“Proof” of one’s religiosity often consists of the use of symbols that represent one’s relationship with deity. The question is, which deity? The answer depends on the symbol in question. One of the most observable characteristics of heathen religions is their prolific use of physical symbols. As a general rule, the more elaborate, colorful, and in some cases, audacious the physical items representing the religion, the more heathenistic the religion. Among “Christian” sects and cults the most elaborate representa- tions are found in Catholicism–the repository of numerous heathen religions whose symbols have found a home in her sanctuaries. Her daughters, known globally as the various sects and cults that make up Protestantism, took with them many of her doctrines and celebrations when they left her in “protest.” Many of her outward symbols of religiosity can see hanging from various body parts, tattooed on various body areas, stuck on automobiles, doors and windows and standing in yards.

The cross is the most widely used symbol of professing Christendom. Anthropological evidence reveals that the cross was being used as a heathen religious symbol at least 1500 years before Jesus walked among men. The “Tau” (cross) was the sign of Tammuz, the Babylonian sun god condemned by God in Ezekiel 8. The Tau was often represented as a “T”–one of the wooden formations upon which men were crucified. The cross was worn by Tammuz worshippers upon their foreheads following baptism into what was referred to as the “Mysteries”–Babylonian/Chaldean religious practices which later found their way into the apostate church following the influx of masses of pagan “converts” who preferred Catholicism over death at the hands of the Roman Government. In some instances Tammuz’s cross was depicted inside a circle which represented the sun. The Tau/cross–the “sign of life”–was woven into the garments of the priests of Tammuz. The Vestal Virgins of Rome wore the cross suspended from their necklaces. The Egyptians used the cross as a way to publicly proclaim their religiosity, having adopted the practice from the heathen peoples they had conquered. Egyptian women often wore crosses as earrings or as ornaments affixed to the collars of their robes. The cross was a symbol used in worship long before the time of Christ. Druid priests made crosses from trees into which they carved the word “Thau” (Tau). Crosses were used in what is now called Mexico long before the time of the Lord’s earthly tenure. Bacchus, the Babylonian Messiah, was represented wearing a headband covered with crosses. One society worshipped a god called Horus, whose sign was the cross. There was hardly a heathen tribe in which the cross was not used in worship. To be continued. L.J.

In Jeremiah 10:2 God commands that His people “… learn not the ways of the heathen.” In Ezekiel 22:27 He warns Israel about combining what is holy with what is evil.