Why Should Christians be concerned about the Occult?
-Daniel Valles

Ever since I have started studying what the Bible says about the occult and the end times, and learning about the infiltration and influence of the occult, I just get filled with indignation seeing it everywhere, while the average Christian seems blinded, and imagines that it is not really that bad.  I cannot even walk into a bookstore anymore without being shocked at how many books teach, use, or entertain the occult.  TV shows openly ‘communicate with the dead’, games increasingly are being filled with occult symbols, occult terms, and even names of demons.  Role-playing games using magic are on the rise and becoming addictive.  Books, even ‘Christian’, are increasingly using New Age terminology and ideas.  Yet Christians say things are not really bad, go to church, get a ‘bless me’ attitude, and ignore what Satan is doing.  To them, it is “God Bless America, but forget what He requires.”

Christians have to be aware of the occult.  Notice I am stressing to be ‘aware’ of.  Deuteronomy 18:9 gives the command that we should “not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.”  When the children of Israel went in to Canaan, they were to destroy all the idolatry and occult in the land, and not even to learn how to do it.  Well, before you think that means we should not learn about the occult, God then told the people what falls into the category of the abominations.  In vs. 10-11, He lists nine different types of abomination that they were to destroy.  Some of those were: witches, wizards, necromancer,  consulter with familiar spirits, charmer, enchanter, divination, observer of times, etc.  Just like doctors can diagnose symptoms, Christians should be able to identify the gangrene in society, avoid it (Deut. 18:9) , rebuke and condemn it (Prov. 17:15, Prov. 24:24-25), and deliver others (Prov. 24:26) from it, training them in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6).

 As I witness the supernatural increase of interest in witchcraft through the blasphemous books of Harry Potter, I am reminded of Berit Kjos’ comments on occult in entertainment.  She commented that the occult in entertainment (books, fantasy, movies, etc.) serves as an occult simulator.  Just like pilots get used to planes in simulators first, entertainment using the occult gets people used to witchcraft and Satanism.  It creates a familiarity in terms, methods, names, and values – all through repetition and suggestion.  It also opens oneself to demonic influences.  When we willingly entertain Satan’s devices, should we then be surprised?  Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the armor of God.  The breastplate of righteousness is not effective if we are going and doing what we should not be doing.

 Why is there a sudden rise in the occult?  The Bible tells us that the last days will be filled with the occult, and that the leaders of the world in the end times will, themselves, be familiar and practicing in the occult (Dan. 8:23-25, Rev. 9:20-21, Dan. 11:38,39, II Tim. 3:1-5).  Satan know that in order to get a world acclimated to worshipping him, it first must be prepped.  This current generation is so familiar and saturated with occult terminology and symbols, that it won’t be much of a stretch for them to worship a literal, embodiment of evil.  Christians values, on the other hand, are being removed from society, as occult values comes to the forefront.

 What should a Christian do about the occult?  It will take some work and time investment, but build up your knowledge of “symptoms” to be aware of.  Do not, do not, do not read occult materials, websites, or similar occult sources.  Find in your Christian bookstore or church library books written by Christians pertaining to the occult.  Many of these authors were previously in the occult and witchcraft and, now saved, they can recognize and point out ideas, values, and symbols that Christians should stay away from.  Ask your pastor if he has any good books relating to the occult.  Search Christian organizations online to find resources on Harry Potter, Pokemon, and other mainstream occult materials that are popular.  Also, in your searching, stay away from ‘Christian’ resources that like to utilize psychology; certain aspects of New Age are inherit in psychology (I Cor. 5:6b).  Let your children know why you will not let them read certain books or watch certain movies.  Christians should have nothing to do with the occult and its beliefs, that by very nature are blasphemous and diametrically opposed to what Christ stands for.

 Recognizing the occult for what it is will give you a sense of urgency in your walk with God, and you will realize time is short, what the Bible says is true, and that man left to his own devices is desperately wicked.  We should not then be surprised that abortion (recognized in the occult as the highest form of sacrifice) is legal and getting more and more barbaric in their methods.  Satan wants to destroy Christian values and its influences.  Too many Christians underestimate the wickedness of our adversary, whom the Bible, in I Peter 5:8, describes as a roaring lion who walks about, “seeking whom he may devour [destroy].”  Has it destroyed your testimony yet?  Your children’s?  Is your family entertained by the enemy of God with his literature, movies, games, and fantasy?  Has he used it as a stumbling block in your life, enchanting you with the cares of this world, so he can tear down others?  Satan is real.  Hell is real.  Witches and human sacrifice are real.  A movement to educate this generation in occultism is real.  Christians can and should stand up for what is right, keep ourselves unspotted, and instruct others.  May God give you the discernment that you need in protecting your family before Him.

 Two great resources for a Christian perspective on the occult:

www.crossroad.to   by Berit Kjos  (education, family life, entertainment, etc.)

www.lasttrumpetministries.org   by Pastor David Meyer (mostly in current events)