Playlist: Fertility Worship (topic)
Fishy Syncretism
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe Philistines, persistent adversaries of God's people since the time of Abraham, revered Dagon, their fish god, who was an abomination to the God of Israel. This enmity was evident when Samson, in the 12th century BC, perished while demolishing the Philistines' temple of Dagon. Later, the Philistines attacked the Israelites, …
Easter 2017
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMany modern Easter traditions stem from ancient pagan practices tied to fertility worship. The name Easter likely originates from a Germanic goddess, Eoster or Ostara, associated with the radiant dawn and up-springing light, a symbolism easily adapted to the Christian resurrection day. Further back, the name connects to Middle …
Sandcastle Virtues
Sermon by Mike FordAs the Israelites entered Canaan, a fertile land of milk and honey, they encountered a culture of farmers who worshipped Baal and Ashtoreth, fertility gods credited for their abundant crops. Coming from a background of shepherds, the Israelites were drawn to these deities, not only due to a lack of faith in the One True God, but …
The Iniquity of the Amorites
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of multiculturalism, political correctness, and mush-headed tolerance, we as a culture have sanctioned sin and corruption.
What's So Bad About Valentines Day?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughValentine's Day has deep roots in pagan fertility worship, originating as a Roman feast dedicated to Lupercus, a god of the hunt and fertility. This festival, held around February 14th, included bizarre rituals such as young men or priests whipping women with goat thongs, believed to promote fertility or ensure a safe birth. The …
Satan's Pagan Holy Days
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersFertility worship, deeply rooted in ancient pagan practices, is a significant aspect of Satan's deceptive 'holy days' and mankind's pagan holidays. One such celebration, now known as St. Valentine's Day, was originally the fertility festival Lupercalia. This day ranks number one in candy sales, with billions spent annually on …
Is New Year's Eve Pagan?
Sermonette by Mike FordThe celebration of New Year's Eve has deep roots in pagan customs, notably tied to ancient fertility worship. As highlighted in historical accounts, the date of New Year's celebrations temporarily shifted to March 25 during the Middle Ages to align with Germanic spring rites of fertility. These rites were part of broader pagan …
Easter: Origins and Implications
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEaster, as observed by many, is steeped in pagan origins rather than biblical truth. The name Easter itself derives from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eastre or Estera, a Teutonic deity of spring and fertility, to whom sacrifices were offered in April. This name was transferred to the paschal feast, revealing its pagan roots. The …
To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsKing Solomon's compromises with God's law led to significant religious syncretism in ancient Israel, particularly through his involvement in fertility worship. His marriage to many foreign wives, including the daughter of Pharaoh, directly violated God's command against multiplying wives, as warned in Deuteronomy 17:17, lest his …
What's Wrong With 'Here Comes the Groom'?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe sexual and fertility worship practices of ancient Israel reveal a deep connection between idolatry and immorality, mirroring the societal issues of today. Such worship often involved sexual-fertility rites, as seen in the veneration of deities like Molech and Ashtoreth (also known as Astarte ), who were associated with …
Keep Yourself From Idols
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the context of idolatry, fertility worship holds a significant place as a pervasive form of religious unfaithfulness in ancient practices. Fertility cults, often associated with idols representing nature gods and goddesses like the Baals and Asherahs , encouraged the flaunting of human sexuality as a means to ensure the …
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
Idolatrous Suppressors of the Truth
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the context of idolatry, the Old Testament often portrays it as religious unfaithfulness, using metaphors of sexual impurity. Fertility cults, deeply tied to idolatry, encouraged the flaunting of human sexuality as a means to ensure the earth's productivity through magic and sorcery. For millennia, idols have represented …
Deuteronomy: Being Careful
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the context of adhering to God's instructions, a significant warning emerges regarding the dangers of adopting the practices of the nations displaced by Israel. Deuteronomy 12:29-32 cautions against being ensnared by the customs of these nations, particularly in their worship of false gods. The Israelites are admonished not …
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe celebration of Easter by many professing Christians incorporates elements with deep roots in pagan fertility worship. The very name Easter derives from the Germanic goddess Eoster, an ancient fertility deity akin to Ishtar , Isis , Ashtoreth , and Astarte . These names and associated symbols, such as Easter bunnies and dyed …
Our Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe celebration of Easter, a major holiday in the Christian calendar, carries a name derived from a Germanic goddess, Eoster , which is linked to ancient deities such as Ishtar , Isis , Ashtoreth , and Astarte . This goddess, often revered as the 'queen of heaven,' was a central figure in fertility worship among the Israelites, …
Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the context of Micah's prophecy, the pervasive idolatry among the Israelites, particularly the worship of false gods, is a significant sin leading to divine judgment. Micah 5:12-13 declares that God will cut off sorceries and soothsayers from His people, along with carved images and sacred pillars, ensuring they no longer …
Samson and the Christian (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the context of Philistine religion, fertility worship played a significant role in their rituals and beliefs. Dagon, the national god of the Philistines, was originally known as a grain god in Mesopotamia, under the name Dagan , which meant corn or kernels of grain. Over time, as his worship spread, he transformed into a fish …