In the biblical context, spiritists and mediums are individuals who claim to communicate with the dead or with spirits. The practice of consulting spiritists and mediums is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures, as it is seen as an abomination to the Lord and a deviation from reliance on God.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains several prohibitions against engaging with spiritists and mediums. In Leviticus 19:31 , the Israelites are commanded, "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the belief that seeking guidance from the dead or from spirits is a form of defilement and a breach of the covenant relationship with God.

Further, in Leviticus 20:6 , the Lord warns, "As for the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people." This severe consequence highlights the seriousness with which God views the practice, equating it with spiritual unfaithfulness.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 also addresses this issue: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." This passage places spiritism alongside other forbidden practices, emphasizing its detestable nature.

Historical Context

The historical context of these prohibitions can be seen in the narrative of King Saul, who, in desperation, sought the counsel of a medium at Endor. In 1 Samuel 28:7-20 , Saul, having been rejected by God and unable to receive guidance through prophets or dreams, resorts to consulting a medium. This act of disobedience ultimately leads to his downfall, as the spirit of Samuel, whom the medium conjures, foretells Saul's defeat and death. This account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God to seek forbidden spiritual guidance.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention spiritists and mediums, it continues to affirm the importance of relying on God and the Holy Spirit for guidance. The early church faced various forms of spiritual deception, and believers were warned against false prophets and teachings. In Acts 16:16-18 , Paul encounters a slave girl with a spirit of divination. Paul commands the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the authority of Christ over such spirits and the rejection of their influence.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, the rejection of spiritists and mediums is rooted in the belief in the sovereignty and sufficiency of God. Consulting spirits or the dead is seen as a lack of trust in God's provision and guidance. The Bible emphasizes that God alone is the source of wisdom and revelation, and believers are encouraged to seek Him through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

The practice of spiritism is also viewed as a form of idolatry, as it places trust in created beings rather than the Creator. This is contrary to the first commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to God. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as the ultimate authority and source of truth, and any attempt to bypass His will through spiritism is considered a grave sin.

Cultural and Modern Considerations

In contemporary society, interest in spiritism and mediumship persists, often fueled by curiosity about the afterlife and a desire for personal guidance. However, the biblical warnings remain relevant, urging believers to discern the spirits and to hold fast to the teachings of Scripture. The church is called to provide pastoral care and biblical teaching to those who may be drawn to these practices, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ and the dangers of spiritual deception.