Bibliomancy – What is it?
Bibliomancy is divination by books. The practice of bibliomancy involves turning to a random page in a sacred book and using that page to answer a posed question. In ancient times the works of Homer and Virgil were used. Now, the sacred text that is used most commonly is the Bible, but others such as the I Ching, the Mahabharata, and the Quran are also used. In short, bibliomancy is a form of fortune telling.The person who practices bibliomancy asks a clear question that they want answered. Then they open the book at random and circle the text with their finger, not looking where they are pointing. When the "spirit" tells them to stop, they open their eyes and wherever their finger lands is where they are supposed to find the answer. This can lead to some strange and dangerous conclusions.
Bibliomancy is not biblical for a variety of reasons. One obvious reason is that God's Word (the Bible) specifically condemns the practice of divination in all forms (Deuteronomy 18:10; Acts 16:16–19). Using the Bible for divination does not make the occult practice less evil.
It is true that God speaks to us through His Word, and it is true that certain verses appear to us when our hearts need them. Sometimes God draws us to a specific verse that He knows we need for comfort, for healing, or for challenging our hearts. However, all of this being said, God's Word is meant for us to intentionally study. It is not to be picked and chosen from at random, but lived and breathed and applied to our lives. Our faith is reasonable, not esoteric or random. Our wisdom comes from God (James 1:5), not from random chance.
Why should we study the Bible?
Why does understanding the Bible matter?
What principles are used in biblical exegesis?
Does God still speak to us today?
How can I tell if I'm really hearing God or if it's just my own thoughts, or even Satan?
Truth about the Bible
