Ghosts - Do People Really Believe in Them?

Things that go bump in the night are enough to frighten most people, but how many will actually admit they believe in ghosts? According to a recent poll by The Associated Press and Ipsos, about a third of Americans do. This is also in keeping with a Baylor University study that found 37 per cent of those surveyed believe that places can be haunted. Probably a lot more people actually do believe in ghosts, but don't want to admit it. Many Christians believe in demons, but follow the Bible teaching that they are not to communicate with the dead. But they do not doubt the existence of evil spirits.

Just turn on the television and you will be treated to an amazing amount of paranormal programming. These days it is very common to find several shows per night that deal with communicating with the dead, psychics helping to solve crimes, ghost hunters, etc.

Studies have shown that at least 3/4 of America's youth have been engaged in some type of psychic or witchcraft related pursuit, other than reading horoscopes or watching television. One out of 10 teens reported participating in a seance, while 1 out of 12 reported trying to cast a spell or make a magic potion. This was according to a study by George Barna, as cited on the Christian Broadcasting Network web site. Only 1/4 of teens surveyed, who attended church, said they had received any teaching concerning the supernatural.

It appears sadly, that the church has been at a loss for words. However, Christianity is a religion full of the supernatural. Young people and adults alike are desirous to observe power in action. If they don't see it in the church, they will often look for it elsewhere. Some of what they find is fake, but many so called psychics are exhibiting a supernatural knowledge at times. They have opened themselves up to demonic influences and powers, that Christians are warned not to indulge in. The Bible forbids consulting mediums, and communicating with the dead. Demons can impersonate people, and are referred to as familiar spirits. This is so destructive because it causes desperate people to focus on something other than God for comfort and peace. This also often draws the person into other occult activities.

There are true gifts from God of prophecy, words of knowledge, and words of wisdom, that can give guidance or comfort to a believer, but these gifts will never be used to contact the dead. I am the Moderator on a Grief Discussion Board, and I am amazed at how many Christians do turn to mediums to receive information about, or from, their loved ones. My heart goes out to them, because I know they are looking for answers and comfort, and they have not been taught any differently in church. Many believe that they become either angels or ghosts when they die. But angels and men are completely different creatures, according to scripture. Interestingly enough, the truth is, there are good angels and evil angels (demons.) Familiar spirits are actually demons pretending to be our loved ones. They can copy looks, speech, and mannerisms. When a person dies, they either go to heaven or hell, and they do not roam the earth sending messages or making appearances. These things do appear to happen sometimes, but Satan is deceiving loved ones. The Bible teaches that Satan and his angels can appear as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14) The Scriptures sometimes use the word "ghost" to refer to a man's spirit (he gave up the ghost), as well as the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost.)

Can people really contact the dead through a seance? No, they are contacting evil spirits. Familiar spirits have been around for thousands of years, and have knowledge of people and situations. They use deception to convince a person that they are the loved one. God's Word forbids calling up spirits. Deuteronomy 18:9 (KJV) says: "When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. (10) There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. (11) Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. (12) For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee." God even calls these things an abomination. It means something worthy of disgust and hatred.

Once in the Old Testament, King Saul went to seek a witch, who was a medium. Her full time job was communicating with the dead. On this one occasion, Saul requested to speak to Samuel, who was deceased, and God allowed the real spirit of Samuel to come forth. It scared the medium so badly that she cried out with a loud voice. (This was clearly not the type of spirit she was used to contacting, which was a deceiving spirit.) Why did God allow that to happen in this instance? I believe it was to teach Saul a lesson, and also to show the witch that He was the true God. She clearly knew that it was not her power that had conjured up the real Samuel, and she was frightened out of her wits! Saul had even inquired where he could find a woman, that had a familiar spirit, and everyone knew the reputation of the Witch of Endor. So "communicating with the dead" is as old as history, but strictly forbidden by God. When a New Age medium channels a spirit, and the spirit talks through him, he is actually demon possessed. Yes, demon spirits can be called forth, but getting them to leave is not nearly as easy.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 states, "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan, displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders." Because of the deception of Satan, Christians are warned to test the spirits, and see if they are of God. This refers to anyone we see working miracles, and doing signs and wonders. Satan's power is very real, and anyone can be easily deceived if they are not discerning. However, it can never compare with the awesome power of God.

If you want to experience power and the supernatural in your life, ask God to show you His power, and you will never seek another's.

Sources: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/bizarre/5245995.html
http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/books/elliott_ghosts.aspx
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/dinosaurs/ghosts.html