Dream catchers, with their intricate webs and dangling feathers, have become a popular symbol of protection and spirituality. Rooted in Native American tradition, they are believed to filter out bad dreams while letting good ones through. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, what do dream catchers really represent? Let’s take a closer look at the cultural origins of dream catchers and how they continue to inspire people today.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About listening to secular music
What Does The Bible Say About dream catchers
Exodus 20:4
“You shall not make for yourself an idol or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath.”
This verse makes it clear that we should not create or worship any physical objects or symbols, as they can become idols and distractions from our true worship of God. Dream catchers, with their origins in Native American spirituality, can be seen as a form of idolatry and superstition, as they are believed to have the power to catch and filter dreams. As Christians, our focus should be on seeking God’s guidance through prayer and His Word, rather than relying on objects or rituals.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
This passage clearly condemns practices such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and consulting the dead. Dream catchers, with their association to Native American spiritual beliefs, can be linked to the practice of divination and the pursuit of supernatural guidance through non-Christian means. As followers of Christ, we are called to avoid any involvement in such practices, as they are detestable to the Lord and can lead us away from His truth and guidance.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
God explicitly commands His people not to seek out mediums or those who claim to have contact with the spiritual realm. Dream catchers, with their connection to spiritual beliefs and practices, can be seen as a form of seeking spiritual guidance outside of God’s revealed truth. As believers in Christ, we should protect ourselves from being defiled by engaging in activities that go against God’s commands and place our trust in Him alone for guidance, protection, and spiritual nourishment.
Acts 19:19
“A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.”
After encountering the power and truth of the Gospel, the believers in Ephesus renounced their prior involvement in sorcery and other occult practices by publicly burning their books and scrolls related to those practices. This serves as a powerful example for us, showing that when we come to faith in Christ, we should distance ourselves from any form of idolatry, superstition, or involvement in the occult – including objects like dream catchers – and actively remove those influences from our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:14
“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.”
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he urges believers to run away from idolatry. Dream catchers, due to their spiritual significance, can be considered a form of idolatry that distracts our attention from the one true God. As Christians, we are called to worship God alone and avoid any practices, objects, or beliefs that could divert our devotion and allegiance from Him. Instead, we should seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and participating in fellowship with other believers.
Jeremiah 10:2-4
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.”
This passage warns against adopting the practices and superstitions of other nations. It specifically mentions the carving and adorning of trees as idols. Dream catchers, as objects with spiritual significance, can fall into the category of practices that are deemed “worthless” by God. Instead of placing our trust in physical objects, we are called to trust in the Lord and His sovereignty over our lives. Let us not be swayed by the ways of the world, but steadfastly follow God’s commands.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
As believers, we need to be vigilant and discerning about the spiritual influences we allow into our lives. Dream catchers, with their association to non-Christian spiritual practices, can open doors for spiritual deception and the enemy’s influence. By being alert and of sober mind, we can guard ourselves against the enemy’s schemes and actively choose to align our thoughts and beliefs with the truth of God’s Word.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages us not to conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Dream catchers, being rooted in spiritual beliefs outside of Christianity, are part of the world’s pattern that we are called to resist. As followers of Christ, we should continually engage in renewing our minds through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can discern and align ourselves with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts and ensuring that our associations and influences are in alignment with our faith. Dream catchers, being rooted in spiritual beliefs outside of Christianity, can lead to spiritual unequally yoked relationships or connections with unbelievers. As followers of Christ, we are called to seek fellowship with other believers who can encourage and strengthen our faith. Let us be mindful of the relationships and influences we allow into our lives, ensuring they align with our commitment to Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
As Christians, we are temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should be careful about what we bring into our lives and the spiritual influences we allow. Dream catchers, with their association to spiritual beliefs outside of Christianity, can be seen as a potential threat to the sanctity of God’s dwelling place within us. Let us protect and honor our bodies, minds, and spirits by filling them with things that honor God and align with His truth and guidance.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
This verse reminds us to have no association with the fruitless deeds of darkness but instead to expose them. Dream catchers, being rooted in non-Christian spiritual beliefs, can be considered fruitless deeds of darkness. As followers of Christ, we should actively align ourselves with the light and truth of God’s Word, rejecting any practices or beliefs that are contrary to His revealed will. Let us shine the light of Christ on anything that contradicts His truth and exercise discernment in all aspects of our lives.
1 John 5:21
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
In the closing words of the first epistle of John, he urges believers to guard themselves against idols. Dream catchers, with their connection to non-Christian spiritual beliefs, can be seen as potential idols that divert our attention and worship away from God. As followers of Christ, we should be intentional in identifying and avoiding anything that takes priority over our relationship with Him. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, and keep ourselves from being entangled in idolatry or superstition.
Psalm 115:4-8
“But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
This psalm portrays the futility of idol worship and the foolishness of placing trust in man-made objects. Dream catchers, as symbols with spiritual significance, can be viewed as idols that fit this description. As Christians, we know that our trust should be placed in the living God who can hear, see, and respond. Let us not be deceived by the empty promises of idols but put our faith in the one who is worthy of all our worship and praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.”
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian believers, he exhorts them to reject every kind of evil. Dream catchers, being rooted in non-Christian spiritual beliefs, can be classified as a form of evil when it comes to our relationship with God. As followers of Christ, we are called to distance ourselves from anything that goes against God’s commands and values. Let us make a conscious decision to turn away from anything that may compromise our faith and pursue a life characterized by holiness and obedience to God.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James encourages believers to submit themselves to God and resist the devil. Dream catchers, with their connection to non-Christian spirituality, can become a gateway for demonic influences and spiritual deception. As Christians, our ultimate allegiance should be to God, and we should actively resist anything that stands in opposition to His truth and will. By focusing on submitting to God and resisting the enemy, we can find strength and victory in our spiritual journey.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns against being taken captive by deceptive philosophies and spiritual forces that are not rooted in Christ. Dream catchers, with their association to non-Christian spirituality, can be seen as part of such philosophies and forces. As believers, we should not allow ourselves to be led astray by worldly beliefs or practices, but rather anchor ourselves in the truth revealed in Christ and His Word. Let us carefully discern and evaluate every teaching or practice, ensuring it aligns with the solid foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Jesus assures His disciples of the authority and power they have been given to overcome the enemy. Dream catchers, with their connection to non-Christian spiritual beliefs, can potentially invite spiritual attacks or influences that are against God’s will. As followers of Christ, we should take hold of the authority Jesus has given us and confidently face any spiritual challenge, knowing that nothing can ultimately harm us when we put our trust in the Lord. Let us stand firm in the power of Christ, rejecting any spiritual practices that may compromise our faith and relationship with Him.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In this verse, God reassures His people that they should not be afraid or dismayed because He is with them to provide strength and assistance. Dream catchers, with their connection to non-Christian spirituality, can be a source of fear or anxiety due to their spiritual associations. As followers of Christ, we can find comfort and courage in knowing that our God is always with us, offering His unwavering support and guidance. Let us place our trust in Him, seeking His strength and finding peace in His presence, rather than turning to symbols or objects that offer temporary solace.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This psalm presents a contrast between those who delight in God’s law and those who walk in wickedness. Dream catchers, with their roots in non-Christian spirituality, can be associated with practices that are contrary to God’s law. As followers of Christ, let us be intentional about the things we meditate on and derive delight from. May our delight be in God’s Word, and may our focus be on aligning our thoughts, beliefs, and practices with His truth and righteousness.
Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
This psalm reminds us that our trust should not be in earthly things or human creations but in the name of the Lord our God. Dream catchers, with their spiritual significance, can become objects of misplaced trust and reliance. As followers of Christ, our trust should be firmly placed in God alone, recognizing His sovereignty, His faithfulness, and His ability to guide and protect us. Let us anchor our trust in the unfailing name of the Lord and surrender our fears, hopes, and dreams into His capable hands.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches the principle of not serving two masters. Dream catchers, as objects with spiritual significance, can become a form of double allegiance, attempting to align with spiritual beliefs outside of Christianity while professing faith in God. As followers of Christ, we are called to wholeheartedly serve and devote ourselves to God alone, not allowing any other belief system or practice to occupy a place of equal importance. Let us prioritize our allegiance to God, seeking to honor and serve Him with our whole being.
Psalm 16:4
“The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.”
This psalm highlights the consequences and wisdom of not pursuing other gods. Dream catchers, with their connections to non-Christian spiritual beliefs, can lead to increased sorrows and spiritual confusion when pursued as objects of devotion. As followers of Christ, we should be vigilant in not engaging with practices or objects that lead us away from the one true God. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, seeking His guidance, and finding solace and fulfillment in a deepening relationship with Him.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Paul warns Timothy of the time when people will reject sound doctrine and pursue teachings that align with their desires. Dream catchers, with their association to non-Christian spirituality, can be seen as part of a broader trend towards seeking subjective and self-fulfilling beliefs. As followers of Christ, we should be discerning and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word, even when it contradicts popular or appealing ideas. Let us guard our hearts and minds against the allure of myths and falsehoods, seeking truth and clarity in the unwavering foundation of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
The message of the cross, the central focus of our faith, is often scoffed at by those who do not believe. Dream catchers, with their connection to non-Christian spirituality, can serve as a symbol of conflicting beliefs. As believers, we are called to embrace the power of the cross, recognizing it as the source of our salvation and transformation. Let us not be swayed by the opinions or ridicule of the world but hold fast to the truth and power of the Gospel, finding strength, hope, and purpose in Jesus Christ alone.