Remote viewing — What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Remote viewing, a form of claimed psychic ability to see distant or hidden objects mentally, represents modern attempts to gain supernatural knowledge apart from God. While scientific studies (including the U.S. government's Stargate Project, 1975–1995) have failed to validate these claims, the practice continues to attract followers. Scripture clearly warns against seeking supernatural knowledge through occultic practices (Deuteronomy 18:10–12), directing believers instead to trust in God's revealed truth. The Bible teaches that supernatural abilities disconnected from God's Spirit often have deceptive spiritual sources (1 John 4:1), and believers should seek wisdom and guidance through God's appointed means, rather than through mystical practices.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Deuteronomy 18:10–12, God explicitly forbids divination and supernatural seeking: "There shall not be found among you...anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer...for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD."
• Leviticus 19:31 warns against seeking supernatural knowledge through mediums: "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out."
• Isaiah 8:19–20 questions why people seek supernatural knowledge from sources other than God: "Should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?" Only God is sovereign and above all. Only God gives and sustains life; consulting with the dead or with evil forces cannot produce what people actually need and search for.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Acts 16:16–18 describes Paul's encounter with a fortune-telling spirit, revealing that supernatural abilities can have demonic sources.
• "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1). We are called to evaluate supernatural claims.
• Second Corinthians 11:14–15 warns that Satan can disguise himself as "an angel of light," explaining how deceptive practices can appear good or beneficial but are a trap.
• Colossians 2:18–19 cautions against those who claim special visions while losing connection with Christ.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The modern interest in remote viewing reflects humanity's persistent desire to access supernatural knowledge and power apart from God. We should be discerning about such practices, as they are spiritually dangerous. Instead of seeking truth through questionable psychic methods, we can find genuine spiritual insight through relationship with God, studying His Word, and following His Spirit's guidance. This protects us from deception while directing us toward spiritual growth that honors God and strengthens our faith, rather than undermining it with counterfeit spiritual experiences.

UNDERSTAND

• Remote viewing claims to give visual access to distant objects through psychic abilities.
• Remote viewing lacks scientific validation and is cautioned against in Scripture.
• The Bible forbids practices like divination and consulting mediums.

REFLECT

• How do you respond to the desire for supernatural knowledge or experiences outside of your relationship with God?
• Are there areas in your life where you might be tempted to seek answers apart from the Bible and His Spirit?
• How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to find the guidance and wisdom you seek?

ENGAGE

• What is the connection between remote viewing and divination?
• How can we effectively discern between spiritual practices that align with God's truth and those that may lead us astray?
• What role does Scripture play in guiding our understanding of supernatural claims, and how can we seek Him as we seek the truth?