LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
THE OCCULT

In this part of Reverend Kelso's series, "Learning to Share Your Faith", he talks about The Occult, explaining how it has crept insidiously into everyday life with very few being aware of its presence or the consequences of involvement with it.

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE TALK ON THE OCCULT

The word "occult" means "That which is hidden, secret". Although there are subtle differences between cults and occult practices they share a common trait. They distort or deny the fundamental teachings of Christ and the Word of God.

Worrying statistics

• There are over 30,000 practising witches in Britain and 50% of the population is involved in some form of the occult, whilst only 2% attend church.
• In San Francisco the First Satanic church has over 10,000 members and had placed more than 250,000 copies of the satanic bible on the market.
• There are 10 large book clubs in the U.S.A., with a membership of over 3 million, dealing with the occult.
• Ouija boards have had sales of over 2 million in the past three years.
• In France there are over 60,000 practising sorcerers.

The Bible and the Occult

The Bible condemns occult practices Deuteronomy 18:9-14.
God condemns the occult because it blinds people to the saving knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The occult is Satan's scheme to exert his destructive influence on the earth. 1 Timothy 4:1.

All occult practices fall within four categories:

1. FORTUNE TELLING
   This is an attempt to forecast the future by supernatural means. The Bible is clear about it. Leviticus 19:26, Deuteronomy 18:10.
   Forms of Fortune Telling:
   Palmistry
   Tarot Cards
   Astrology, including Horoscopes
   Teacup readings
   Crystals
   Good luck charms
   St. Christophers
2. SPIRITISM
   Spiritism or spiritualism is an occult practice which teaches that the spirits of the dead are able to communicate with people on earth through mediums. Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6, Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Isaiah 8:19.
   Forms of Spiritism:
   Telekinesis (moving of objects)
   Levitation (people floating)
   Table tilting
   Ouija boards
   Automatic writing
   Transcendental Meditation
3. MAGIC
   Occult magic consists of spells, charms etc, to gain control over nature by supernatural means. The Bible is clear about it: Deuteronomy 18:10-15, Isaiah 47:9-15.
   Forms of Magic
   Black Magic - Direct involvement with Satan and demons
   White Magic - Not good magic as is claimed, but under demonic influence.
   Ch'i - A supposed universal energy generated by the sun and manifested in yin and yang, positive and negative. This energy is used in:
   Acupuncture, Yoga, Martial Arts, Reflexology, Crystals, Hypnosis, Reiki, Hypnotherapy.
4. SATANISM AND WITCHCRAFT
   Satanism is a worship of Satan. It glorifies and encourages sexual perversion, self-indulgence and materialism. It is growing in popularity.
   
   Witchcraft means "practice of magical arts" and is referred to as "the old religion". It's linked with satanic worship and ritualism. The Bible condemns witchcraft in any form. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 1, Samuel 15:23, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Galatians 5:19-21.

Modern Occult influences

1. Ouija boards
   People think this is a harmless game, but it is a satanic tool, opening people to demonic influence, oppressions and depression.
2. Rock music
   Some forms of rock music promote Satanic worship, values and practices e.g. Kiss, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden. Rock music brings with it a spirit of immorality and rebellion.
3. Films and T.V.
   Many films glorify occult practices and even some children's cartoons have occult overtones.
4. Books and Games
   Harry Potter has opened millions of young minds to the occult, as do many Play Station games. Dungeons and Dragons has a heavy occult emphasis.

Christian response

Christians must renounce all involvement with the occult and truly repent. Occultism in whatever form is a tool of Satan and an enemy of Christ. See Acts 19:18-19.

We have a responsibility to renounce the works of darkness. Ephesians 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

When talking with people who are involved in any occult activity, remember that it's a spiritual battle. So ask the Holy Spirit to pierce the spiritual darkness of the person so that the light of God's truth can take root.

Sources:
The Bible
Christian Equippers International