Messianic Customs That Are Not From Scripture

Many of us who have wound up in the Messianic or Hebrew faith movements have been quick to point out to family and friends many of the unbiblical customs that are prevalent in the Christian church. I have done this myself, pointing out that Christmas is not in the Bible. But if someone asked me if I celebrated Hanukkah I would say yes, and make the argument that that was okay since it was "Biblically based." Talk about confusing! It is a poor testimony when we criticize others for participating in traditions and customs that are not found in the Bible, while we participate in different traditions and customs that are also not found in the Bible.

It can also be incredibly confusing for others to hear me say things like, "I just do what the Bible says," while doing quite a few things that are not even suggested in Scripture, let alone commanded...and what's worse is if I act like doing those things makes my faith more sincere than theirs.

Now, tradition is not always bad, and not all cultural customs are wrong. My point is not to condemn anyone who has participated in these things, but to shed more light onto what is and is not in the Bible. It is important that we know the difference between what is a commandment from YHWH given to us in Scripture, and what is simply a manmade tradition or cultural custom. This post is to point out a few of these unbiblical customs that are frequently seen in the Messianic movement; it is not a conclusive list.

Messianic customs that are not Biblical:

-Davidic dancing. This is the circular dance you might see a group of people participating in during worship at a Messianic congregation. While Scripture tells us that David danced in worship, it never suggests he did so in a circle. The similarity between Davidic dance and the maypole dance should give us pause. The maypole dance is a fertility ritual that is significant to Wiccans. I'm not saying those who participate in Davidic dancing have any intentions other than to honor YHWH, but you should know that other religions do very similar dances.

-Hanukkah and Purim. Yes, these are both mentioned briefly in the Bible (Hanukkah in John, and Purim in Esther), but nowhere does the Bible give us a command to participate in either, as it does in Leviticus 23 for the set apart times of YHWH. It is simply wrong to treat these like they are the same as the holidays that YHWH created and commanded us to celebrate. It seems hypocritical to tell others that it's not okay to celebrate a manmade holiday based on the events of Luke 2, only to turn around and celebrate a manmade holiday based off the events of Esther.

-Prayer shawls. I've visited congregations where these are so prevalent they might as well be the official uniform of that ministry, but there is simply no Biblical command or precedent for prayer shawls. While there's nothing wrong with wearing a shawl, consider why you are taking part of this. Wearing a prayer shawl does not make you any closer to YHWH.

-Star of David. This six pointed star gets slapped on everything from jewelry to ministry logos to menorahs...and never once does the Bible say this is a symbol we should be using. I recommend taking a look at this video before incorporating this star into your wardrobe or decorating your home or meeting place with one.

-Shabbat candles. Did you know the Bible does not command us to light candles to usher in the Sabbath days? Did you know there's not even a reference to a Biblical character ever doing this? It's simply wrong to teach or say that you need to light candles in order to properly observe the Sabbath.

If these things are prevalent in your home or congregation, consider the message that sends to visitors. Many Torah keepers use phrases like, "We do Bible things in Bible ways." If you hear that while you're surrounded by people in prayer shawls or dancing in a circle, in a building that's decorated with stars of David, it sends the message that those are Bible things when they are not. 

Let's be clear about our faith practices and make a distinction between Biblical commandments and manmade traditions. Please don't imply or say that believers need to participate in customs or rituals that are not found in Scripture.

Related posts:
The Seven Branch Menorah
Why Hanukkah is Not a Biblical Holiday
Commandments or Traditions - Understanding the New Testament

Four Wintertime Sabbath Ideas

How do you like to spend the Sabbath day during the Winter months? Do you embrace the seasonality of this time of year? I really enjoy the different, slower pace that the cold brings. There is nothing like snow and ice to make for a cozy day of rest, snug inside the house. Here are a few habits that I have been enjoying through the wintertime. Any or all of these would be a lovely touch to the next Sabbath!

Four Habits for Wintertime Sabbaths:

1. Soup! Lately I've been making up a big pot of soup on Fridays. It's easy to do, doesn't need to be watched too closely, is frugal to make, and creates such a cozy environment. There's nothing like walking into a house when the soups on - especially if that means dinner is waiting in the crock pot after a busy day. And eating soup calls for a certain amount of slowness, it's a nice way to settle yourself and your family down to the pace of the Sabbath. Making a big pot doesn't take a whole lot more effort than a smaller batch and is a great way to ensure leftovers for Shabbat lunch. Just reheat and serve. Need a recipe? Here are some of my favorite soups!

2. Going to bed earlier. When the daylight turns into darkness much earlier it seems natural to climb into bed sooner rather than later. Do you ever feel like it's really late, only to discover that it's 8:00pm? That might be your body trying to get you to get more sleep. With our circadian rhythm it is natural to rest more in the wintertime. I know with children, or depending on when your congregation starts, sleeping in is not an option for everyone. Try going to bed half an hour to an hour before you usually do to get more rest. Even if you don't fall asleep right away, climbing into bed earlier just to wind down, or to do some reading, can help you to rest better when you do doze off.

3. Blankets. It might be cold outside but you don't need to freeze in misery all day long. Wrap yourself up in a thick blanket while you study, watch a movie, read, or talk with family and friends. It is far more comforting and cozy to get out the blankets and thick socks than it is to crank up the heat. Plus, having blankets out signals to your body that it's time to relax. Getting outside for a bit can make you appreciate the contrast in temperatures all the more. Then get cozy!

4. Tea. Tea is perfect for the Sabbath. Do you want to extend a meal with family? Or offer something hot during fellowship time at congregation? Do you want to host a friend without it being a lot of work? Just switch on the kettle, and add hot water to a tea bag and steep for a few minutes. Having a few different selections means that anyone can find something they enjoy. Tea is the perfect way to show hospitality. With or without company, it's lovely to warm up with a steaming mug of tea on the Sabbath.

More on the Sabbath:
Sabbath in the New Testament
Tips for Resting on the Sabbath
Sabbath Prep and the Idol of Cleanliness