Pagan Temples
This morning we visited several pagan temples in Kaohsiung. Even though Taiwan is a "modern" country, the spiritual needs are vast. As we walked through these amazing structures, our hearts were burdened and grieved by the spiritual darkness and blindness of the people.
One of the gods, sitting above his temple.
"Female" (transvestite) Buddha and "her" temple. The temple is in the belly of the dragon. You enter through the mouth and leave through the tail.
One of the gods, sitting above his temple.
A woman worshipping "her" in the temple.
Free pagan literature.
Children visiting on school field trip.
A Buddhist temple
The third floor of the temple, ornately carved and overlaid with gold. There are multiple gods on each floor, and the people just move from one god to the next, making their prayers.
The incense altar.
These are not "tourist" attractions, but true, active temples. The people are in deep bondage and live in fear that they will offend any of the gods or the spirits. Christ is the answer!
In America, we may think that this is silly idolatry, but think about it. What are the gods in the United States? Remember the Bible speaks about idols of the heart. Please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Jesus Christ is the only true God!
These are not "tourist" attractions, but true, active temples. The people are in deep bondage and live in fear that they will offend any of the gods or the spirits. Christ is the answer!
In America, we may think that this is silly idolatry, but think about it. What are the gods in the United States? Remember the Bible speaks about idols of the heart. Please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Jesus Christ is the only true God!
Labels: Taiwan 2009
posted by AsBurningFire at
4:50 AM
5 Comments:
As American Christians it is easy for us to think of idolatry as a curse only in foreign lands. We often fail to see the idolatry that has so firmly gripped our country. Fame, money, cars, houses, clothes, fleshly appetites, these have all become gods in our day. All to often these gods have in their subtle way crept into even our churches, destroying our witness and dimming the light of our testimony.
May the Holy Spirit convict us of the idols in our own lives that hinder us from doing His will.
Those pictures are sobering, and horrifying.
I agree with all that Andrew has said.
I see Hollywood as an idol in America. When we visit relatives, the TV is always on--always! The wicked influence that Hollywood has had on our culture is undeniable.
And yes, this need to be "entertained" has undoubtedly crept into our churches! Well, actually, it has been invited in! Entertainment takes precedence over the Gospel in many, many churches. I can say that with certainty because I have seen it (it took us a full year of searching before we found our very precious, God-fearing, Gospel-preaching, little church).
As Andrew said, these gods are "destroying our witness". Why should the world want what we have when they cannot see any difference between Hollywood-style entertainment and so-called "worship"?
May God have mercy on America.
Stephen & Evelyn,
I couldn't believe that you were with the Delaney's!! I was so excited to see that on your blog. My family knows them, and my mother mails out their missionary newsletter to churches and individuals. Such sweet, gracious people they are. Bro. Pat attended church where I grew up. Are you staying in their church or seeing them while you are there? Please send greetings from Rich & Elaine (Eddy) McDonnell. I will have to tell my Mom & Dad also. God bless you all.
Stephen & Evelyn,
I don't know if my earlier comment got on here. I may have posted it incorrectly.
We know the Delaney's. That is so exciting that you have seen them and they you! Are you staying at their church?
My mother sends out their monthly letter to churches and individuals. Even over in Taiwan, we have a connection! :-)
Please give them our greetings. Rich & Elaine (Eddy) McDonnell
I am here at your mom's reading your blog thinking about idolatry in our own country. We have made an idol not with hands but with our minds. We have made an image of a god after our own imagination. We think God will not really bring judgment on the unrighteous for the god of our imagination is loving and merciful. Our God is very merciful but we must never forget he is a God of justice also. Without Jesus we face God's wrath only on judgement day. I praise God for your testimony and your willingness to serve where God leads. Lord bless you both.
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