Lecture Notes: Canaanite Practices and Their Influence

Canaanite Practices

• The Canaanites engaged in:
  • Demon worship
  • Child sacrifice
  • Occultic rites
  • Witchcraft stemmed from these practices.
• These practices were spread as they migrated.
• The Bible views these practices as offensive to God.
• Commands were given to Israel to avoid and destroy these practices.

Influence of the Canaanites

• The Canaanites were also known as the Phenotians and later the Venetians in Italy.
• They influenced civilizations through:
  • Occult practices
  • Pagan worship
• Reference: "The Two Babylons" by Alexander Hisler.

Biblical Story: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman

• A Canaanite woman from Tyre and Sidon approached Jesus seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter.
• Jesus initially ignored her because she was a Canaanite, Syrophoenician (part Greek, part Canaanite).
• Her reference to Jesus as "son of David" indicated her recognition of needing divine help.

Themes and Symbolism

• Practicing Canaanite rituals equates to becoming a Canaanite, similar to how practices determine religious identity.
• Jesus emphasized the incompatibility of mixing pagan practices with his teachings.

Greek Influence and Critique

• Greek philosophies and fraternities influence modern religious practices.
• There is a warning against mixing Greek pagan practices with Christianity.
• The Bible views certain practices as pagan and idolatrous.

Revelation and Satan’s Throne

• Pergamos in Greece was identified as the location of Satan's throne, related to the worship of Apollos.
• Historical note: Hitler moved an altar from Pergamos to Berlin.
• Allegation: Obama created a replica of this altar during his inauguration.

Call to Reject Idolatry

• A strong message against idolatry and fraternities/sororities that mix pagan practices with religious worship.
• Emphasis on worshipping one God and rejecting demonic influences.
• Criticism of political influences and associations with Greek societies linked to witchcraft.

Conclusion

• A call to remain true to Christian beliefs and reject influences that promote idolatry.
• Encouragement to keep devotion to God over cultural and societal influences.