Superstitions
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3. Can I as a believer continue to keep a horseshoe over the door? |
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No, you are
not allowed to keep it because this custom is a superstition, for those who
follow it think that in this way they will ward off misfortunes, because the
horseshoe is considered a lucky charm. On one of the numerous dictionaries of
superstitions we read the following words: ‘It’s a real lucky charm’. The
horseshoe, according to this superstition, has the power to ward off
misfortunes because it has been forged by a sacred fire and by a sacred
material, that is, iron. As for the horseshoe, it is interesting to notice
that in America many people are in the habit of giving bouquets of flowers in
the shape of a horseshoe on the occasion of new business initiatives,
especially those initiatives in the sector of free time.’ |
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We don’t
believe at all that a piece of iron is able to protect a believer. A believer
is safe because God is his refuge and protector, for the Word of God says: “He
that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the
shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my
fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the
snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee
with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be
thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor
for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in
darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall
fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come
nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the
wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most
High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest
thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath
set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high,
because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long
life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation” (Psalm 91:1-16). It is
also written that “the righteous are secure as a young lion” (Proverbs 28:1 –
YLT), and again: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run
to it and are safe” (Proverbs |
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Therefore,
we reject the horseshoe bat and every other object of which it is said that
it brings good luck and protects people from this or that misfortune. To God
our keeper, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, be the glory now and forevermore.
Amen. |