Black Christians & The Biblical Conflict of Ancestor Veneration

Ancestor Worship is the adoration or deification of the dead by the living members of the family or community [1] and is a practice that goes back to Biblical times. It includes invoking the deceased, offering food, and pouring out libations (drink offerings poured out as ritualistic acts of worship [2]). It seems that in recent years, this form of worship has been widely disseminated throughout African American culture with vigor previously unprecedented. (I suspect this may have something to do with Wakanda, but I could be wrong.) Though ancestor worship usually takes on the cloak of pride in one’s heritage, culture, and accumulated knowledge of African history, Christians (those who claim belief in the Holy Bible and declare its God, Yahweh, as their own) should be very careful. It’s one thing to honor those who came before us. It’s an unbiblical thing to worship them.

Understanding the Distinction

At first glance, the difference between honoring ancestors and worshipping them might seem obvious. Many Christians believe they can maintain certain cultural practices while avoiding outright worship. They argue that lighting candles, preparing favorite foods, or even speaking to deceased relatives is simply showing respect. However, the biblical definition of worship extends far beyond bowing down or explicitly calling someone “god.” To worship someone is to attribute honor, reverence, or worth to them by considering them divine [3]. As we see in the Bible, worship can be done in many ways. Bowing, kneeling, praising, and praying are all forms of worship, as are food and drink offerings (Ex. 29:40). To deify someone is to attribute supernatural power to them, as well as authority, and the ability to intervene in affairs beyond free will. When we examine many common ancestor veneration practices through this lens, the distinction becomes much clearer—and more challenging.

What Scripture Says About Consulting the Dead

Scripture provides clear examples of God’s perspective on these practices. King Saul’s consultation with the witch of Endor to speak with the dead prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28) contributed to his downfall and death. The text explicitly states that “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance” (1 Chronicles 10:13).

Similarly, King Manasseh’s reign included consulting the dead among his sins, which brought God’s judgment upon Judah (2 Kings 21:6).

These examples aren’t meant to condemn but to illustrate the seriousness with which God views these practices.

The Bible speaks directly and repeatedly about our relationship with the deceased. In Deuteronomy 18:9-13, God provides a comprehensive list of prohibited practices.

9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. 10 No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire,, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, 11 cast spells, consult a medium or a spiritist, or inquire of the dead. 12 Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the Lord, and the Lord your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable acts. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God. ~Deut. 18:9-13 (CSB)

Notice that consulting the dead appears alongside practices universally recognized as occult (the study or practice of secret or mystical knowledge).

Isaiah addressed this issue as well, but also gave the remedy. It reads:

18 I and the children the Lord has given me serve as signs and warnings to Israel from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion. 19 Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? 20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. ~Isaiah 8:18-20 (NLT)

For the Christian, the question now becomes why one would want to worship anyone but Yahweh to begin with? If He is alive and available to help His people as the Bible says, what reason does the believer have to turn to the dead?

Common Practices That Cross the Line

Many ancestor veneration practices that claim cultural meaning actually constitute Biblical worship standards:

1.) Attributing Divine Power: When people credit ancestors with healing, protection, financial success, or guidance, they’re treating them as having supernatural authority. This directly contradicts the biblical teaching that God alone controls these circumstances.

Let’s look at Psalm 121. (Psalm 121:1-2, Matthew 6:26).

 I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? 

2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. 

4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. 

5 The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side., 

6 The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night. 

7 The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. 

8 The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. ~Psalm 121 (CSB)

Matthew 6:26 also teaches us to pray to the Father.

2.) Making Offerings: Pouring libations, preparing food offerings, or burning incense for ancestors are acts of worship. These practices acknowledge the ancestors as beings who can receive and respond to offerings—something Scripture reserves for God alone.

3.) Prayer and Petition: Asking ancestors to intervene in earthly affairs, provide protection, or bless endeavors is prayer, regardless of what we call it. The Bible teaches that Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), making ancestral intercession both unnecessary and forbidden.

4.) Seeking Communication: Using dreams, signs, or spiritual intermediaries to receive messages from ancestors violates the prohibition against consulting the dead. Even if the communication feels comforting or helpful, it contradicts God’s clear commands.

5.) Appeasement Rituals: Performing ceremonies to avoid ancestral displeasure or maintain their favor treats ancestors as having power to bless or curse—a power that belongs to God alone.

The Danger of Cultural Justification

One of the strongest arguments for ancestor veneration comes from cultural identity: “This is how my people have always honored our dead.” While respecting cultural heritage is important, adhering to the believer’s new identity in Christ must take precedence. We are all part of the human family, though migrations throughout history and various claims to power have organized us into groups. Believers, no matter their skin color, have been grafted into the family tree of Abraham (Rom. 11:17-24). Cultural practices, no matter how meaningful or well-intentioned, cannot override God’s instructions. When tradition conflicts with Scripture, Christians are called to choose obedience to God. Obedience is a part of worship.

Appropriate Ways to Honor Ancestors

But this doesn’t mean Christians must completely ignore their heritage or family history. There are ways to honor ancestors without worshipping them.

1.) Remembering their legacy: Sharing stories, preserving family history, and learning from their examples

2.) Gratitude to God: Thanking God for the ancestors He provided and the ways He worked through their lives

3.) Following their faith: Gleaning from their godly example and likewise adhering to faithful obedience to God

4.) Memorial practices: Visiting graves, keeping photographs, or holding memorial services that focus on remembrance rather than communication or petition

The key distinction is that these practices acknowledge ancestors as deceased humans worthy of memory, not as supernatural beings with ongoing power.

Moving Forward in Faith

For Christians engaging in ancestor worship, the call to walk away from it is very clear. The choice to do so may come at a social cost, but if so, it will not be the only one. It may mean disappointing family members or feeling disconnected from cultural practices that once provided comfort. However, you can find comfort in Yahweh. He is more powerful than any ancestor, more loving than any earthly family member, and more capable of providing help than any spirit or deceased relative. His provision exceeds anything we might seek from the dead. He is God, the only one who deserves our worship, prayers, and trust.

References

[1] Joel P. Jupp, “Ancestor Worship,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

[2]  John D. Barry et al., eds., “Libation,” The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

[3]  David P. Nelson, “Worship,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1686.