Should Christians Celebrate St-Patrick's Day?

Millions of believers in some countries, including the United States of America are ready to celebrate St-Patrick's Day on March 17. Those who are unable to attend will probably send their children to partake in the festivities. They pretend that they are just having fun, and God who knows everything will not punish them for this "peccadillo". It is true that the Lord is omniscient, yet He does not approve idolatry.

What St-Patrick's Day is about?

It is a religious feast day in memory of St-Patrick who has died around 462 AD. He was a priest who happened to leave in Ireland. He got credit for driving the Druids out of that country while converting the Irish people to Christianity. On St-Patrick's Day, those who do not wear green are subject to harassment and ridicule.

Should Christians celebrate St-Patrick's Day?

There are many reasons that compel true believers to stay away from activities around St-Patrick's Day. Let consider two of them: the unbiblical doctrine of purgatory and the incorporation of Celtics symbols in Patrick's teaching.

1. The doctrine of purgatory

The Catholic Church claims that purgatory "is a place where the soul is purified or purged of venial sins." Consequently, "all who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven" (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1030). The Bible whereas teaches us that a living person is a soul. At death a soul ceases to exist as the dust goes to the earth and the breath of life returns to God who gave it. Those who celebrate St-Patrick's Day are embracing the lie behind this false teaching.

2. Incorporation of Celtics symbols into St-Patrick's teaching

Symbols such as bonfire and sun have been incorporated in St-Patrick's teaching. Those are part of traditions retained by some culture which dated back to idol worship in ancient civilization. The Lord always opposed idolatry and all kind of pagan practice.

If you used to celebrate St-Patrick's Day, it is not too late to repent, ask God for forgiveness, and meditate on these verses: "Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he that believes with an infidel (un-believer)? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).