Everything is Pagan! Even your pool!

From a reader:

It’s that time of year! People are coming out of the woodwork to tell you that everything you enjoy is pagan. 

The Pagan Peril of the Backyard Pool

By Gregory F. Attbaum, Tomorrow’s World Contributor

In an age where modern conveniences masquerade as progress, discerning Christians must remain vigilant against the subtle encroachments of paganism. One such danger lurks in the backyards of countless homes: the swimming pool. While it may appear as a harmless luxury or a place for family fun, the swimming pool is, in fact, a direct descendant of ancient pagan rituals that glorify false gods and sensual indulgence. In this article, we uncover the shocking truth about this seemingly innocent feature and urge believers to reject its deceptive allure.

The Historical Roots of Pool Paganism

To understand the spiritual peril of swimming pools, we must trace their origins to the ancient world. Archaeological evidence reveals that the earliest pools were constructed by pagan civilizations, such as the Minoans, Egyptians, and Romans, who used them not for recreation but for religious ceremonies. The Minoans, for example, built elaborate water basins in their temples, believed to be offerings to sea deities like Poseidon. Similarly, the Roman piscinae—ornate pools in bathhouses—were dedicated to Neptune and Venus, gods of water and sensuality. These pools were often sites of hedonistic rituals, where participants indulged in fleshly pleasures under the guise of “cleansing” or “worship.”

The Bible warns us against adopting the practices of surrounding nations: “Do not learn the ways of the nations” (Jeremiah 10:2, NIV). Yet, the modern swimming pool is a direct echo of these idolatrous practices, repackaged for today’s unsuspecting homeowner. The very act of immersing oneself in a man-made body of water mirrors the ancient rites of baptism to false gods, a clear affront to the one true God who commands us to “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14).

A Symbol of Worldly Excess

Beyond its pagan roots, the swimming pool embodies the materialism and self-indulgence that characterize our fallen world. The apostle Paul admonishes us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Yet, what is a swimming pool if not a monument to earthly pleasure? Its construction requires thousands of dollars, countless hours of maintenance, and an obsession with outward appearances—whether it’s the perfect pH balance or the latest pool float shaped like a flamingo. Such vanity distracts from the pursuit of godliness and aligns with the “lust of the flesh” (1 John 2:16).

Moreover, pools foster immodesty, as they encourage scantily clad gatherings that entice both men and women to sin. The backyard pool party, with its focus on sunbathing and socializing, is a modern equivalent of the orgiastic festivals of ancient Babylon. Christians must ask themselves: Can a true follower of Christ justify owning a pool when it so clearly promotes behaviors contrary to biblical standards of purity and humility?

The Environmental Argument: Stewards, Not Squanderers

God entrusted humanity with the care of His creation (Genesis 2:15), yet swimming pools are an ecological disaster. They consume vast amounts of water—a precious resource—in a world where millions lack access to clean drinking water. The chemicals used to maintain pools pollute the environment, harming wildlife and seeping into groundwater. By installing a pool, homeowners not only indulge in pagan-inspired luxury but also violate their God-given responsibility to be stewards of the earth. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Dare we squander His resources for our own fleeting pleasure?

A Call to Repentance

The swimming pool may seem like a harmless fixture of modern life, but its pagan origins, promotion of worldliness, and environmental toll reveal its true nature. As believers, we are called to “come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins” (Revelation 18:4). Owning a pool is not a neutral choice; it is a step toward compromise with a world that rejects God’s truth.

We urge our readers to examine their hearts and their backyards. If a pool sits on your property, consider its spiritual implications. Drain it, fill it with earth, and reclaim that space for godly purposes—perhaps a garden to reflect God’s provision or a prayer space for seeking His will. Let us reject the pagan trappings of this age and live as a “royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), untainted by the seductive ripples of the swimming pool.

For more resources on living a life free from pagan influences, visit tomorrowsworld.org or request our free booklet, “Unveiling the Idols in Your Backyard.”