Brief Answer

A séance is a gathering where participants attempt to communicate with spirits or the dead, often through a medium who claims to facilitate contact. From a biblical perspective, séances are spiritually dangerous and forbidden because they involve practices that oppose God’s instructions. The Bible warns against consulting the dead and instead calls believers to trust God as the source of truth and guidance.

Understanding Séances from a Biblical Perspective

The Bible clearly prohibits attempting to communicate with the dead or engaging in practices like séances. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, “Let no one be found among you who… consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” Such practices stem from reliance on occult powers rather than God, which leads to spiritual harm and deception.

Why Does the Bible Forbid Séances?

• Spiritual Deception: The Bible warns that evil spirits, including demons, can masquerade as benign or helpful entities (2 Corinthians 11:14).
• Trust in God: God calls His people to seek wisdom, comfort, and guidance from Him alone, not through supernatural means (Isaiah 8:19-20).
• Holiness and Obedience: God desires His people to avoid occult practices as part of living a holy and set-apart life (Leviticus 19:31).

Historical Context

Séances, as understood today, became popular in the 19th century during the rise of spiritualism, a movement focused on contacting spirits through mediums. However, the concept of attempting to communicate with the dead dates back much further.

Biblical Examples:

• King Saul and the Witch of Endor: In 1 Samuel 28, Saul disobeyed God and consulted a medium to summon the prophet Samuel. This act brought judgment upon Saul, showing the consequences of such practices.
• Pagan Nations: In ancient times, surrounding nations practiced necromancy and divination, which God explicitly forbade for Israel.

God’s Guidance for His People:

God set Israel apart by commanding them to avoid the practices of the pagan nations around them, including consulting mediums and spirits (Leviticus 20:6). This command remains relevant for Christians today.

Practical Implications

Spiritual Discernment:

• Christians should avoid participating in séances or any activity that involves consulting spirits.
• Instead, believers are called to rely on God’s Word and prayer for guidance and answers.

Protecting Spiritual Health:

• Engaging in séances opens the door to spiritual oppression and deception.
• Remaining vigilant and rooted in Scripture helps guard against such influences.

Sharing the Gospel:

• When encountering those involved in spiritualism, Christians can gently share the truth of God’s love and the dangers of seeking spiritual experiences outside of Him.

Theological Depth and Insight

God’s Sovereignty Over Life and Death

The Bible teaches that God alone governs life and death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, “The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Attempting to contact the dead undermines trust in God’s sovereignty and misplaces faith in human or supernatural intermediaries.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Séances often involve direct interaction with the spiritual realm, which the Bible describes as a battleground. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Participating in occult practices aligns with the enemy’s desire to deceive and destroy.

Broader Biblical Themes

God’s Call to Holiness

The prohibition of séances reflects God’s broader call to holiness: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness involves rejecting practices that lead away from God’s truth and living in obedience to Him.

Trust in God’s Revelation

God has provided all the wisdom and guidance believers need through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Engaging in séances suggests dissatisfaction with God’s provision and a desire to seek answers outside His revealed truth.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth and provides comfort, wisdom, and discernment:

• Guidance in Truth: The Spirit leads believers in understanding Scripture and God’s will (John 16:13).
• Protection from Deception: By relying on the Spirit, Christians can discern and avoid spiritual counterfeits (1 John 4:1).
• Comfort in Grief: For those grieving loved ones, the Spirit provides peace and assurance rather than seeking solace through séances or occult practices.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Séances remain a popular practice in modern spiritualism, but Christians are called to stand apart:

• Seek God’s Guidance: When facing uncertainty or grief, believers can turn to God through prayer and His Word rather than attempting to connect with the spiritual realm.
• Encourage Others: Share the hope found in Jesus with those seeking answers or comfort, pointing them to the truth of the gospel.
• Guard Against Deception: Stay vigilant against cultural influences that promote spiritualism or occult practices as harmless or entertaining.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide everything we need for peace with God and hope beyond the grave. He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Through Jesus, believers have assurance of eternal life and a personal relationship with God, eliminating the need for dangerous attempts to contact the dead.

Bible Characters

• Saul: His disobedience in consulting the Witch of Endor highlights the consequences of turning away from God for guidance (1 Samuel 28:3-25).
• Moses: As the leader of Israel, Moses warned against occult practices, emphasizing obedience to God’s commands (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).
• Jesus: Jesus consistently demonstrated authority over life and death, offering believers confidence in His power and care (John 11:43-44).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why does God forbid practices like séances, and how does this reflect His love and care for His people?
2. How can Christians find comfort in God during times of grief or uncertainty instead of seeking answers from occult practices?
3. In what ways can you lovingly share the dangers of séances and spiritualism with others?
4. How does trusting in Jesus as the resurrection and the life offer hope and assurance in place of fear or spiritual searching?

By understanding the dangers of séances and the Bible’s clear guidance, Christians can trust God’s sovereignty and find comfort in His presence. Jesus offers the ultimate source of peace, hope, and eternal security, providing everything we need for life and godliness.