Beware of Customs That Displease God In a small courtyard, a coffin lies open under the hot African sun. As mourners file past it to express their grief, an old man pauses. His eyes filled with sorrow, he leans close to the dead man’s face and begins speaking: “Why did you not tell me you were going? Why did you leave me like this? Now that you have returned, will you continue to help me?” In another part of Africa, a baby is born. Nobody is allowed to see the child. Only after some time has passed is the baby brought out into public view and ceremonially given a name. To some people, talking to a dead person or hiding a newborn child from the sight of others may seem to be strange behavior. However, in certain cultures and societies, the conduct and views of people toward death and birth are influenced by a very powerful belief that the dead are really not dead but are alive and conscious. This belief is so strong that it is woven into the fabric of customs and rituals that involve almost all aspects of life. For instance, millions believe that important stages in one’s life—such as birth, puberty, marriage, childbearing, and death—are parts of a passage leading into the spirit realm of the ancestors. There, it is believed, the dead person continues to play an active role in the lives of those he left behind. And he can continue the cycle of life through rebirth. To ensure a smooth transition between all stages of this cycle, numerous customs and rites are performed. These customs are influenced by the belief that something inside us survives death. True Christians avoid any customs associated with this belief. . . . You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8 : 32 ***Truth***
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:39:33 +0000
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