What is druidism? What is a druid?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

While the Bible doesn't specifically mention druids or druidism, it does address pagan practices and nature worship. Scripture clearly teaches that there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4) and warns against worshiping created things, rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). The Bible also forbids practices commonly associated with paganism, such as divination and human sacrifice (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Instead, it encourages believers to worship God alone and to seek wisdom from Him (Proverbs 2:6).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Exodus 20:3: "You shall have no other gods before me." This commandment directly contradicts the polytheistic nature of druidism.
• Deuteronomy 12:31: "You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods." This verse condemns pagan practices, including human sacrifice, which were part of some druidic rituals.
• Jeremiah 10:2–3: "Thus says the LORD: 'Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.'" This passage warns against adopting pagan customs and superstitions.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Acts 17:29–30: "Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent." Paul here refutes pagan concepts of deity and calls for repentance.
• Romans 1:25: "Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." This verse critiques nature worship, a key aspect of druidism.
• Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Paul warns against being deceived by worldly philosophies, which could include druidic teachings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The biblical perspective on druidism and similar pagan practices reinforces the importance of worshiping the Creator, rather than the creation. While we can appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature, our ultimate allegiance and worship should be directed to God alone. Christians should be aware of the incompatibility between biblical faith and practices that elevate nature or multiple deities to divine status. Unlike pagan religions that often involve manipulating spiritual forces or seeking wisdom through mystical practices, Christianity offers a personal relationship with the Creator God through Jesus Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Druidism is an ancient, pagan religion that often involves polytheism, nature worship, and mystical practices.
• The Bible opposes druidism for worshiping creation instead of God.
• Druidic practices are incompatible with biblical Christianity.

REFLECT

• How can understanding the nature of druidism and its practices help deepen your commitment to worshiping the Creator over creation?
• How might you be tempted to elevate nature or other elements of creation to a place of reverence in your own life?
• How can you engage respectfully with those who practice druidism or similar beliefs while holding firm to your faith in Christ?

ENGAGE

• Druidism is practiced today primarily in the form of modern Druidry, which often emphasizes spiritual connections with nature, rituals, and community gatherings. It has gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America, among those seeking alternative spiritual paths rooted in ancient traditions.
• What similarities and differences can we identify between druidic beliefs and other religious or spiritual practices in today's society?
• How do the biblical warnings against pagan practices apply to modern beliefs and cultural trends that may draw us away from a relationship with God?
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