This is Episode 163 of Christian Research Journal Reads. This is an audio version of the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL article, “Behind the Crystal Ball: The Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics” by Lindsey Mendenwaldt. https://www.equip.org/articles/behind-the-crystal-ball-the-spiritual-risks-of-seeing-psychics/
This article was published exclusively online in the Christian Research Journal, Volume 48, number 04 (2025).It was accompanied by Postmodern Realities Episode 467: Behind the Crystal Ball: The Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics.
This podcast presents audio versions of Christian Research Journal articles. As the flagship publication of the Christian Research Institute, the Journal seeks to equip followers of Christ to think and to live Christianly—to exercise truth and experience life. Truth, especially essential Christian doctrine, forms the basis for how we live our lives in Christ. As the apostle Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:16, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”The Christian Research Journal enjoyed a print incarnation of almost 45 years. Now exclusively an online publication, the Journal consists of thousands of free articles. We hope that through these audio articles you are not only equipped to proclaim and defend your faith but that as a disciple you also draw closer to Christ in your walk with Him. You can find the written version of each article that is an episode of Christian Research Journal Reads at the website of the Christian Research Institute, equip.org. All Christian Research Journal articles at equip.org are completely free and do not require a subscription and are not under a paywall.All episodes are available at the following podcast platforms with more being added daily! You can help spread the word about this podcast by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on and telling others!You can view off our Website at the at this link and off our
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-research-journal-reads--6022978/support.
This article was published exclusively online in the Christian Research Journal, Volume 48, number 04 (2025).It was accompanied by Postmodern Realities Episode 467: Behind the Crystal Ball: The Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics.
This podcast presents audio versions of Christian Research Journal articles. As the flagship publication of the Christian Research Institute, the Journal seeks to equip followers of Christ to think and to live Christianly—to exercise truth and experience life. Truth, especially essential Christian doctrine, forms the basis for how we live our lives in Christ. As the apostle Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:16, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”The Christian Research Journal enjoyed a print incarnation of almost 45 years. Now exclusively an online publication, the Journal consists of thousands of free articles. We hope that through these audio articles you are not only equipped to proclaim and defend your faith but that as a disciple you also draw closer to Christ in your walk with Him. You can find the written version of each article that is an episode of Christian Research Journal Reads at the website of the Christian Research Institute, equip.org. All Christian Research Journal articles at equip.org are completely free and do not require a subscription and are not under a paywall.All episodes are available at the following podcast platforms with more being added daily! You can help spread the word about this podcast by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on and telling others!You can view off our Website at the at this link and off our
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-research-journal-reads--6022978/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
This is episode one hundred and sixty three of the
Christian Research Journal Reads Podcast. Behind the Crystal Ball, The
Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics by Lindsay mendenwald This article
first appeared exclusively online in The Christian Research Journal's volume
(00:26):
forty eight, number four in twenty twenty five. The Christian
Research Journal Reads Podcast presents audio versions of Christian Research
Journal articles. To read the full text of this article
and its documentation, go to equip dot org.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Behind the Crystal Ball The Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics.
This article is by Lindsay Mendenwaldt and is read by
an automated voice. If you walk through a gainshop these
days beyond guard not only will you find the classics
like Monopoly, but you may also encounter strategy games that
claim to help you win by using the other players
(01:08):
astrological traits against them. Of course, this kind of game
is nothing new. Weag aboards and magic eight balls have
long been found in game shops throughout the world, and
I remember my parents warning me against games like that
when I was growing up, because they were unbiblical. In fact,
I guess that most Christians have been told by someone
that they shouldn't engage in such entertainment. However, Traveling research
(01:31):
data from Pew Research Center indicates that twenty seven percent
of Christians consult their horoscopes at least once or twice
per year, and ten percent of Christians consult tarot cards
at least once or twice per year. Knowing this, Christians
must recognize their need to be on guard against unbiblical
practices such as astrology, but they also must be prepared
(01:52):
to have conversations with loved ones who may have fallen
prey to these snares of the enemy. This article will
navigate the history of such psychics, as well as common
terms one may encounter regarding psychics. It will also address
and refute claims that Christians are allowed not only to
consult psychics, but to practice as psychics themselves. A brief
history of psychics. A psychic is someone who claims to
(02:15):
see or know things beyond the reach of normal human senses.
Psychics are connected with the occult, which is a variety
of beliefs that stand outside the scope of conventional science
and organized religion, often linked with mystical or esoteric traditions.
The occult involves seeking hidden or forbidden sources of power
and knowledge through supernatural means that operate independently of and
(02:40):
contrary to God's revealed will. In scripture, the occult often
includes various forms of supernatural phenomena like astrology, alchemy, and spiritualism.
When a psychic gives a reading, they are consulting with
another person about that person's past, present, or future, using
their own alleged supernatural pre or tools like tarot cards, priscals,
(03:03):
or the person's energetic fields, often called oras. Psychics and
those who claimed to have supernatural powers to see into
the future or to help someone understand the past have
been around for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese used
tea leaves to attempt to discover the future. Ancient Egyptians
looked at shapes formed in the water when they dropped
(03:24):
ink into it. We also see various mentions of astrologers
and mediums in scripture. For example, hundreds of years before
Cress was born, King Nebikidnzzer hired magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and
astrologers to interpret his dreams. Daniel two to two new
living translations. When they couldn't, Daniel completed the task as
(03:45):
a messenger of God who reveals secrets Verse twenty eight.
And the prophet Isaiah sharply condemned Babylon's astrologers and those
who sought wisdom and direction from them Isaiah forty seven,
thirteen fourteen. As time has moved toward modernity, various psychics
and astrologers have emerged, including Nostradaemis, who predicted, often vaguely
(04:06):
and without dates, many impending events of doom, like plagues
and earthquakes. In the eighteen hundreds, with the growth of spiritualism,
more psychics arrived on the scene. For example, Edgar Casey,
known as the Sleeping Prophet, claimed to diagnose diseases of
people while he was asleep. Then, the New Age movement
of the nineteen sixties in nineteen seventies led to an
(04:28):
increased interest in psychic phenomena. Police departments at that time
often had a paranormal expert on hand to help find
perpetrators of crimes. Perhaps the most famous example was Peter Herkos,
who helped detectives with the Charles Manson case. Later, it
was determined that he was often inaccurate or had insider
tips that helped him reach his conclusions. The eighties and
(04:50):
nineties offered more exposure to psychics and those involved in
the paranormal. Late night TV in the nineties was popular
for infomercials and ads for psychics. So called Jamaican psychic
Miss Cleo, offered to give the viewer guidance about relationships, work,
and more if they called the Psychic Reader's Network. It
was later discovered that Miss Cleo, whose real name was
(05:12):
Yuri del Harris, was an actress from California who was
not from Jamaica and probably had never visited there. If
someone called in to Psychic Readers Network, they were likely
speaking to an actor who was reading lines. Daytime television
in the nineties was popular for soap operas and talk shows,
but psychics were ever present. To soap operas sometimes featured
(05:33):
psychic characters like Celeston Days of Our Lives. Frequent guests
on talk shows, especially Montel Williams, included psychic Sylvia Brown
and John Edward. The Psychic Friends Network, a talk show
hosted by singer Dion Warwick, offered viewers the opportunity to
call in and speak directly with psychics. In other words,
psychics in the nineties were culturally accepted in commonplace in
(05:56):
the media. Although we are well past the nineties, the
psychic era continues into the digital age, and estimates are
that the psychic industry is more lucrative than ever, valued
at two point three billion dollars. Psychic hotlines still exist,
but now you can virtually visit with psychics online. There
are websites and apps that allow you twenty four to
(06:16):
seven's access on your phone. Artificial intelligence also has a
role in the psychic world. Psychics use artificial intelligence to
help them interpret spiritual messages, and artificial intelligence also serves
as a psychic by providing people with automated astrology charts,
numerology reports, and even tarot card readings. In other words,
(06:37):
the industry continues to grow and make its mark in
each new era. An overview of different types of psychics.
The word psychic is a general term that is derived
from the Greek word psychicos, which means of the mind.
It encompasses a wide range of supernatural powers, from clairvoyance,
which is the ability to have visions of the future,
(06:57):
to telepathy, which is the ability to read some's mind.
Astrologers like Chawny Nichols, who is famous among celebrities claim
to read the stars and tell you information about yourself.
Numerologists assign numerical values and symbolic meanings to a person's
name and circumstances to help them understand their life. Finally,
(07:17):
mediums act as an intermediary between the spirit world and
the physical world. They claim to have a direct line
to the dead. Some popular mediums are John Edward, Theresa Capudo,
and Rising Star Tyler. Henry Coolwan, who has given readings
to celebrities like LaToya Jackson, the Kardashians, and Tom Arnold.
And Christians be psychics. Although I was aware that a
(07:40):
number of Christians visit psychics each year, before researching for
this piece, I was not aware that some Christians claim
to be psychics. Yet, much to my surprise, I stumbled
upon a book called How to Be a Christian Psychic.
In it, author Adrian Lee claims to be both a
devout Christian and a psychic. He is the founder of
the International Paranormal Society, who says his psychic ability is
(08:04):
a gift from God that he uses to help others.
He claims that scriptcher has been misused against psychics and
offers his readers faulty resolutions to these problems. However, for
someone who claims to be a historian, he gets a
lot of history wrong, which calls into question his entire
manuscript supporting Psychics. For example, in the introduction and prefast,
(08:26):
he shares his concerns about the reliability of scripture, concerns
it could be easily assuaged with a little research. One
instance is his claim that scriptcher contradicts itself. He uses
the description of the robe Jesus war at his crucifixion.
He notes that in Matthew the robe is described as scarlet,
while in John it is described as purple. This is
(08:47):
simple to respond to. Romans and others use the word
purple broadly, and it wasn't uncommon for the words purple, scarlet, crimson,
and reddish purple to be used interchangeably. Another instance that
concerns Lee is that there are what he calls many
worrying inaccuracies in the narrative He had been taught. To
be clear, the example he uses is less of an
(09:09):
inaccuracy in the text and more of an inaccuracy of
the teaching about the texts. He says he learned that
the animals of the arc entered in pairs two by two.
He was shocked to learn as an adult that it
wasn't accurate. Indeed, the Bible says two of every sort
into the arc Genesis six nineteen, but also a more
detailed instruction regarding clean animals, including that they were added
(09:32):
to the arc in seven pairs, not two Genesis seven
to two three. The Bible clearly states the numbers of
animals and that some are brought aboard the ship in
single pairs while others in seven pairs. Again, this is
not an inaccuracy in the Bible, it's a problem with
the way Lee was taught. He tries to use this
as a reason to mistrust Bible teachers, but in reality
(09:54):
we should be more diligent in confirming what the text says,
rather than accepting anything we hear from teachers. Fact, this
is one reason why I frequently tell people to take
a Bible with them to church. For Lee, the nail
in the coffin for using scripture against psychics is so
called cherry picking. For example, he says Christians use Leviticus
(10:14):
nineteen thirty one and twenty to six out of context,
noting that if taken as a whole prohibitions would exist
against tattoos, cotton blends, and rare stick. He admits that
he is also guilty of cherry picking, in that he
has used some passages of the Bible as evidence to
make a point or cause some understanding to occur, just
as any historian would do. The fact remains that these
(10:36):
passages are in the Bible for hal to see, yet
he fails to mention those passages. He uses only what
works in favor of his arguments and leaves out the rest.
Don't fall for this sleight of hand. When Christians use
verses like Leviticus nineteen thirty one and twenty to six,
they aren't cherry picking because there are multiple passages throughout
the Bible that consistently and explicitly condemned consulting, psychics and meiams.
(11:00):
These are found in both the Old and New Testaments.
In Deuteronomy eighteen, the Lord warns against anyone who practices
divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft or caste spells,
or who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults
the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to
the Lord. Deuteronomy eighteen ten twelve NV. King Saul's death
(11:25):
was a consequence of his unfaithfulness, which included seeking guidance
from a medium rather than the Lord one Chronicles one,
thirteen fourteen. Further, in contrast to dietary or ritual laws,
the New Testament explicitly declares are fulfilled in Christ and
no longer binding Marks seven nineteen, Acts ten fifteen, Hebrews
(11:46):
nine to ten. The Apostles relentlessly condemnicult involvement. This is
because the reasons behind the prohibition timeless moral principles rooted
in God's holiness that his people must be faithful to
Him and avoid demonic deception, remain unchanged under the New Covenant.
So in Acts, Paul casts a spirit of divination out
(12:06):
of a fortune telling slave girl, showing every one that
the Lord has power over such spirits. Acts sixteen, sixteen
eighteen Compare nineteen nineteen. Sorcery is listed among the works
of the flesh that prevent someone from inheriting the Kingdom
of God Galatians five, nineteen twenty one Compare. One Corinthians ten,
twenty twenty one, Revelation twenty one at eight, and Satin
(12:30):
is described as an angel of Light who deceives Two
Corinthians eleven fourteen compare one Timothy four to one. Taken together,
Christians aren't solely relying on passages from Leviticus to support
the claim that divination and the use of psychics is unbiblical. Rather,
various parts of Scripture confirm it. So when one evaluates
(12:51):
Lee's book, it's hard to take his claims about being
a Christian psychic seriously when he hasn't taken the time
to verify his claims about scripture. Other sections of the book, however,
indicate he may actually be more entrenched in the New
Age than he is in Christianity. He abdicates the use
of smudging, burning bundles of herbs to cleanse a room
in crystals, and he also believes in reincarnation, going so
(13:15):
far to say that Jesus himself also believed in reincarnation.
And he also believes in reincarnation, going so far to
say that Jesus himself also believed in reincarnation. There are
no biblical passages that endorse these practices or beliefs as Christian,
nor are there any passages that support Christians being psychics.
(13:35):
What to say to loved ones who visit psychics. Several
things can be said to those who might consult a
psychic for help. First, anyone who visits psychics should be
careful because deception bounds in this field. This argument can
be helpful even if your friend or family member isn't
a Christian. Although psychics may claim to hold the truth,
things may not be what they seem. In cold readings,
(13:58):
a psychic may ask a large group of people of
a general question, like if they had a family member
who died in a terrible car accident. The odds are
good that there is someone in the audience who has
In hot readings, the psychic has access to key information,
lay names, and other public details before they begin the consultation.
For both scenarios, the so called psychic is not divining
(14:19):
any material they are reading the person or other available
evidence about that person. In other words, just because a
psychic gets something right does not mean they are credible.
For your Christian friends and family, remind them what Scritcher
says regarding testing the spirits, The Bible tells us quite
clearly the love do not believe every spirit, but test
the spirits to see whether they are from God. For
(14:41):
many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this,
you know the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is from God,
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not
from God. One john Ford A one to three English
Standard Virgin. Further, we need to be obedient to the
word of God. It says, be alert and of sober mind.
(15:04):
Your enemy. The devil prows around like a roaring mind,
looking for someone to devour one Peter five to eight NIV.
Persons seeking to gain knowledge by occult means, as in
the case of psychics, are especially vulnerable to this kind
of reception, thinking they are listening to the Lord, when
in reality they have fallen for a trap of the enemy.
(15:24):
We must consider the true source of information, especially in
light the fact that the Bible clearly states that divination
and sorcery are wrong. Ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance.
Test the spirits you prepared to stand firm on truth,
which is the Word of God.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Thank you for listening to another episode from the Christian
Research Journal Reads podcast, which provides audio articles of Christian
Research Journal articles. If you go to equip dot org
you will find a brand new article for the Christian
Research Journal published weekly. In addition, please subscribe to to
our other podcasts. Wherever you find your favorite podcast, you
(16:05):
will find the Christian Research Journal Reads podcast, the Postmodern
Realities podcast, which features interviews with Christian Research Journal authors,
our flagship podcast, The Bible answer Man Broadcast, and the
Hank Unplugged podcast, where cri I President Hank Canagraph takes
(16:27):
you out of the studio and into his study to
engage in in depth, free flowing, essential Christian conversations on
critical issues with some of the most interesting and informative
people on the planet. At equipp dot org, you will
also find a lot of resources to equip you, including
many thousands of Christian Research Journal articles. That's e quip
(16:54):
dot rg.
This is episode one hundred and sixty three of the
Christian Research Journal Reads Podcast. Behind the Crystal Ball, The
Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics by Lindsay mendenwald This article
first appeared exclusively online in The Christian Research Journal's volume
(00:26):
forty eight, number four in twenty twenty five. The Christian
Research Journal Reads Podcast presents audio versions of Christian Research
Journal articles. To read the full text of this article
and its documentation, go to equip dot org.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Behind the Crystal Ball The Spiritual Risks of Seeing Psychics.
This article is by Lindsay Mendenwaldt and is read by
an automated voice. If you walk through a gainshop these
days beyond guard not only will you find the classics
like Monopoly, but you may also encounter strategy games that
claim to help you win by using the other players
(01:08):
astrological traits against them. Of course, this kind of game
is nothing new. Weag aboards and magic eight balls have
long been found in game shops throughout the world, and
I remember my parents warning me against games like that
when I was growing up, because they were unbiblical. In fact,
I guess that most Christians have been told by someone
that they shouldn't engage in such entertainment. However, Traveling research
(01:31):
data from Pew Research Center indicates that twenty seven percent
of Christians consult their horoscopes at least once or twice
per year, and ten percent of Christians consult tarot cards
at least once or twice per year. Knowing this, Christians
must recognize their need to be on guard against unbiblical
practices such as astrology, but they also must be prepared
(01:52):
to have conversations with loved ones who may have fallen
prey to these snares of the enemy. This article will
navigate the history of such psychics, as well as common
terms one may encounter regarding psychics. It will also address
and refute claims that Christians are allowed not only to
consult psychics, but to practice as psychics themselves. A brief
history of psychics. A psychic is someone who claims to
(02:15):
see or know things beyond the reach of normal human senses.
Psychics are connected with the occult, which is a variety
of beliefs that stand outside the scope of conventional science
and organized religion, often linked with mystical or esoteric traditions.
The occult involves seeking hidden or forbidden sources of power
and knowledge through supernatural means that operate independently of and
(02:40):
contrary to God's revealed will. In scripture, the occult often
includes various forms of supernatural phenomena like astrology, alchemy, and spiritualism.
When a psychic gives a reading, they are consulting with
another person about that person's past, present, or future, using
their own alleged supernatural pre or tools like tarot cards, priscals,
(03:03):
or the person's energetic fields, often called oras. Psychics and
those who claimed to have supernatural powers to see into
the future or to help someone understand the past have
been around for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese used
tea leaves to attempt to discover the future. Ancient Egyptians
looked at shapes formed in the water when they dropped
(03:24):
ink into it. We also see various mentions of astrologers
and mediums in scripture. For example, hundreds of years before
Cress was born, King Nebikidnzzer hired magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and
astrologers to interpret his dreams. Daniel two to two new
living translations. When they couldn't, Daniel completed the task as
(03:45):
a messenger of God who reveals secrets Verse twenty eight.
And the prophet Isaiah sharply condemned Babylon's astrologers and those
who sought wisdom and direction from them Isaiah forty seven,
thirteen fourteen. As time has moved toward modernity, various psychics
and astrologers have emerged, including Nostradaemis, who predicted, often vaguely
(04:06):
and without dates, many impending events of doom, like plagues
and earthquakes. In the eighteen hundreds, with the growth of spiritualism,
more psychics arrived on the scene. For example, Edgar Casey,
known as the Sleeping Prophet, claimed to diagnose diseases of
people while he was asleep. Then, the New Age movement
of the nineteen sixties in nineteen seventies led to an
(04:28):
increased interest in psychic phenomena. Police departments at that time
often had a paranormal expert on hand to help find
perpetrators of crimes. Perhaps the most famous example was Peter Herkos,
who helped detectives with the Charles Manson case. Later, it
was determined that he was often inaccurate or had insider
tips that helped him reach his conclusions. The eighties and
(04:50):
nineties offered more exposure to psychics and those involved in
the paranormal. Late night TV in the nineties was popular
for infomercials and ads for psychics. So called Jamaican psychic
Miss Cleo, offered to give the viewer guidance about relationships, work,
and more if they called the Psychic Reader's Network. It
was later discovered that Miss Cleo, whose real name was
(05:12):
Yuri del Harris, was an actress from California who was
not from Jamaica and probably had never visited there. If
someone called in to Psychic Readers Network, they were likely
speaking to an actor who was reading lines. Daytime television
in the nineties was popular for soap operas and talk shows,
but psychics were ever present. To soap operas sometimes featured
(05:33):
psychic characters like Celeston Days of Our Lives. Frequent guests
on talk shows, especially Montel Williams, included psychic Sylvia Brown
and John Edward. The Psychic Friends Network, a talk show
hosted by singer Dion Warwick, offered viewers the opportunity to
call in and speak directly with psychics. In other words,
psychics in the nineties were culturally accepted in commonplace in
(05:56):
the media. Although we are well past the nineties, the
psychic era continues into the digital age, and estimates are
that the psychic industry is more lucrative than ever, valued
at two point three billion dollars. Psychic hotlines still exist,
but now you can virtually visit with psychics online. There
are websites and apps that allow you twenty four to
(06:16):
seven's access on your phone. Artificial intelligence also has a
role in the psychic world. Psychics use artificial intelligence to
help them interpret spiritual messages, and artificial intelligence also serves
as a psychic by providing people with automated astrology charts,
numerology reports, and even tarot card readings. In other words,
(06:37):
the industry continues to grow and make its mark in
each new era. An overview of different types of psychics.
The word psychic is a general term that is derived
from the Greek word psychicos, which means of the mind.
It encompasses a wide range of supernatural powers, from clairvoyance,
which is the ability to have visions of the future,
(06:57):
to telepathy, which is the ability to read some's mind.
Astrologers like Chawny Nichols, who is famous among celebrities claim
to read the stars and tell you information about yourself.
Numerologists assign numerical values and symbolic meanings to a person's
name and circumstances to help them understand their life. Finally,
(07:17):
mediums act as an intermediary between the spirit world and
the physical world. They claim to have a direct line
to the dead. Some popular mediums are John Edward, Theresa Capudo,
and Rising Star Tyler. Henry Coolwan, who has given readings
to celebrities like LaToya Jackson, the Kardashians, and Tom Arnold.
And Christians be psychics. Although I was aware that a
(07:40):
number of Christians visit psychics each year, before researching for
this piece, I was not aware that some Christians claim
to be psychics. Yet, much to my surprise, I stumbled
upon a book called How to Be a Christian Psychic.
In it, author Adrian Lee claims to be both a
devout Christian and a psychic. He is the founder of
the International Paranormal Society, who says his psychic ability is
(08:04):
a gift from God that he uses to help others.
He claims that scriptcher has been misused against psychics and
offers his readers faulty resolutions to these problems. However, for
someone who claims to be a historian, he gets a
lot of history wrong, which calls into question his entire
manuscript supporting Psychics. For example, in the introduction and prefast,
(08:26):
he shares his concerns about the reliability of scripture, concerns
it could be easily assuaged with a little research. One
instance is his claim that scriptcher contradicts itself. He uses
the description of the robe Jesus war at his crucifixion.
He notes that in Matthew the robe is described as scarlet,
while in John it is described as purple. This is
(08:47):
simple to respond to. Romans and others use the word
purple broadly, and it wasn't uncommon for the words purple, scarlet, crimson,
and reddish purple to be used interchangeably. Another instance that
concerns Lee is that there are what he calls many
worrying inaccuracies in the narrative He had been taught. To
be clear, the example he uses is less of an
(09:09):
inaccuracy in the text and more of an inaccuracy of
the teaching about the texts. He says he learned that
the animals of the arc entered in pairs two by two.
He was shocked to learn as an adult that it
wasn't accurate. Indeed, the Bible says two of every sort
into the arc Genesis six nineteen, but also a more
detailed instruction regarding clean animals, including that they were added
(09:32):
to the arc in seven pairs, not two Genesis seven
to two three. The Bible clearly states the numbers of
animals and that some are brought aboard the ship in
single pairs while others in seven pairs. Again, this is
not an inaccuracy in the Bible, it's a problem with
the way Lee was taught. He tries to use this
as a reason to mistrust Bible teachers, but in reality
(09:54):
we should be more diligent in confirming what the text says,
rather than accepting anything we hear from teachers. Fact, this
is one reason why I frequently tell people to take
a Bible with them to church. For Lee, the nail
in the coffin for using scripture against psychics is so
called cherry picking. For example, he says Christians use Leviticus
(10:14):
nineteen thirty one and twenty to six out of context,
noting that if taken as a whole prohibitions would exist
against tattoos, cotton blends, and rare stick. He admits that
he is also guilty of cherry picking, in that he
has used some passages of the Bible as evidence to
make a point or cause some understanding to occur, just
as any historian would do. The fact remains that these
(10:36):
passages are in the Bible for hal to see, yet
he fails to mention those passages. He uses only what
works in favor of his arguments and leaves out the rest.
Don't fall for this sleight of hand. When Christians use
verses like Leviticus nineteen thirty one and twenty to six,
they aren't cherry picking because there are multiple passages throughout
the Bible that consistently and explicitly condemned consulting, psychics and meiams.
(11:00):
These are found in both the Old and New Testaments.
In Deuteronomy eighteen, the Lord warns against anyone who practices
divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft or caste spells,
or who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults
the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to
the Lord. Deuteronomy eighteen ten twelve NV. King Saul's death
(11:25):
was a consequence of his unfaithfulness, which included seeking guidance
from a medium rather than the Lord one Chronicles one,
thirteen fourteen. Further, in contrast to dietary or ritual laws,
the New Testament explicitly declares are fulfilled in Christ and
no longer binding Marks seven nineteen, Acts ten fifteen, Hebrews
(11:46):
nine to ten. The Apostles relentlessly condemnicult involvement. This is
because the reasons behind the prohibition timeless moral principles rooted
in God's holiness that his people must be faithful to
Him and avoid demonic deception, remain unchanged under the New Covenant.
So in Acts, Paul casts a spirit of divination out
(12:06):
of a fortune telling slave girl, showing every one that
the Lord has power over such spirits. Acts sixteen, sixteen
eighteen Compare nineteen nineteen. Sorcery is listed among the works
of the flesh that prevent someone from inheriting the Kingdom
of God Galatians five, nineteen twenty one Compare. One Corinthians ten,
twenty twenty one, Revelation twenty one at eight, and Satin
(12:30):
is described as an angel of Light who deceives Two
Corinthians eleven fourteen compare one Timothy four to one. Taken together,
Christians aren't solely relying on passages from Leviticus to support
the claim that divination and the use of psychics is unbiblical. Rather,
various parts of Scripture confirm it. So when one evaluates
(12:51):
Lee's book, it's hard to take his claims about being
a Christian psychic seriously when he hasn't taken the time
to verify his claims about scripture. Other sections of the book, however,
indicate he may actually be more entrenched in the New
Age than he is in Christianity. He abdicates the use
of smudging, burning bundles of herbs to cleanse a room
in crystals, and he also believes in reincarnation, going so
(13:15):
far to say that Jesus himself also believed in reincarnation.
And he also believes in reincarnation, going so far to
say that Jesus himself also believed in reincarnation. There are
no biblical passages that endorse these practices or beliefs as Christian,
nor are there any passages that support Christians being psychics.
(13:35):
What to say to loved ones who visit psychics. Several
things can be said to those who might consult a
psychic for help. First, anyone who visits psychics should be
careful because deception bounds in this field. This argument can
be helpful even if your friend or family member isn't
a Christian. Although psychics may claim to hold the truth,
things may not be what they seem. In cold readings,
(13:58):
a psychic may ask a large group of people of
a general question, like if they had a family member
who died in a terrible car accident. The odds are
good that there is someone in the audience who has
In hot readings, the psychic has access to key information,
lay names, and other public details before they begin the consultation.
For both scenarios, the so called psychic is not divining
(14:19):
any material they are reading the person or other available
evidence about that person. In other words, just because a
psychic gets something right does not mean they are credible.
For your Christian friends and family, remind them what Scritcher
says regarding testing the spirits, The Bible tells us quite
clearly the love do not believe every spirit, but test
the spirits to see whether they are from God. For
(14:41):
many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this,
you know the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is from God,
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not
from God. One john Ford A one to three English
Standard Virgin. Further, we need to be obedient to the
word of God. It says, be alert and of sober mind.
(15:04):
Your enemy. The devil prows around like a roaring mind,
looking for someone to devour one Peter five to eight NIV.
Persons seeking to gain knowledge by occult means, as in
the case of psychics, are especially vulnerable to this kind
of reception, thinking they are listening to the Lord, when
in reality they have fallen for a trap of the enemy.
(15:24):
We must consider the true source of information, especially in
light the fact that the Bible clearly states that divination
and sorcery are wrong. Ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance.
Test the spirits you prepared to stand firm on truth,
which is the Word of God.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Thank you for listening to another episode from the Christian
Research Journal Reads podcast, which provides audio articles of Christian
Research Journal articles. If you go to equip dot org
you will find a brand new article for the Christian
Research Journal published weekly. In addition, please subscribe to to
our other podcasts. Wherever you find your favorite podcast, you
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Hank Unplugged podcast, where cri I President Hank Canagraph takes
(16:27):
you out of the studio and into his study to
engage in in depth, free flowing, essential Christian conversations on
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(16:54):
dot rg.
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