Christian view of the Color Run (Holi festival): Putting the brakes on Pagan Christianity -stop bringing the World into our churches
“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
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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.