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Objective: Explains the theories of Valentine. To understand the nexus (connection) between Valentine and various pagan gods.
Introduction: Valentine’s Day is ancient form of Roman festival of love which was called Lupercalia. Lovers cast lots to
choose a partner (the origin of blind dating). The date was presented with gifts as a token of love. Some of these
relationships led to marriage.
This festival has a pagan origin. Upon investigation it will be found that the word comes from the Latin word ‘valentinus,’
which is derived from the word ‘valens,’ which means ‘to be strong, powerful or mighty.’ The day was originally dedicated
to Lupercus, the hunter. This is just another name for Nimrod, the mighty hunter mentioned in Gen 10:9. Valentine’s Day was
originally called, “Lupercalia.’ Nimrod had other names in the ancient world, such as Bal, Saturn, etc. In the Babylonian’s
tongue, the word for heart was ‘Bal.’ So in honor of ‘Bal’ or Lupercus or Nimrod, valentine’s or hearts were exchanged on
that day. The exchange of hearts also involved at times the exchange of sexual partners for the day.
Genesis 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
According to the annals of history, when Catholicism became the official religion of Rome, this pagan festival ‘Lupercalia’
was given Christian meaning. It was in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius changed the Lupercalia (Roman festival of love) from February
15 to St. Valentine’s Day on February 14.
What are the two theories used by the papacy to explain the origin of Valentine’s day? (a) A priest named Valentine who
lived in the third century was jailed by the Romans for aiding persecuted Christians. He was beheaded on the ancient altar
of Juno. (b) A bishop of Terni, lost his life for converting a Roman family to Christianity. He was beheaded in Rome in 273
AD.
To which god did the Lupercalia festivities pay homage? (a) In the ancient festival most Valentine featured the pagan god
Cupid or Eros, the Greek/Roman mythology woodland god who was lustfully having excessive sexual desire. (b) Pan, the
lascivious woodland god who is equated with Cupid/Eros, typifies lust and illicit sex. See Exodus 20:3,5; Isaiah 57:3-5; Acts 17:16.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Isaiah 57:3-5 ¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
Acts 17:16 ¶ Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
What is the significance of an arrow piercing a heart? This symbolizes the Cupid, whose love could pierce the coldest of
hearts. Matt. 5:28.
Matt. 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Conclusion It is very clear that this festival antidotes (counteracts) Christ and honors pagan gods /goddesses. Giving this
festival a “saint’s” name does not make it acceptable to God.
Come out of her and be ye separate There is no place in the Christian life for this day! We are called to live a separated
life. True Christians must live a different life than those who fill the pews in nominal (existing in name only) churches.
Jesus said that unless we are willing to forsake all to follow Him. We are not worthy to be His disciples (Luke 14:33).
True Christians cannot compromise the truth!
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Source: Taken from Pagan Customs, a quarterly written by the members of the Church of God (7th Day) Dennery, St. Lucia
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