The Chinese Zodiac

Culture, superstition and religious background are easily intertwined. Culture has to do with beliefs and behaviour patterns passed down from generation to generation. It is our way of life and we cannot separate it from religion. The Africans dance up the aisle to the altar with their offering. This is their culture, perfectly all right for them. To do that here would not be acceptable and perhaps even frowned upon by our society. It is not our culture. Conversion to Christianity does not mean we should abandon our own culture and embrace another culture.

We live in a fallen world, tainted with sin so cultures can be good or bad. Each culture must be measured by the tenets of the Word of God. The Lausanne Covenant states “Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture.” Some cultures are rich in beauty and goodness, others not quite. We need to seek God’s wisdom to know the difference.

Let’s take for example the belief in the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. We may or may not share the beliefs of our friends and neighbours. As Christians we should see it as a simple way to determine one’s age and not go beyond that. If someone tells you he was born in the year of a certain animal then we can guess that person's age.

There are those who believe that one’s character and disposition are determined by the natal animal. A person inherits certain traits of that particular animal. If this were true then all those born in the year of that particular animal would behave like that creature. I would be a mischievous monkey! This belief tend to make one resign to the weaknesses in one’s character or take pride in one’s strength because one was born in the year of a certain animal. The result is people become fatalistic in their outlook. Superstition can place a stranglehold on our lives. Belief in the Zodiac or astrology conflicts with our belief in the Scriptures.

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Saviour, we receive new life in Him. When we are truly committed to Him, He determines our future and His Spirit guides us in life’s journey till we reach our eternal Home.

Let us ‘guo nien’ (cross over to the New Year) with the determination that we will always trust in the Lord and seek His wisdom everyday of our lives.