Sneaky Superstition
Superstition is a child of credulity that thrives on half-truths and error, and can be mistaken for faith unless discernment is present.
A.W. Tozer addresses the pervasive nature of superstition in human life, arguing that it is a product of fallen human nature that affects everyone. He contrasts the mindset of scientists and philosophical skeptics who deny the supernatural, suggesting that in their quest for rationality, they inadvertently dismiss the existence of God and spiritual truths. Tozer warns that this rejection leads to a loss of hope and faith, equating superstition with ignorance and highlighting its insidious presence even among believers. He emphasizes the need for discernment to distinguish between true faith and the deceptive nature of superstition, which can masquerade as genuine belief.
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Superstition is inherent in fallen human nature and I suppose there is no one entirely free from it.
There are two classes of men who appear to have come the nearest to getting deliverance from the bondage of superstition: the scientist who has developed a mentality that accepts nothing that cannot be proved and the philosophical skeptic who has taught himself to discount the supernatural. By denying the existence of the spiritual they reduce their hopes and fears to the ordered operation of the natural, but that seems too high a price to pay for their freedom.
With the same broom they use to sweep out banshees, wraiths and apparitions, they also sweep away angels, heaven and (may we reverently say) God Himself. Along with these go belief in prayer, fear of retribution and hope for a future life. All of which is a very unscientific and extremely irrational way to proceed, if you ask me, and especially significant since the very ones who take that way boast above everything else of their scientific minds and their rationality. The man who, in order to get rid of the fear of black cats, must also rid himself of the fear of God is a victim of his own ignorance as surely as the man who nails a horseshoe over his door to bring good luck or carries a horse chestnut in his pocket to ward off an attack of the miseries. Neither man is acting rationally.
Superstition is a child of credulity and thrives on a diet of half-truths and error. It sneaks into the assembly of the saints as did the man without the wedding garment, and unless there is someone present with the gift of discernment, it manages to pass as a true child of faith. But superstition and faith are alike only as a mushroom and a toadstool are alike; one is good nutritious food and the other contains a dangerous poison.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Superstition
- The Limitations of Science and Skepticism
- The Irrationality of Superstition
- Superstition is a child of credulity and thrives on half-truths and error
- Superstition sneaks into the assembly of saints and can be mistaken for faith
Key Quotes
“Superstition is a child of credulity and thrives on a diet of half-truths and error.” — A.W. Tozer
“With the same broom they use to sweep out banshees, wraiths and apparitions, they also sweep away angels, heaven and (may we reverently say) God Himself.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be aware of the dangers of credulity and the importance of discernment in distinguishing between superstition and faith.
- Do not confuse science and skepticism with spiritual truth, and be cautious of reducing hopes and fears to the natural alone.
- Cultivate a deep understanding of faith and its differences from superstition to live a life of spiritual credibility.