What is a Christian view of auras?

Quick answer

The idea of auras is rooted in occult practices and has no support in Scripture, making it incompatible with a Christian worldview. Instead of seeking mystical energy fields, Christians are called to walk in the true light of God, reflecting His truth and love.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The word “aura” comes from Latin and means “breath” or “wind” (Isaiah 57:13, VUL). In modern contexts, the word has come to identify the mystical “vapor” that supposedly surrounds certain people, signifying their life force. Auras allegedly help us identify feelings, experiences, health, or other qualities.

There is no basis for this energy field to even exist. Furthermore, as the concept of auras is inextricably intertwined with paganism, witchcraft and the occult, Christians are to denounce it both as scientifically unfounded and as in direct opposition to God’s views on sorcery and the dark arts (Exodus 22:18).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Often, a clairvoyant or someone with supposed special spiritual insight is needed to see and understand auras. Such practices are condemned in the Bible, as is spiritism and the use of mediums and psychics (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10).

There is a difference between auras and the glory of God upon a person (Exodus 34:29-30).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus in His glory, not in some mystical energy field (Matthew 17:2).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Auras are not a biblical concept. Rather than concern ourselves with false spirituality, we should "walk in the light, as he is in the light" and so "have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Walking in the light calls us to live authentically and to intentionally align ourselves with God's truth and righteousness. It involves embracing God's Word as the ultimate guide for life, seeking wisdom and direction from it daily. Walking in the light fosters genuine fellowship with God and with other believers. As we walk in the light, we can distinguish between God's truth and deceptive influences, such as the concept of auras. Instead of trying to read the auras of people, we are to reflect God’s light and love in a world that needs His truth and grace.

UNDERSTAND

Auras are condemned as tied to sorcery and the occult.

Auras lack biblical support and are not recognized as a valid concept in Scripture.

The glory of God and spiritual manifestations in the Bible are distinct from the idea of auras.

REFLECT

How does the concept of auras challenge or align with biblical teachings on spirituality and discernment in your life?

Reflect on encounters with beliefs or practices involving auras. How can you respond to these, expressing the truth in love?

How does "walking in the light" (1 John 1:7) guide your daily choices and interactions, especially when confronted with non-biblical spiritual ideas like auras?

ENGAGE

Some see Exodus 34 and Matthew 17 condoning auras. These passages describe the glory of God as seen on Moses and Jesus. Neither alludes to a personal energy field.

Despite artwork that depicts people with auras or halos around them, no biblical account identifies a halo or aura around holy people, including Jesus. However, many do identify Jesus with light, as in the "light of the world" (John 8:12; see also John 1:4 and 2 Corinthians 4:6). His followers are known as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). God is strongly identified in the Bible as light (1 John 1:5). Satan, the Bible says, "disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).

How can we distinguish between genuine biblical spirituality and beliefs like auras that are not supported by Scripture?