What is a séance?

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TL;DR:

A séance is an attempt to contact the dead, which the Bible explicitly forbids and warns against. Instead of contacting the dead, we are to pursue contact with Christ, who is alive forevermore.

from the old testament

  • Deuteronomy 18:10–11: "There shall not be found among you...anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead." This is a straightforward condemnation of anyone attempting to contact the dead.
  • Leviticus 19:31: "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God." This verse prohibits seeking out those who claim to communicate with the dead.
  • First Samuel 28:7–19: While this passage recounts Saul consulting a medium, it's clear from the context that this action was wrong and led to negative consequences.

from the new testament

  • Acts 19:19: "And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all." This event shows early Christians rejecting occult practices, which would include séances.
  • Galatians 5:19–20: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality...sorcery..." Paul lists sorcery (which often involved contacting spirits) among sinful practices.
  • Revelation 21:8: "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable...sorcerers...their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." This verse denotes the serious consequences of practices like sorcery, which would include séances.

implications for today

In our world, paranormal activities and communication with the dead remain prevalent. Believers must seek comfort and guidance from God, rather than attempting to contact departed loved ones. We can find peace in knowing that God cares for both the living and the dead and that our departed loved ones are in His hands. God's authority is over both life and death, and His desire is for us to trust in Him, rather than seeking supernatural experiences outside of His will. Christians should also be aware of the spiritual dangers associated with séances and other occult practices, recognizing that these can open doors to demonic influence. So, when people express interest in séances or contacting the dead, Christians can point to the peace and assurance found in Christ, both for this life and the next.

understand

  • A séance aims to contact the dead, which the Bible forbids.
  • Believers are instructed to seek guidance from God, rather than engaging in occult practices like séances.
  • Scripture emphasizes that departed loved ones are in God's care, urging trust in His authority over life and death.

reflect

  • Have you ever been tempted to seek the occult, and how does understanding the biblical stance on these practices shape your view?
  • How can you remind yourself to seek guidance from God instead of looking for answers in potentially harmful spiritual practices?
  • How do you find peace in knowing that God cares for both the living and the dead, especially in times of grief or loss?

engage

  • Séances open individuals to demonic influence and deception, which is very much real. Engaging in such practices not only goes against biblical teachings but can lead to confusion, emotional distress, and physical harm, rather than the comfort and guidance that come from a relationship with God.
  • What are some common misconceptions about séances and communication with the dead that might lead individuals to participate in such practices?
  • How can Christians engage with friends or family members who are interested in séances, and what biblical truths can be shared to redirect their focus?
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