DIWALI OR CHRIST, WHICH LIGHT IS TRUTH?
BLOG 40
October 31,2025
By: Jeff Flanick
Direct Comments to:
Western society has undergone tremendous change over the last few decades. The adoption of the internet in the late 1990s, along with the explosive growth of cell phones and social media, has accelerated this growth. Virtually instant connectivity has a tremendous influence on thought and behavior. These are powerful intellectual and communicative forces that can be used for good or bad.
The jeopardy is that society mimics things seen as commonplace in the public square. The populace also imitates the actions and beliefs of its leaders, celebrities and influencers–“branding and celebrity promotion” is the rage nowadays. Remember, the Bud Light fiasco with Dylan Mulvaney and the recent uproar regarding the jean advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney?
However, there is no bigger influence within our culture than the pagan influences coming from the infiltration of religions outside of our Christian roots; and sadly, our leaders continue to allow it. For example, the present administration, like others before it, both Republican and Democrat, continues embracing paganism and multiculturalism. Can this be a good thing? Is God pleased with this ongoing enabling?
Recently, a Hindu-sanctioned Diwali ceremony was held in the White House, which stirred my curiosity. It caused me to ask A.I. what this most recent Diwali celebration symbolizes. Among the results were the following ideas:
Why is it celebrated?
The specific reason for Diwali varies by religious tradition and region, but it always centers on the victory of good over evil.
• Hinduism:
Northern India: Commemorates the return of Prince Rama and his wife Sita to their kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile
Southern India: Celebrates the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura
General: Honors the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, by l
Lighting lamps to invite her presence into their homes.
• Jainism: Marks the attainment of nirvana (enlightenment) by Lord Mahavira
However, for the sake of brevity, let’s “cut to the chase.” Should Western societies continue to embrace multiculturalism in the name of E PLURIBUS UNUM? What does the Eternal think of this growing acknowledgment of Diwali? How do we think God views Christmas, or Easter egg hunts on the White House lawn? How about Halloween? All of these holidays are directly connected to paganism. How do we think God looks at these associations with our Christian culture? Do we believe He’s pleased because our culture is inclusive?
As champions of the True Covenant of Israel, we are to be lights unto the nations. We are set apart, a peculiar people. But admittedly, the obstacle is the United States does not endorse a religion in the Constitution. We have freedom of religion; therefore, Christianity is not the only religion to be promulgated. Point taken! This is problematic because we are not a Theocracy! So, the question naturally arises: why have religious ceremonies of any kind take place in official government settings and proceedings?
As we navigate towards the Narrow Gate of the True Religion of our Messiah and the Apostles, we need to remain keenly aware of the slippery slope being greased in the minds of many regarding “Truth.” As mentioned, Easter egg hunts and Christmas trees are not compatible with Scripture. Lighting a Diyas in the White House during Diwali is not compatible with your Bible, nor is the Islamic 10 days of Ramadan.
Endorsing these religious holidays by enabling them to be conflated with our secular government policies sends mixed signals to the God of Israel. Keep in mind, mixing Baalism, or Beelzebub, and sun worship symbols into our political policies does not merit favor with the God of our Christian Bible–He is not amused!
Concerning Diwali specifically, the White House’s official statement is; “For many Americans, it is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness. It’s also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal. As millions of citizens light the Diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil.” (White House Statement)
This sentiment sounds harmless on the surface, yet beneath it lies the sinister cloud of deterioration in our nation’s Christian founding. With each passing year of promotion, the acceptance of beliefs and traditions apart from the Biblical Instructions of our Creator —the truth that Christ ALONE is the Way to our salvation —is diluted and compromised.
Christ said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Peter also declares: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
The United States is not alone in experiencing the diminished importance of Christian beliefs while promoting other religions as worthy of respect by its citizenry. King Charles’ role as King of England and “Defender of the Faith” was questioned in March when he hosted the very first Islamic Ramadan “breaking the fast” in Windsor Castle. Remember, King Charles is the Monarch and Supreme Governor of the Church of England! Should he be giving due respect and honor to Islam as Monarch of the Christian Church of England?
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” as the old idiom goes. Ecumenicalism is indeed a slippery slope that tends to lead to Babylonian confusion and the acceptance of syncretized religion. Just last week, the Vatican reported it has designated a Muslim prayer room in its Apostolic Library. The National Review reports: “Through his words and actions, [Pope Francis] opened new avenues of encounter, to promote the culture of dialogue as the path; mutual collaboration as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard…” Pope Leo.
Though most readers of this blog are not necessarily Catholic or traditional Christians, it’s paramount, regardless, to be aware of the incremental deception taking place in the cultural and religious spheres surrounding us. This blending of beliefs, called syncretism, can dilute religious identity and weaken long-term retention of fundamental Christian doctrine, which often leads to unqualified pastors, deacons, and youth leaders serving in our Christian congregations. Sadly, this is the unadulterated truth!
As seekers of Truth, we must be vigilant in guarding our minds, ensuring that only the truth of Scripture is allowed to flourish in our thoughts, meditations, and studies. It’s our duty as “Watchmen on the Wall” to warn the people of the dangers of this syncretic ecumenicalism sprouting within the Christian community in the West, which, unfortunately, is often endorsed and promoted by the government!
We are told: “Come out of her my people” (Rev. 18:4). As Christians, we are warned to guard against becoming “lukewarm,” ––eschewing spiritual compromise, complacency, and indifference (Rev. 3:14-16).
The White House stated:” For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness…” Yet as Christians, Paul warns, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (of Christ). For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
Remember, the True Light is Yahshua Messiah, Jesus the Christ, not Diwali! “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness (not the Diiyas), but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Pray that our political leaders will see “Christ” as the only TRUE LIGHT!