The occult is a vast and mysterious realm that has captivated human curiosity for centuries. It encompasses a wide range of practices, beliefs, and experiences that are often considered to be beyond the realm of the natural world. From ancient civilizations to contemporary societies, people have sought to explore the supernatural, tapping into the occult as a means to understand and navigate the inexplicable. However, the occult is not without its dangers. It can easily become a trap, luring individuals into a web of deception and manipulation. Many who venture into the realm of the occult do so with good intentions, seeking enlightenment or answers to life's mysteries.
Notice God's warnings against mediums and familiar spirits: \Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 19:31). The Creator God plainly states that we should avoid mediums and spiritists. He does not want you to be defiled by evil influence. Notice His strong language: "The person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 20:6–7).
Notice God s warnings against mediums and familiar spirits Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them I am the Lord your God Leviticus 19 31. This is usually about getting a person out of their comfort zone and may include requiring people to do things which they would typically find repugnant.
Many who venture into the realm of the occult do so with good intentions, seeking enlightenment or answers to life's mysteries. But they may find themselves entangled in a dark and sinister world, where malevolent forces prey upon their vulnerabilities. In this sense, the occult must defeat the occult.
Dangers of the Occult
Are witchcraft, astrology and spiritism just harmless hobbies, or are they deceptive sources of information and guidance? Many do not realize that the occult now pervades modern culture, and that Christians must remain on guard against its evil influence.
Millions are pursuing astrology, witchcraft and the occult. Are they sowing seeds of doom and destruction? Are these just harmless hobbies, or can you face real dangers if you dabble in the occult?
Less than three months after its release, the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone became the second-highest-grossing film ever, selling nearly $1 billion of tickets to theatergoers eager for a tale of witchcraft, wizardry and the occult. The first of seven installments in author J. K. Rowling's planned series, Harry Potter is at the helm of a multi-billion-dollar media empire that has made Rowling one of the three highest-paid women in Great Britain. Her books have sold more than 60 million copies in 200 countries around the world.
Yet, for many, the occult is more than fiction. A May 2000 Zogby America poll revealed that 57.7 percent of Americans aged 18–29 believe in ghosts. This phenomenon is not confined to the United States; Time Magazine reported recently that belief in ghosts is shared by 45 percent in Britain. Melbourne's Saturday Herald Sun reported that 46 percent of Australian women, and 34 percent of Australian men, believe in ghosts (January 16, 1999). Leger Marketing reported in October 2001 that 30.2 percent of Canadians believe in ghosts.
In Rowling's books, characters routinely interact with ghosts. Harry communicates with his dead parents through a special mirror. Characters seek guidance from astrologers, cast occult spells and use their paranormal powers to fight their enemies. The Bible condemns this as sorcery, yet it is a part of the ordinary world of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter series teaches young minds a false and evil worldview in which occult powers, condemned in Scripture, can be used as tools for good.
Sadly, instead of condemning the dangerous and un-biblical world of witches and wizards, some churches and clergy have tried to exploit its appeal to youth. Last year, a vicar in one English church held a special "Harry Potter liturgy." A serpent was hung in the church, while a clergyman wearing a wizard's robe led the service. Other elements of the Harry Potter story were brought into the church service. Incredibly, many other pastors expressed interest in having that liturgy for their own churches.
What have the world's churches come to? As one American commentator observed: "Nobody respects a religious institution willing to compromise willy-nilly with the secular culture, on a fool's quest for popularity. A church that will try anything stands for nothing!" (Rod Dreher, New York Post, Sept. 5, 2000).
Today's media fascination with the occult extends far beyond Harry Potter. Thirty-five years ago, many considered the television series Bewitched controversial. Today, it seems tame compared to such popular television fare as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Charmed, which glamorize the occult.
And the occult is not just for teenagers or couch potatoes. Even leaders of nations pursue the occult. Former White House chief of staff Donald Regan reported, in his autobiography For the Record, that President Ronald Reagan's travels and activities were approved by an astrologer of his wife's choosing. The London Daily Telegraph reported that former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher consulted an astrologer "for signs of future dangers." Most members of India's Parliament have personal astrologers on retainer. Even in the former Soviet Union, once a bastion of materialism, the occult holds sway, as Russia is "swamped by astrologers, UFOlogists, soothsayers, parapsychologists, bogus doctors and other charlatans, whom genuine scientists make few efforts to contradict.… One of the main tasks of a senior official in the Presidential Security Service is to study astrology and prepare horoscopes" (London Daily Telegraph, July 29, 1996).
It is crucial for those who are genuinely interested in the occult to discern between authentic knowledge and deceitful practices. The very nature of the occult invites secrecy and ambiguity, making it difficult to distinguish truth from fiction. But it is essential to separate genuine knowledge from charlatans who seek to exploit the vulnerable. To defeat the negative aspects of the occult, individuals must arm themselves with discernment, critical thinking, and a healthy dose of skepticism. It is important to question the motives of those who claim to possess supernatural powers or knowledge. By doing so, one can avoid falling into the traps set by fraudsters and manipulators, who seek to exploit the fascination and vulnerability of seekers. Additionally, a strong sense of morality and ethics is crucial when engaging with the occult. The pursuit of power or control over others through occult practices is a dangerous path that can lead to harm and manipulation. It is essential to approach the occult with a sense of responsibility and respect for others, always striving to use any knowledge or abilities wisely and for the greater good. Ultimately, the occult can be a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding if approached with caution and integrity. By defeating the negative aspects of the occult, individuals can uncover the hidden truths and mysteries that lie within this enigmatic realm. It is only through discernment, skepticism, and ethical practices that the true potential of the occult can be realized..
Reviews for "Cultivating Compassion: The Occult's Journey towards Universal Love and Understanding"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "The occult must defeat the occult" to be extremely confusing and lacking a clear plot. The storyline felt disjointed and there were too many characters introduced without proper development. Additionally, the dialogue was poorly written and felt unnatural. I had high hopes for this book but was ultimately disappointed by its lack of coherence and overall quality.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "The occult must defeat the occult" was a complete waste of time. The writing was convoluted and pretentious, making it nearly impossible to follow the narrative. The characters were shallow and uninteresting, and the attempts at creating suspense fell flat. I struggled to even finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "The occult must defeat the occult," but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The pacing was off, with long stretches of dull and uneventful moments. The plot twists were predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The overall concept had potential, but the execution fell short. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.