Are dream catchers an idol?

[Kersh]

It can't be cultural appropriations when Native Americans sell them as artwork along with pottery, rugs, beaded items, etc.

That's a tricky one, since no one Native American can be treated as representative of all of them. If some make their livelihood by it, and some are offended by it, who am I as a white guy to say who's right and who's wrong? It's like the thing with NA mascots. My wife's alma mater's mascot is named after a tribe that insisted that the school keep the name. Same with FSU. But, other native groups have expressed outrage over it. The key, I think, is to search your heart and ask the Spirit to show you what is most loving and kind in the particular circumstance. If you do it to offend, shame on you, and you will answer for that. If you do it to honor and someone gets offended, then that's on them.

 

[Hank77]

That's a tricky one, since no one Native American can be treated as representative of all of them. If some make their livelihood by it, and some are offended by it, who am I as a white guy to say who's right and who's wrong? It's like the thing with NA mascots. My wife's alma mater's mascot is named after a tribe that insisted that the school keep the name. Same with FSU. But, other native groups have expressed outrage over it. The key, I think, is to search your heart and ask the Spirit to show you what is most loving and kind in the particular circumstance. If you do it to offend, shame on you, and you will answer for that. If you do it to honor and someone gets offended, then that's on them.

I suppose if one NA is offended by another NA selling their artwork they need to go to the NA selling it, not take offense against the person buying it.

 

[Kersh]

I suppose if one NA is offended by another NA selling their artwork they need to go to the NA selling it, not take offense against the person buying it.

I would suppose that we should try to get a sense of what that community thinks about it and act accordingly. In any community, there will be individuals who dissent from the prevailing opinion. And, I honestly don't know what the NA community as a whole thinks of it. I'm just throwing it out there as a plausible moral issue that could come out of it. My point is that each of us is individually responsible to conduct ourselves in a way that does not knowingly and unnecessarily offend others.

I suppose if I had an overwhelming desire to start a dreamcatcher collection, I would look into it more.

 

[JIMINZ]

gotquestions.com is a good Christian site and they always quote scripture. Here's the one I posted earlier in this thread about dream catchers. I was surprised that they had an article about it so it must be a fairly common question.
https://www.gotquestions.org/dream-catcher-Christian.html

This example given by Gotquestions did not give a complete view to the question, by the use of 1 Cor.8, Paul reiterated his teaching in 1 Cor.10
where he said.

1Co. 10:28
But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

CONSCIENCE:
G4893
συνείδησις
suneidēsis
soon-i'-day-sis
From a prolonged form of G4894; co-perception, that is, moral consciousness: - conscience.

G4894
συνείδω
suneidō
soon-i'-do
To see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of: - consider, know, be privy, be ware of.

All I have to say further on the matter is, everyone who has participated in this thread has been told the truth as to what a Dreamcatchers purpose actually is, and does.

It has been shown and explained that the Dreamcatcher is an.

Amulet
1) A small object worn to ward off evil, harm, illness or to bring good fortune; a protecting charm.
2) A Talisman

Talisman
1) Any Amulet or charm.
2) Anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.
3) Anything thought to have Magical Protective Powers.

The component parts of the Dreamcatcher such as sticks, feathers, stones or beads are immortalized in the form of sacred charms.

 

[thesunisout]

Is this type of thing idolatry in some form? One expects something inert to hold metaphysical properties of some kind. I think it Is, what about you?

They are spiritually pagan and therefore I don't think they have a place in a Christians home.

 

[Strong in Him]

Sort of like an "if your use of a dream-catcher causes a fellow christian to stumble" then you shouldn't have it, sort of thing?

IMO, yes.
If someone had a dream-catcher as an ornament, and another person believed that it WAS an idol/connected with pagan rites or whatever, I hope the first person might take it down while their fellow christian was in the house.
I don't like them, personally; partly because I'm allergic to feathers. But if I did, that's what I'd do - like with my friend and the wind chimes.

Actually, scripture says if said meat is offered to an idol then the Christian should Not partake in eating it because of the intention behind such a feast.

Not in 1 Corinthians 8:4-13 it doesn't.

 

[JoeP222w]

Is this type of thing idolatry in some form? One expects something inert to hold metaphysical properties of some kind. I think it Is, what about you?

Depends on the heart of the individual who owns one. In and of itself, it is just an object of wood, string, plastic or feathers. Can it be an idol? Yes, if the person believes that it actually has some supernatural power.

 

[Hank77]

This example given by Gotquestions did not give a complete view to the question, by the use of 1 Cor.8, Paul reiterated his teaching in 1 Cor.10
where he said.

1Co. 10:28
But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

CONSCIENCE:
G4893
συνείδησις
suneidēsis
soon-i'-day-sis
From a prolonged form of G4894; co-perception, that is, moral consciousness: - conscience.

G4894
συνείδω
suneidō
soon-i'-do
To see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of: - consider, know, be privy, be ware of.

All I have to say further on the matter is, everyone who has participated in this thread has been told the truth as to what a Dreamcatchers purpose actually is, and does.

It has been shown and explained that the Dreamcatcher is an.

Amulet
1) A small object worn to ward off evil, harm, illness or to bring good fortune; a protecting charm.
2) A Talisman

Talisman
1) Any Amulet or charm.
2) Anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.
3) Anything thought to have Magical Protective Powers.

The component parts of the Dreamcatcher such as sticks, feathers, stones or beads are immortalized in the form of sacred charms.

And what does the next verse say.......

1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
1Co 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

It's really funny to think that gift shop dream catchers have been offered to an idol. As far as being a talisman, it is only one if someone thinks it is one, per the definition posted.

If I were afraid of inanimate objects having spirits that could jump out and get me the place I'd be in the most danger would certainly be in a museum or if I were an archeologist or an anthropologist.

A more poignant question for me would be if I believe the little pocket angel medal that my daughter gave me has spiritual powers to protect me from danger. No I don't believe that it does but it was a sweet gift from an eight year old little girl.

 

[MartyF]

Only if you worship it.

 

[gideon123]

Dream catchers are a part of Indian religion. Some people do use them as active objects of worship. Others keep them solely as works of indigenous art.

In our house, we do not put any dream catchers, or any other symbols of foreign beliefs. That is because our house is strongly dedicated to God.

However - please understand that we are **not** critical of Indians. In fact, we are strong supporters of indigenous peoples and their rights. But we do not let their religions intrude into our home.

You must make your own choices. I suggest prayers.

Blessings!!

 

[Kersh]

Ultimately, I am far more concerned about the idols that we have that have no obvious "religious" connotation. For most Americans, money, TV, entertainment, sex, etc. have far more potential to become idols that we worship than do dreamcatchers, statues, or other religious artifacts. For a long time, I had a statue of Buddha in my living room on top of a bookcase. I never worshiped or prayed to it; I had kept it as a reminder of one of the missteps on my journey that ultimately led me to Christ. Eventually, I stopped displaying it to avoid any appearance of idolatry or any confusion about what it meant. But, I was never tempted to place any value in it beyond that of a decoration and reminder of my past.

OTOH, I would confess that my attitude towards my entertainments and my money can border on idolatry at times when I willfully choose entertainment over communion with God through meditation, prayer, and Bible intake. IN this regard, I am sure I have much in common with many American believers.

 

[friend of]

when I willfully choose entertainment over communion with God through meditation, prayer, and Bible intake. IN this regard, I am sure I have much in common with many American believers.

I think this is something we all need to work on TBH

 

[2Timothy2:15]

Dream catchers are an item from another religion. For members of that religion, they might (or might not) be considered idolatrous. But for the Christians I know who have a Dream catcher hanging somewhere, this item is owned merely as a curiosity.

And often "curiosity" if the very tool the devil uses to get undiscerning Christians to open doors. Make no mistake there is a spiritual significance to dream catchers and none of them are of God.

 

[Albion]

And often "curiosity" if the very tool the devil uses to get undiscerning Christians to open doors. Make no mistake there is a spiritual significance to dream catchers and none of them are of God.

You are talking as though these artifacts are magical or possess magical powers. I don't agree. If Satan's foot in the door is a worry, be aware that he is just as likely--or moreso--to use something that is much less obvious.

 

[JIMINZ]

You are talking as though these artifacts are magical or possess magical powers. I don't agree. If Satan's foot in the door is a worry, be aware that he is just as likely--or moreso--to use something that is much less obvious.

.
Now that statement isn't true at all, Because, it isn't obvious to you or the others that believe as you do.

So it's sort of hiding in plain sight for you to not believe.

 

[Albion]

And often "curiosity" if the very tool the devil uses to get undiscerning Christians to open doors. Make no mistake there is a spiritual significance to dream catchers and none of them are of God.

No, dream catchers are nothing to worry about. Fortunately, most Christians who own one because they think they're cute or because they admire Native American history know that. But if you do fear them, I agree that you would be best off not having one yourself.

 

[Stringfellow_Hawke]

An idol can be anything we place ahead of God in our lives, anything that takes God’s place in our hearts, such as possessions, careers, relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to alcohol/drugs/gambling/pornography, etc. If you're somehow placing that dreamcatcher before God, then yes, it's an idol. If you think it has powers of some kind, depending on what you think those powers are, may or may not make the dreamcatcher an idol. If you have the dreamcatcher because you like the way it looks hanging there, then no, it's not an idol.

Same goes for a Thor hammer. I won't wear one because of its association but I know a man, a Believer, who sees it as a novelty.

 

[nanookadenord]

No, dream catchers are nothing to worry about. Fortunately, most Christians who own one because they think they're cute or because they admire Native American history know that. But if you do fear them, I agree that you would be best off not having one yourself.

I agree.

I am part Native American and have a couple dream catcher's in my home. They are there because it is part of my heritage for one and I think they are beautiful for two. I do not think they have any power to do anything.

I know what the story is behind them and what I think happened is that it became a mind over matter thing for those being told the story.

 

[RaymondG]

This is an inanimate array of materials forming a object, given significance and power only by the beliefs of the ones observing/using it. Those who believe that all power belong to God, need not worry or think about these objects being in their presence. But one may want to avoid them if their are people are weaker faith around them....so to not create stumbling blocks....

 

[FreedomUSA]

.
Here's the thing.

Dreamcatcher is a powerful amulet that symbolically shows us the circles of life

Purpose & Meaning of the Dream Catcher. Sometimes referred to as "Sacred Hoops," Ojibwe dreamcatchers were traditionally used as talismans to protect sleeping people, usually children, from bad dreams and nightmares. Native Americans believe that the night air is filled with dreams, both good and bad.

The shape of the dreamcatcher is a circle because it represents the circle of life and how forces like the sun and moon travel each day and night across the sky. The dream catcher web catches the bad dreams during the night and dispose of them when the day comes.

Web, Feathers & Beads. All parts of the authentic Native American dreamcatcher have meaning tied to the natural world. ... Others believe the beads symbolize the good dreams that could not pass through the web, immortalized in the form of sacred charms.

These types of things come from another Religion, there are Spiritual things which come with the item that you should not want in your house.

Personally I would not have one in my house.

It isn't a matter of your ever worshiping these items, but it is a matter of what they DO represent, and as a Christian it would be like playing with fire, literally.

There is another belief held by some that the dream catcher is not a talisman as much as a portal that allows Spider woman (Gaia) to access all the homes they are so she can protect the home from "evil". There are actual incantations used in the making of many catchers especially connected to the knots used.
I came from yhit knowledge after originally reading this blog as a non-member. I saw that actual knowledge of the non-christian related spiritual practices and principals associated to these "harmless" charms (not an idol) could lead to Christian's ignorantly opening doors to the demonic into their homes. It is similar with miniture Buddha and other minutures of idols used for meditation and enlightenment.