Spiritualism and the Occult

Spiritualism and the occult are topics that have fascinated and troubled humanity for centuries. They encompass a wide range of practices, beliefs, and phenomena that often seek to access supernatural knowledge, power, or communication with spiritual entities outside the realm of the divine. For Christians, these practices are explicitly warned against in Scripture, as they involve engaging with forces that are opposed to God and His purposes. Let’s explore what spiritualism and the occult entail, their dangers, and how Christians are called to respond.

What Are Spiritualism and the Occult?

Spiritualism:

• Spiritualism is the belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living, often through a medium. It gained popularity in the 19th century and often involves séances, Ouija boards, or other methods of contacting the deceased.

• The goal is typically to gain knowledge, comfort, or guidance from the spirit world.

The Occult:

• The occult refers to hidden or secret knowledge and practices that seek to tap into supernatural forces or realms. This includes practices like witchcraft, sorcery, divination, astrology, tarot reading, necromancy, and other forms of magic.

• The occult often involves rituals, symbols, and invocations to manipulate spiritual forces or gain insight into the future.

Biblical Warnings Against Spiritualism and the Occult

The Bible consistently condemns involvement with spiritualism and the occult. These practices are seen as rebellion against God and a dangerous opening to demonic influence. Here are some key passages:

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12:

  "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord."

• Leviticus 19:31:

  "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God."

• Galatians 5:19-21: The works of the flesh include "idolatry, sorcery" (the Greek word for sorcery, pharmakeia, is often associated with occult practices), and those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God."

• Acts 19:19:

  In Ephesus, new believers who had practiced magic brought their books and burned them, demonstrating their repentance and rejection of occult practices.

• 1 Samuel 28: The story of King Saul consulting the medium of Endor to summon the spirit of Samuel is a sobering example of the dangers of dabbling in spiritualism. Saul’s actions led to his downfall and death.

Why Are Spiritualism and the Occult Dangerous?

1. They Open the Door to Demonic Influence:

• Spiritualism and occult practices often involve interacting with spiritual entities that are not of God. These entities are deceptive and malevolent, seeking to lead people away from the truth and into bondage.

• The Bible makes it clear that Satan disguises himself as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), and his servants can appear righteous while leading people astray.

2. They Replace Trust in God:

• Engaging in these practices reflects a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty and provision. Instead of seeking God for guidance, people turn to forbidden sources of knowledge and power.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."

3. They Lead to Spiritual Bondage:

• Occult practices often create a cycle of dependency and fear. Those involved may feel trapped by the very forces they sought to control or manipulate.

4. They Distort Truth:

• The occult often mixes truth with lies, making it appealing but ultimately deceptive. It can lead people away from the gospel and into false beliefs about God, the afterlife, and spiritual reality.

How Should Christians Respond?

1. Avoid All Forms of Spiritualism and the Occult:

• The Bible is clear that these practices are off-limits for believers. Even seemingly harmless activities like playing with a Ouija board or reading horoscopes can open the door to spiritual danger.

2. Seek God Alone for Guidance:

• Instead of turning to mediums, psychics, or occult practices, Christians are called to seek God through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (James 1:5).

3. Renounce and Repent of Any Involvement:

• If you or someone you know has been involved in spiritualism or the occult, it’s important to repent and renounce these practices in Jesus’ name. This includes destroying any objects or materials associated with these practices (Acts 19:19).

• Seeking guidance from trained deliverance ministers can also be beneficial for those struggling with spiritual oppression.

4. Put on the Armor of God:

• Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

5. Pray for Protection and Deliverance:

• Pray for God’s protection over yourself and your loved ones. If you sense spiritual oppression or bondage, seek prayer and support from mature Christians or church leaders with experience in spiritual deliverance.

6. Share the Truth with Others:

• Many people are drawn to spiritualism and the occult out of curiosity, fear, or a desire for meaning. As Christians, we can share the hope and truth of the gospel, which offers freedom and life in Christ.

• It is important to approach those involved in these practices with love and compassion, recognizing that they are often searching for answers in the wrong places.

The Power of Christ Over the Occult

The good news is that Jesus Christ has ultimate authority over all spiritual forces. Colossians 2:15 declares that Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin, death, and the devil. Those who turn to Him in faith can be set free from any form of spiritual bondage.

If you or someone you know has been involved in spiritualism or the occult, remember that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). Through repentance, faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit, you can experience true freedom and peace in Him.

Final Thought

Spiritualism and the occult may promise knowledge, power, or connection, but they ultimately lead to deception and bondage. As Christians, we are called to walk in the light of Christ, relying on His Word and Spirit for guidance and protection. By staying rooted in the truth and rejecting all forms of darkness, we can live in the freedom and victory that Jesus has won for us.