what is the real reason that most christians think the occult is bad?

Question

i understand that the bible says so, but why? because it leads you away from god? why does he care if something leads you away from him? is he not confident enough that you'll come back to him?

rachel - are you sure you're a christian, i mean really sure? lol

kj - no, sorry to confuse you. i'm pagan, and just wondering about the christian point of view on this one

Answer 1

Because one of the main ideas in the occult is the idea that you have the power to change the world around you. Christianity, like many religions, rests on the idea that humans are weak and that the big sky daddy controls everything. So they don't like the idea of somebody being able to duplicate their deity's doings. They frown upon independence and those who can put themselves at the helm.

Combine this with the fact that their scripture says a few things against divination and other practices (thanks, King James), and that Christians are quick to label ANYTHING the least bit esoteric-looking as "Satan's work", and you don't exactly get a happy camp.

Answer 2

Good answer, Geezah, however, if I may elaborate on a theme, I think that we might liken dabbling in the occult from a child's point of view as "crossing the street when you're told not to," and in an adult's view, "entering into a level of interaction with the universe that God has reserved for himself. " Perhaps it isn't so much a mindless taboo as an admonishment that, as much as Man may try to influence his surroundings, he is self-centered and does not fully consider the consequences of his actions, and thus is admonished not to try. The idea of an occultist affecting his surroundings only works to a point. The Earth and Universe are more mighty than any one witch or wizard, and the small is subject to the large in a very real, natural way.

Maybe this idea is understood only incompletely by most of humanity (I'm sure I don't have it all, but I continue to try). I think this is a common taboo borne of fear among people who cling to a dogmatic code or charismatic leader/deity. rather than fall off the Earth by trying something new.

In the minds of the theists, God is what that person perceives him to be, and then, as ontological argument would have it, if Man can imagine God, then he exists, and there is nothing beyond him in Man's perception. It all springs from Man's perception, and Man is a frightened creature. Perhaps, it is the very ontological theme that wishes to disallow the conception of the occult, because, if Man can conceive of it, it could affect him. I think it is Man, not God, who makes the prohibitions and is not confident of other men adhering to the accepted collective idea of God as promulgated by the Church (insert church denomination here).

Answer 3

Christianity is opposed to self-divinization... basically attempting to achieve supernaturally what you are not able to obtain naturally. The story of the Tower of Babel can be regarded as a parable of this. It isn't so much about the occult leading one away from God, as that we feel attempts to pursue and use personal supernatural power are an attempt to "become" God.

Christianity can be regarded as a religion of humility in this respect. We do not seek power or glory for ourselves, or seek to control things beyond our natural control. We can ask in prayer, but "control" is God's sovereign right, and we do not believe it is correct for human beings to attempt to interfere with that.

The movie "Bruce Almighty" was actually a pretty good meditation on why the powers of God belong solely with God.... it was pretty close to the Christian outlook in terms of leaving the supernatural with the author of all things natural and supernatural.

Anyway, great question!

Answer 4

You have to understand that from a christian view, the angels and supernatural orders and principalities of created spirit beings (with no physical body) separate off into the really good, who are God's servants and enjoy His love, and those who rejected Him with Satan. And those spirits being more clever than us mortals, who have only lived short lives, are exceedingly devious, as well as sunk into moral depravity.

So channeling a spirit that is not of God is extremely unwise. But because they are very strong on deception they will act good till they have you in some sense bound.

It is forbidden in the Old Testament. A christian would not do such a thing, as it would be stupid and folly.

Moreover even though 'white witches' are very New Age and trendy to many, people are inevitable tempted to use any form of supernatural power for their own ends (God won't let anyone do this with His power; his angels are pure and won't.) This is why a lot of witch doctors in Africa can be into a lot of power play, being used to hex enemies, curse people, win power etc. Of course when a person thinks they are using some spirit's supernatural powers, chances are it is using them.

I had a lady involved in witchcraft using spells on me - I had a demon of depression assigned against me (she was annoyed at me and wanted me to buckle; she was a controlling type who liked to intimidate people). I was not much aware of supernatural factors at that time so I didn't realise what was going on for a month, although then it was easy to put right through prayer in Christ's name. He is a kerzillion kerzillion times more powerful than all the rebel angels together of course.

Answer 5

i don't know about most chrisitans, and the occult can mean alot of things to a lot of people, but I can tell you a story from my own person experience:

i was at an event. I am not sure what you would even call it. All i can say was that it was dark and not good. and it just left me very scared and very well, terrified. that even left a very deep impression on me personally, so perhaps that is why when you say the occult i get an image of dark and nasty in my mind.

Answer 6

According to Christian belief, we're supposed to have a direct link with God (although we might not always make use of it or fail to obey what He tells us when we do). We are to test all things by the bible and any other spirits will either tells us what we should already know from scripture (and thus are unnecessary) or contradict it (and thus are evil). What could any spirit (all of which are lesser than God) tells us that God Himself could not?

As for the last two questions, if one is truly Christian and loves God, than why would he or she want to leave God?

Answer 7

This is an interesting question. I wouldn't presume to speak for all Christians, but the scriptures clearly do say it's bad. Why? Because the occult involves wicked spirits that are under the control of Satan. Demonic possession/influence is real. Why risk it?

Answer 8

I don't follow your question, I guess. So your saying that you plan to come back to God one day, but for right now you'd rather dabble in the occult? That doesn't make sense. Could you elaborate?

Answer 9

God gives us free will to make our own choices. He would rather we didn't choose cults , but so many people do. The reason that they are bad is because it does take you away from God and will cause you to spend eternity in Hell, and God does not want that. Most people that choose cults or not to believe is that they are unwilling to submit to authority.

Answer 10

They feel Satan has control of the occult, so when you get involved with it you're getting into bed with the devil