The Valentine's Day - From Christian Roots?
@silvercryst340v3 (203)
Philippines
February 11, 2013 9:07am CST
The Valentine's Day is a world tradition celebrated every 14th of February. It's commonly known to have been named after St. Valentine, referred to as a "Christian" priest who have been imprisoned during the Roman Christian persecution. From this, it seems that Valentine's day is a form of Christianity. The Roman Catholic church however removed this day from from their calendar in 1969.
I see several of my brethren (even I was before) partaking in this tradition. For what purpose? For entertainment, for love, for joy, etc. but not for God. I've read some articles about the deeper history of Valentine's day before St. Valentine and how it was celebrated in a pagan tradition. Cupid for example (the most common icon for Valentine's day) is the son of the Roman god Venus.
The Bible tells Christians to be set apart from the world.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2
4 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
11 Feb 13
St Valentine was a hero of sorts in ancient Rome because he defied the Emperor's order that young men should not marry. Saint Valentine supposedly performed marriages in secret. It took a lot of courage to go against the Roman Emperor. For those who really wanted to get married, Saint Valentine was an answer to prayer.
You surely can see the connection. And yes, we ARE to be set apart from the world, but we live in it. Is there harm in expressing our love toward one another on a certain day set aside for that?
Your scripture reference even says so... "why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances (the law) and doctrines (teachings)."
We are free from these. That's the key to being Christians set apart from the world.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
12 Feb 13
I have studied the history of Valentine's Day and I am fully aware that it had a pagan beginning, just like most of our other "holidays." I am not here to argue and it's plain to see that you are.
I disagree with your assessment and you disagree with mine. So be it.
@silvercryst340v3 (203)
• Philippines
12 Feb 13
It's just like saying you disagree with the Bible.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16
@olivz2012 (50)
• Philippines
12 Feb 13
So what if it sounds Christin in origin? Does it make the celebration less meaningful?
Be it Christian or Pagan in origin, I don't care. Let's celebrate the Heart's Day! It is the day allotted for the world to remind each one the importance of loving one another. If this would happen even outside religious, do you think God would not be happy?
@silvercryst340v3 (203)
• Philippines
12 Feb 13
This is a pagan tradition and God is not happy looking at His children participating in a pagan tradition. Go and celebrate because you're welcome to do that.
@Hopefull90 (921)
• United States
11 Feb 13
That is surprising that they took that date off their calendars especially if it is celebrated in a pagan tradition. So many of their ceremonies stem from paganism such as Christmas, Easter and symbols they have in their church. Even the statue of Peter is from a pagan god. What do they have against Valentine's Day?
@silvercryst340v3 (203)
• Philippines
12 Feb 13
Its because the church don't have much information about him. Even though, he still remains in the official list of Catholic saints (Roman Martyrology).
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
11 Feb 13
as a pastor i must say this is so very true and the most that we should be doing is showing our love to our God then to those around us
