19 Jun, 2026 Pagan idolatry – and Matariki, Deepavali, Hari Raya and more
Because so many words could be written – I will choose here not to do that.
Matariki has a pagan worship element to it for some – while also being just a ‘harvest festival’, marking the start of a new agricultural year.
- We write to AFFIRM a positive view elsewhere.
- But we are not ignorant that some desire to reject belief in a God who calls us to a high view of humanity, to equality and charity – in favour of superstitions shaped by historic experiences of good and bad within forests, from trees, on travel and on the seas.
Clearly Christians and Christian cultures do not embrace the wider values of Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. The uninitiated into religion might not understand this – and most in our nation are now uninitiated, including a likely majority of our public leaders and media commentators. Our entire culture is founded within the Judeo-Christian ethic. Even our most adamant atheists are ‘Christian’, believing in human value and freedoms, equality, charity and other virtues in a manner reflecting the Christian faith. The danger is in our ignorance of our culture and its benefits. Consider the example of Richard Dawkins (one of the world’s most adamant and entertaining atheists), who came to recognise he was in fact a ‘cultural Christian’. Or the Scottish Neil Oliver, the documentary-maker, who while an atheist recognises the great benefits of Christianity to civilisation, cautioning against ignorance on this matter.
The Christian faith offers the highest of all ideals – believing in a Creator God who is good. Other gods are not like this – therefore also not creating civilisations marked by the benefits we enjoy and take for granted.
The challenge comes where our ‘freedom of religion’ is lived out – if the basis of that freedom not understood.
- Our religious came from the Christian faith, not the Enlightenment. It as the natural result of the Christian belief in the freedom of the will (based out of the reality of personhood, inclusive of freewill – which both atheism and all non-monotheistic religions cannot affirm).
- The historian Tom Holland writes insightfully on this.
The boundary for Christians is best defined in 1 Corinthians 8
Paul articulates that an idol is nothing – while a demon isn’t something a Christian needs to fear. For this reason, were meat offered to idols, there is nothing wrong with a Christian eating the meat.
However, if others perceive the meat to be offered to an idol – and perceive this to possibly be a compromise for a Christian – then eating it becomes wrong.
- The principles is about love for others.
- Perception matters.
> So, while the Christian need fear no contamination from a pagan ritual – to participate in a way that is perceived by others to be worshipful is wrong.
We are in a changing context
23% of those living in NZ were not born here. We are increasingly cosmopolitan – and Auckland – with over 40% the same.
It was shameful in my opinion to see our PM, Christopher Luxton, bowing in worship in a Hindu Temple and also Islamic Mosque. There is a big difference between showing love and tolerance to all – and actually participating in worship to other gods.
What we are fools to overlook is that the world’s religions are fundamentally different. While we accept all in NZ, this is because of our Christian values. The same charity is not afforded Christians in many other places. Christians are the most persecuted demographic on the planet! Many NZers and Westerners are unaware of this. We live in a bubble – unaware – due to our many blessings.
Church leaders have a role to play
These matters have to be discussed.
Two things are needed
- Discernment
- Courage
Church leaders need to discuss this – to help members – because even in our workplaces and schools compromises are taking place.
We are wise to discuss healthy boundaries
It’s one thing to tolerate differences and show respect – while another entirely to PARTICIPATE in the worship of idols, forrests, trees, seas and gods whose character, nature and values are not only different but often opposed to our own, were we to understand the nature of religion.
We do not have to understand these other religions.
We do not need to criticise them.
So long as all who live here embrace OUR values as New Zealanders – which are predominantly Christian values – all who live here will get on fine, no matter their personal religious choices.
But we cannot embrace other religions as our own – as a nation – because the values really are different. A considered study of history, as also of the wider outcomes in the nations of our world today, reveals this.
In summary
Our environment is changing.
Our public leaders – and a majority of the public – are uninformed regarding religion. They think all religions are essentially the same. They are going to compromise important things – unknowingly. They are going to create new prejudices, expecting a disregard of religion, and a callous embracing of any and all beliefs – as if the same.
Christian leaders need to be aware and to speak.
Discernment and courage are needed by parents and students, workers and officials.
>> No one should worship something they do not understand or believe in <<