Ghost Whispering: Voice of Demons

By Matthew Rennels

Contacting and communicating with spirits has long been a popular ritual, and now it is gaining popularity and mainstream acceptance through paranormal television programs such as “Ghost Whisperer” and “Ghost Hunter.” But how should it be viewed from a Christian perspective? How does the Bible approach it?

The history of spirit communication dates far back and it includes several methods. Popular methods include séances, the meeting of people who are gathered to receive messages from ghosts or spirits, which are believed to have existed as far back as the third century, and talking boards, devices by which spirits communicate through letters on a board. Talking boards first appeared in the 12 th century and became prominent when the Ouija Board was created in the late 1800s, and today board game company Parker Brothers makes one.

On television, “Ghost Whisperer” stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the show’s main character, Melinda Gordon, who has the ability to communicate with the dead when they speak to her. “Ghost Hunters” airs on the Sci-Fi Network and is a reality show starring a group of paranormal investigators, The Atlantic Paranormal Society, who use electronic equipment to uncover the unknown.

Christians have adamantly opposed Ouija Boards and séances, believing that spirit communication is a sin and could lead to demon possession. Both shows are also raising Biblical concerns among Christians. But some Christians argue that there is nothing biblically wrong with it.

Scripture states in Deut. 18:10 that “There shall not be found among you any one that consulteth a ghost or familiar spirit, or a necromancer.” Though that appears pretty clear, The Rev. Dr. Dave Oester argues on the website ghostweb.com that the actual meaning of the verse was lost in translation and the Bible does not condemn communicating with spirits. He also cites two similar verses in Leviticus that warn against spirit communication, then citing the King James verses which aren’t stated as emphatically. Still, even King James readers would likely still understand what they are instructing: don’t communicate with spirits. In Oester’s argument, it appears he is stating what he wants to believe, rather than what God is telling him.

Often, we as Christians may be required to dig a little deeper in our faith in order to find the truth. And even if the answers aren’t blatantly clear, scripture still gives us the guidance we need to make moral decisions.

“Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” - Philippians 4:8

People may not realize what they are facing in the occult, even when approached as innocently as changing channels or setting a digital video recorder. Some critics contend that contact made with Ouija Boards and in séances is inherently dangerous, and that any beings who communicate through such means are likely to be demonic.