What is the occult?
Introduction. A simple definition for occult is, "of or pertaining to magic, astrology, and other alleged sciences claiming use or knowledge of secret, mysterious, or supernatural agencies" (RHCD, pg. 919).
The popularity of the occult. In doing research for this answer, I did searches on the World Wide Web by entering "occult." One search alone found 437, 000 websites pertaining to the occult. I investigated a number of these sites only to find the promotion of the occult. Matters being offered were: fortune telling, ouija board, tarot cards, wicca, channeling, psychics, witchcraft, necromancy, and familiar spirits. Many sites offered occult paraphernalia such as voodoo magic, ritual tools, and invocations.
The Bible plainly condemns the occult. Divination (involving future telling), observer of times, enchanter or witch, a charmer, consulter with familiar spirits, wizard, and a necromancer (attempting to contact the dead) are all condemned and said to be "an abomination unto the Lord" (Deut. 18: 9-12). All these practices that comprise the occult were associated with paganism, those without a true knowledge of God (Deut. 18: 9). All New Testament references to the occult consistently condemn such beliefs and practices in no unclear terms (Gal. 5: 20, Acts 13: 6-12). Occult practices are presented as in connection with satanic and demonic influence (Acts 16: 16-19).
Notwithstanding the plain teaching of the Bible, some still want to cling to the occult. Some believe it is of little consequence, even if wrong. I shall end my answer with the following: "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord...,and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it" (1 Chroni. 10: 13). If we could contact the dead and if such were allowed, I am sure King Saul would view the occult as damning.
The popularity of the occult. In doing research for this answer, I did searches on the World Wide Web by entering "occult." One search alone found 437, 000 websites pertaining to the occult. I investigated a number of these sites only to find the promotion of the occult. Matters being offered were: fortune telling, ouija board, tarot cards, wicca, channeling, psychics, witchcraft, necromancy, and familiar spirits. Many sites offered occult paraphernalia such as voodoo magic, ritual tools, and invocations.
The Bible plainly condemns the occult. Divination (involving future telling), observer of times, enchanter or witch, a charmer, consulter with familiar spirits, wizard, and a necromancer (attempting to contact the dead) are all condemned and said to be "an abomination unto the Lord" (Deut. 18: 9-12). All these practices that comprise the occult were associated with paganism, those without a true knowledge of God (Deut. 18: 9). All New Testament references to the occult consistently condemn such beliefs and practices in no unclear terms (Gal. 5: 20, Acts 13: 6-12). Occult practices are presented as in connection with satanic and demonic influence (Acts 16: 16-19).
Notwithstanding the plain teaching of the Bible, some still want to cling to the occult. Some believe it is of little consequence, even if wrong. I shall end my answer with the following: "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord...,and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it" (1 Chroni. 10: 13). If we could contact the dead and if such were allowed, I am sure King Saul would view the occult as damning.