that the churches have gone so far down this wrong path!!
As a former pagan, I agree wholeheartedly with this article. Thanks for spreading truth!
After reading your post and comments, I looked up the information about the book Pagan Christianity and became quite concerned. Please refer to the following website for different information expressing concerns about this book. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=7029
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=9284
Thank you
Lisa, I found your blog via this post while looking for more information on “The Color Run” (Holi) online. How refreshing to find another Watchman (or woman, lol) so bold in putting the Truth of the Word out there. I pray your messages are met with more success than mine have been. You have some fantastic scripture references to go with your points and describe your position (which is that of the Word) very well.
Looking around the rest of your blog for a moment, it is quite clear that God has given you a very specific calling in this and that He has given a voice to the concerns of Holy Spirit regarding many things we do and say in the church through you. It is wonderful to find someone else with the same passion for the things of Christ and helping bring others back into alignment with His plan for His church.
The only advice I’d offer is researching books and other materials left in the comments before choosing to let them remain in the comments long term. Jennifer’s concerns posted May 27th on that “Pagan Christianity” book are well founded and leaving references to the book as positive (posted by others, not by you) may be distracting to some. The book seriously is not about reviewing our actions and attitudes and returning to Christ over the culture, but is instead a complete attack on all things Christian in an attempt to remove many from the church entirely.
Thank you for your faithfulness in boldly speaking forth what the Spirit is saying to you and for helping make the church aware of many pitfalls she is falling into. You have a new subscriber here. If you want to connect on Facebook as well my name there is Michael Blue Erdmier.
Bless you and your ministry!
~M
When you operate with false information, you run the risk of perpetuating false ideas. The Color Run and Holi have zero affiliation. Holi is a religious festival, The Color Run is 5k fun run – there are no religious undertones or presence at The Color Run. Calling them one and the same is a misnomer.
Brad,
We disagree. You and the rest of the world think that way. Find another way to raise your funds in the church and stay away from this one. If you don’t want to, that’s up to you. I’m not telling you what to do. I’m sharing what the Lord revealed to me about participating. Bring it up heaven if you don’t like it. You are absolutely wrong, they have everything to do with each other. If it’s just a social run, go for it, but don’t bring it in the Church.
Actually on the color runs website Q&A it says it’s based off of the holi festival…just fyi
Brad, unfortunately you’re the one operating with false information.
From their own website;
“What is the inspiration behind The Color Run?
The Color Run is the first paint race of its kind and was inspired by several awesome events, including Disney’s World of Color, Paint Parties, Mud Runs, and festivals throughout the world such as Holi. We wanted to create a less stressful and untimed running environment that is more about health and happiness! We hope that The Color Run can act as a catalyst to inspire continual healthy living.”
Check it out for yourself, 5th point from the top; http://thecolorrun.com/faq/.
Michael, the holi festival is the hindu festival being talked about here.
Dearest Judgmental Christian,
While some of your information from Wiki is accurate, you should consider learning from actual Indians and not rely on information from Google only. Learn for yourself and not from the mere accounts of others. If you don’t wish to patcipate in the Color Run, or Holi, then don’t. But please do not force your religious ideaology on others or dissuade them from wanting to better their lives by becoming healthier and having fun while doing it. Religious idealogy is why so many Christians, the whole world over are in bondage. Many are bound in their minds, their health, finances, and in numerous other ways. Not all Indians in India or abroad celebrate Holi in the same manner, as all are not Hindu, Christian, nor Muslim. Holi is celebrated in various manners, in various areas of India and abroad. The main reason, overall being the battle over good versus evil and the desire for a healthy life for the entire family. Each state, city, and province celebrate Holi in different manners. Holi is also a celebration of harvest time giving back to God the first fruits of ones labour. For farmers, they pray that god would bless their crops to be plentiful for the upcoming season.I don’t normally respond to such things. Please learn to stop taking only what you view as bad in a culture or religion and running. You may want to read on the history of Christianity; you will find that those same things you view as good in Christianity were birthed from Hinduism, Brahmin.
By the way, read the verse in your bible where it reads: My people perish for the lack of knowledge. Learn and become cultured before posting such hideous remarks about the religions of others. Out of all religions, Christians have to be the absolute worse at beginning a statement with “not judging but…” While all along, that is the main premise of your statement, to judge. Written by someone who knows both Hinduism and Christianity, firsthand..For farmers, they pray that god would bless their crops to be plentiful for the upcoming season. The story of Holika and her brother is a myth as there are many others. Not everything that is “non-Christian” is wrong. It saddens me that so many individuals, Christian and otherwise are so judgmental towards other cultures and religions. I don’t normally respond to such things. Please learn to stop taking only what you view as bad in a culture or religion and running. Written by someone who knows both Hinduism and Christianity, firsthand.
Honestly, I don’t understand why people comment when they haven’t read the article, then calling me judgmental when they in fact are the ones who are being judgmental. I usually delete such ridiculous comments, but, Taamico, I decided to respond to you.
First off, it seems like you’ve have some bad experiences with Judgmental Christians. I am sorry to hear this. It’s not our job to judge others, certainly not Hindu’s or Indians, but it is our responsibility to protect our faith, our church, God’s holiness and His laws. When a new man made rule, a new way or a pagan ritual tries to infiltrate Almighty God’s place, we must sound the alarm. As far as other believers, we are taught to love others, pray for them and patiently warn them and bring them to salvation in Christ. We are not to force this, God gives each one of free will. He will never force you to believe Him, He does say in Romans
“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools
So we will have no excuse on judgement day by saying “I never knew You existed!”
Now you mentioned that I should get more information from actual Indians, but, you see, that’s the problem today. Hearsay. This is probably why you have the view you have of Christianity. Listening to the words, opinions and thoughts of other religions will not give you actual truth. Only our bible is truth and unfortunately many christian teachers stray far from it, their words can not be believed. Same with Islam, they claim peace, but the scripture they live by says to slice the necks of any unbeliever. Time to go to the source and get the truth. Stop listening to hearsay and people’s words. People can talk the talk, but what is written is what they ultimately should live by, so I don’t accept hearsay as fact.
Next, you accuse me of forcing my religious ideology on others. I hope you know by now, and hopefully you have read the entire post above to understand that is far from truth. How Holi is celebrated is irrelevant, the issue at hand is that it doesn’t belong in God’s house.
You speak of Christians being in bondage, and yes this is true. Jesus came to set us free from this. He came to set the captives free. Bitterness, anger, unforgiveness..these are forms of bondage many struggle with. I don’t know each person’s heart, but God does. I don’t know the pain people have suffered from, I can only watch my own ways and keep my heart right with the Lord.
Bottom line :Hindu rituals are not for Christ followers. Saying such is not speaking against Hindu’s, it is protecting my faith and my people. It’s not a christian holiday. That isn’t a bad thing to say, nor is it judgmental.
There is only one way to God the Father and that is through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said ” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” If you search for Him with all your heart, you will find Him.
Well we hindus have seen the Christ’s love first hand during the goan inquisition when several nice christians burnt hindus at stake for being hindus.
you haven’t seen it, you’ve only heard what someone’s told you. I’m pretty sure the Catholic Church was behind that along with their man made ideas – unfortunately many Christians don’t truly follow Christ or His words – Hilter claimed he was christian/catholic too – but this is not what was taught to us by Christ – loving your enemies, being patient with those who don’t agree – if you look at all the disciples and apostles in the beginning – they went out to preach, heal and set people free – that was their duty, not to kill, steal and destroy – that is a description of satan.
We are to tell others about the One Great God, Creator of All – your Creator, the one who knew you from the foundation of the world, the One who has every tear stored that you shed, the one who knows everything about you, He knows your future and why you do the things you do, because He created you. He is Holy and Powerful and since we are so far away from him in our sins, God made a way for us to go before Him and a way to salvation by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. It was by His sacrifice when you believe, you are counted as One of His. He calls you back, day by day the skies speak of His creation as do all the earth. When you need Him, call on Him and He will hear you. Seek Him and you’ll find Him.
Beautiful sharing of the bright gospel message, walkingalongancientpaths. I would add to what you said that while in the public eye Hitler used some terminology to indicate a Christian worldview for political purposes, there is indication that in private conversations recorded by his close colleagues, he scorned Christianity. Blessings.
Thanks for your comment 🙂
Your knowledge seems ZERO. You seem to follow a generational deception. The Author is right. The Author has Great knowledge. Because he speaks the Truth. As Christ means “The Truth.” JESUS CHRIST Actually Existed 2000 years and was Seen when he walked the Earth. “TRUTH” God bless you. PEACE.
The biggest thing that everyone is missing is the word “inspired”. It was “inspired” by holi, the mud run, Walt Disney’s world of color, etc. That DOES NOT mean that it represents these things but these things were merely inspirations for a fun gathering. It’s a 5k marathon not a religious event.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your comment. The article isn’t about Disney and cities sponsoring these events, it’s about bringing rituals of other religions
into God’s holy house. We shouldn’t mix hindu (inspired) holi traditions that honor other gods and use in in the Lord’s house. I don’t think the word inspired
has any relevancy to my point in the post, but thank you for adding your insight.
(From a different Laura) —
I bought tickets to this event last year through a church friend, then I prayed and asked God about it. He gave me a vivid dream that night in which it was made clear to me that were I to attend, I would be opening myself up to demonic influences. Demonic influences bring torment and bondage to a person’s life — that, I could do without! I repented, and was relieved the event got cancelled due to bad weather.
I’m very grateful to now see Christian articles on this topic. Those who wish to defend their worldly desires should know that this world is a minefield — there is an enemy of our souls (both Christian and non-believers) continually seeking whom he may devour. Pray for ears to hear and eyes that see. God’s restrictions are for our peace and well-being; He is a good Father.
[A side note: I came across news articles revealing that the colored powder has, or may have, a flammable ingredient, and has (in other countries) exploded during festival time, harming hundreds of people, even causing death. So even if you aren’t a “religious” person, that should be reason enough, imo.]
How is getting yourself colored bringing Hinduism into the Church? God created all colors for our enjoyment. If you were doing rituals and calling on Krishna I would concur, but a simple run where you get color bombed is just a fun activity. Rather than being a kill joy, why don’t we find FUN alternatives. I mean seriously, all youth leaders need to repent for trying to do fun activities around the globe. Forget easter eggs, forget gifts for kids at Christmas for Santa.
Be Holy as He has called you to be
Not like the World but a new creation in Christ
If you don’t see it, my words can’t open your eyes.
The church needs to open their eyes and see the filth they are sitting in
Do whatever feels best- that’s the way the world goes.
The color run is not “Holi” any more than our fasting is related to Ramadan or our meditations are from the Hindu. You are giving Satan something that is not his! STOP!
If God revealed something to me and I want to share it with others, who are you to give orders ? This is truly america today, any righteousness or holiness to God is met with anger and accusation. Fasting and Meditation, done correctly, is from God. A color run (in a church) is a money making scheme for churches – It has nothing in common with fasting or meditation, both of these require us to give something up and come closer to the Lord. The color run has nothing to do with God, its about having fun, making money and closing your eyes to the sin it is to bring within God’s house. Run your run in God’s house, sell your goods in God’s house, make money off God’s people – see how far that will get you.
Thanked God so much for this post. Very informative and I feel God leads me here for a reason. Thank you Jesus for saving us for doing such detestable thing. Amen.
I understand where you are coming from, and within the past couple of years, I am grateful for the Lord Jesus to show me in my quiet times(devotions) a lot of scriptures in the Bible where God says not to practice the abominations of the nation’s (Deuteronomy Chapter 18, Isaiah Chapter 1&2 part of, Psalm 16 & I like Psalm 115 that my son highlited in his Bible. And I am known to speak against pagan worship and false beliefs like Mormonism and freemasonry. But recently the past couple of years, I keep bumbling into holi. And it said some in India celebrate holi to them means celebrating spring and the beautiful colors that come to life again in spring , and that it is about love, and the only time in Ind is when the caste system doesn’t exist, and that even enemies they try to make up with. This sounds Christian to me, and when I watched some video songs of holi today, it was like they were worshipping the Lord. I just wonder if somehow there are Christian roots here. But I reject the pagan part and definitely do Not want the church to start worshipping pagan gods, but why shouldn’t the Lord Jesus have glory for all the wondearful colors of creation?! :). I feel that paganism should not have the glory of GOD’s
COLORS ❤ :). Now I understand your fear of not wanting others to worship pagan gods or customs especially in the church, but what if we could use colors which is in the Indian culture and bring the colors back to God , and turn it around as a witness for Christ?. Just a thought :).
Thanks for your comment
His words still ring in my ears when I think of it though
Do not copy, do not follow and do not worship the Lord your God the way the pagans do .
It’s just my opinion but thank you for sharing.
Just my opinion, but there’s a huge difference between bringing something strictly cultural, like a certain genre of music or whatever, into our tool kit to seek out the lost, and trying to “Christianize” something which was originally intended for other gods, which, as mentioned repeatedly, is expressly forbidden. Usually these “let’s use it for Jesus” arguments really just mean “but I don’t feel like giving it up, so I’ll just pretend I’m doing it for Jesus” and that’s a very dangerous place to live. “Christian Yoga” falls into that same category.
Agreed
Unfortunately many don’t see it- their eyes need to be opened and their ears to hear….
So we keep on – as God’s gatekeepers even if the entire world is against – I guess “my opinion” wasn’t the right word- it’s my belief and what I know to be true
How about Christmas and Easter?
Jeremiah 10 gives us an interesting pagan ritual of a Christmas tree and a lot of warnings about the worship of the queen of the heavens in the book of Jeremiah- they mixed it with true worship yet they refused to stop bc all went well when they worshipped her-
Stay in Gods word
That’s the key
thank you for the article. I personally wouldnt observe any holidays that God didnt give us. If God didnt give us the holidays, the devil did. holidays are worldly traditions, nothing more. the only God given holidays we have are the 7 feast holidays spoken to Moses. Things like easter and christmas have wicked origins. if you look into it, youll end up despising those holidays. the devil has deceived us once again. if God wanted us to celebrate the birth of Christ wouldnt He have told us like He told the Isrealites? and like how He told us to have water baptism and communion?
it seems wrong to me to take other religions practices and try to convert them to glorify God when the origin is so impure. as for holi festival , i dont understand why a Christian would yoke with those who are worshipping false gods and join their worship practices. we know false gods are of the devil. even if its about fun and pretty colors we should be above that. i know Christians are supposed to be loving and accepting or whatever but i dont think were supposed to be open to paganism in the name of love. i think a lot of Christians stumble in this area- they try to excuse anything with love and good intentions but we should be more responsible and truth seeking than that.
What I found a bit fishy was that they did not give the time of the run. Only when you register do you see that the run is 9AM on Sunday morning. So I must now choose to skip church in order to participate in this event patterned after a Hindu festival. This is a hard-sell technique – don’t reveal the details until the sale is in progress. It makes for a bigger let-down of family members (like my daughter) when I say that we can do this as it is during church time. Pretty clever of the evil one I am thinking!
Clever is right. What better catch than one of “those Christians” — better yet, a whole family of them. He delights in all the naive sheeple.
God’s people perish for lack of knowledge.
No that is not the case with every run. I did this run just this weekend and it was on saturday and I worshipped in church on saturday night and all day sunday. We had a prophecy conference that actually talked about the colorrun which lead me to investigate more. I have not found anything where the color run says it is hindu.
Look again
it’s a good article and raises views we should be concerned about! I however believe this…..if she had sat down with the boy on her lap sucking a lollipop will sitting on laps and sucking lollipops be wrong to? If we are doing it for fun and not for some Hindu celebration is it so wrong? They worship cattle ..are we supposed not to eat beef then? Look for the devil in something, you will find it!
The story behind it has nothing to do with my point
Keeps Gods house Holy
Amen
Meis, if you were my best friend, we had known each other our whole lives and loved each other more than we love ourselves, and the “Holi Festival” was a celebration of my lifelong mortal enemy…Would you do it for fun and tell me “I don’t mean it the way it’s meant to be meant, I just think it’s fun”? I would hope not. There comes a point when as Christ-followers we simply cannot stomach anything that is opposed to Jesus. Certainly not enough to “just do it for fun” even though we “don’t mean it”. Jesus Himself said “You are either for Me or against Me”. (Matt 12:30, Luke 11:23, etc).If you’re serious about your faith, about your relationship with Jesus, why would you even want to actively participate in something that celebrates His enemy, a false god? Holi, Yoga, whatever, there are some things we simply should not do. Not because of “rules”, just because we love Jesus so much.
God saiys be ye not deceived. He also says he won’t be mocked..
Thats why we don’t celebrate so called christian customs steeped in pagan customs. It’s interesting when you do the research what you will find out about all of them. We as Christs followers want to worship with spirit and Truth. This will set us free from all of satans traps.
Amen
Thanks for d enlightenment, u are right, we are supposed to be separated from d world and not partake in anything that will tear us away from God’s presence.
Just wondering, after reading your article do you celebrate christmas with a Christmas tree?
Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men
Hi UB,
We celebrate Christmas with honoring the Lord, not with a tree. If you’re asking if there’s a tree in my house… yes. I believe it is of pagan origins but for the sake of being a peacemaker with my husband (I’ve said my peace)- I let this battle go. However, pay attention to this verse in Jeremiah, perhaps you will see the tree differently as I do :
“Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile;For one cuts a tree from the forest,The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold;They fasten it with nails and hammers.
Sounds like pagans have used the tree for centuries – they cut it down, propped it up and decorated it, just like our Christmas tree.
I know we are stuck on our traditions and we don’t want to let it go. I don’t see the Jewish people mixing bunnies with Passover and snowmen with Hanukkah – that would be absurd! Yet, we allow it. These are customs filtered in through the ages that we accept.
Matthew 15:3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
Matthew 15:6 ’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
Mark 7:9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
Keep God’s house holy, seek the salvation of souls – this is a wise thing to do.
Awesome I love the verse and your words. It is great to hear. Yes stay faithful to God and He alone shall direct our paths!!!
Thank you so much for this accurate info about the Holi ‘Color-run’. That it tells the story of a Indian princess that holds her (brother/ nephew) in her arms to set him on fire is bad enough, but it is also a day of drinking Bhang (cannibis) & sexual license in the public streets. (adultery & sexual assault are ‘forgiven’ on that day– like it never happened). It is actually a day for the Women, it is their day to throw all cultural restraints aside, and act out. Christmas Trees are one thing, but Holi Festival is another. ( I know both are wrong, but the Hindu rites are more repulsive.)
That’s disgusting and again confirms my uneasy feeling about it within the church. Thanks for sharing
Sadly this pagan practice of color runs has infiltrated even into africa where these events are being organized on school level and young minds seeking fun unknowingly get ensnared in them under peer pressure , even promoted by christians not wanting to believe that it is from pagan origin.
Thank you for this insight! I was curious to what more “HOLI” meant, as I knew it was an idol, but really enjoyed all your input! I’m sure If my church we’re teaching my youth to make idols and follow the fade, I’d be evaluating my church. Thanks again!
And it goes for Christmas Easter Halloween valentine’s day and the list goes on all those celebrations have pagans origins.
All that God is asking from us is that we worship him in spirit and in truth. Blessings
Thank you