The Bible and Superstition
Superstition is defined as a widely held but unfounded belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences. The Bible tells us that though incidents may appear to happen to people by chance (Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:10), nothing happens outside God’s sovereign control. For either He causes or permits it according to His divine will (Colossians 1:17)
In the past, superstitious beliefs were accepted more easily than they are in modern times, and there was a threat that the Israelites would get involved into the magical beliefs of their neighboring nations. So, the Lord warned His people in the Old Testament against superstition and Idolatry which are referred to as divination and soothsaying (Leviticus 19:26). And He forbade the practice of astrology (Deuteronomy 4:19), magic, and sorcery (2 Kings 21:6, Isaiah 2:6).
It is shocking to know that many today are still affected by superstitious beliefs. Superstitious people hold or wear charms, plaster nail horseshoes over their doors, and “knock on wood” so that evil will not happen to them. Some claim that seeing a black cat is an evil omen before a journey. Others don’t step under a ladder. And some think they can heal certain diseases by throwing an object behind their back on a moonless night.
Psychics and mediums prosper in their practices and many are deceived by them. Certain people claim to predict the future by the position of the stars, and they offer council on what should or should not be done on specific days. Even trustworthy newspapers provide information about “lucky” and “unlucky” days. Many people will not start or do certain acts on a Friday. And the number 13 is believed to be unlucky.
The Lord forbade idolatry and superstition also in the New Testament. And He instructed that, and no one who practices it will enter the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:27). Paul warned the believers saying, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
