Beth-El Baptist Church
5/1/05
What power do superstitions and omens have over people?
There are many superstitions and omens that people adhere to, even Christians. These include but are not limited to black cats, walking under a latter, opening an umbrella in the house, casting of spells, hexes, bad feelings, intuition, and the like. The question before us is what do these types of things have to do with the Christian.
1. What are superstitions and omens?
According to Webster’s dictionary:
Superstition – irrational belief that an abject action or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. A belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance. A fearful or abject state of mind resulting from such ignorance or irrationality.
Omen – Phenomenon supposed to serve as a warning of good or evil. A prophetic sign.
Essentially, omens and superstitions are beliefs of cause and effect about which there is no real evidence linking the cause and effect. An example could be that as a person was walking down the street, a black cat crossed in front of them and then they tripped, fell, and broke their nose. They know that black cats are bad luck because crossing one will cause you to get hurt.
2. Does the bible specifically mention superstitions or omens?
Acts 17:22-23; 25:19
In both of these passages, superstitions are focused on beliefs. The beliefs could be good and proper, like Jesus having died and resurrected (Acts 25:19), or they could be bad, like believing in a god for everything and one that is dedicated to whatever god was missed (Acts 25:19)
3. What do the biblical words for superstition mean?
The Greek word for superstitious and superstition is comprised of two base Greek words. With the following basic meanings:
Fearful – Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:40; Revelation 21:8
Devils or demons – Matthew 8:31, Mark 5:12; Luke 8:29; Revelation 16:14; 18:2
In particular, note that Jesus contrasts being fearful with lacking faith. Holding to beliefs in superstitions or omens is considered to be lacking in faith.
4. Is there any power in superstitions or omens?
Matthew 28:18 cmp 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11
Matthew 10:28
While superstitions and omens have no real and ultimate power, they do have power over those who believe them. There are superstitions and omens that can do an individual much harm, but they are not of God for they are from Satan but to a Christian, they cannot do any eternal harm for only God has the power of death and hell, but Satan and his devils can deceive even the believer but he cannot destroy them.
5. Can belief in superstitions condemn you?
The only one who can condemn anyone is Jesus Christ. Superstitious beliefs cannot condemn an individual, only by rejecting the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is there condemnation. By believing in, or trusting in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the payment for your sins results in the elimination of all condemnation.
6. What should I do about sayings, thoughts other words that might be superstitious?
Whatever sayings, thoughts, or other communication that seems to condemn, convict, or even confuse needs to be brought to the light of scripture. If the words and thoughts are confirmed to be true by scripture, then perhaps corrective action on your part needs to be done. If the words and thoughts are not confirmed to be true by scripture, then no correction needs to be done and the words and thoughts can be rejected for they are not of God. God will not lead any individual into temptation or sin (James 1:13).
7. Are there any examples of superstition in the scriptures?
Isaiah 44:16-20
Galatians 2:11-14
Various ceremonies and rituals can be examples of superstition when then take away from God, from obedience to him. There is also direct idolatry, which is nothing more than superstition for it attributes things, good or bad, not to God but to the works of the idol. There are also attitudes that can exalt someone or something or diminish the true importance of others. Each of these are various examples of superstition for they are beliefs that are not of God but they detract from God.
8. What should be done about superstitions?
Confess them and bring them into obedience to Jesus Christ so that they rule you no more.
Superstitions and omens of various flavors exist and they distract from God, his nature and his character. They can be powerful influences on peoples lives, if believed, but if they condemn an individual or promote ideas that are contrary to God’s word, then they need to be rejected.