Life Style PARK PLACE OF ST. JOHN
Chaplain’s Corner Hocus Pocus Discover the joy of certainty. Clever line.
The rise in Americans’ use of the occult is really not surprising. As our culture has drifted further and further away from Biblical values, the more it mimics the ancient cultures where idolatry, superstitions, and the occult were part of people’s lifestyles. We moderns, uh, post-moderns, like to think we’ve progressed far from those ancient, uneducated, and unenlightened cultures thousands of years ago. And while we have in the areas of science fiction-like technology, communications, mobility, and health, it seems that when it comes to lifestyle choices, we aren’t living any differently than people lived thousands of years ago. As America increasingly kicks the Lord God to the curb, the old “gods” of humanity are resurrected. They are just updated with more appealing names and clever taglines. However, they are just as dangerous as they have always been.
Like, who doesn’t want certainty? It sure would make life a whole lot easier. And you can get it. For a price. Or maybe not. It all depends.
This is actually the tag line for a commercial psychic organization. I’ve been listening to their commercials on the radio, and now they’re on television. There must be money in psychic consultation! And there is. A lot of money. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center—a highly respected polling group—indicates that approximately one-third of Americans consult astrology, tarot cards, psychics, and other “occult” methods to make decisions about everything from marriage and family issues to job matters, relationship situations, and even business and financial decisions. Just to name a few. It’s an astonishing number: 1 out of every 3 Americans is now seeking guidance and advice from these methods. I barely missed a car smashing into me last week. I still am dazed by how quickly I was able to dodge out of the driver’s way. I guess all the stars must have been in alignment for me that day! People who have never read the Bible would be amazed at all the topics the Bible addresses. I mean practical and everyday kinds of topics. And that includes seeking guidance from people and methods that one-third of Americans use, as well as millions of others around the world. Yep, there were “psychics” back in ancient times. Indeed, 3,500 years ago, the Lord had Moses warn the Israelites about engaging in activities such as divination, consulting the dead, sorcery, interpreting omens, casting spells, conversing with ghosts, witchcraft, and consulting mediums (the latter terms now broadly referred to as “psychics”). Why? Because God said that behind these people and these methods lay the powers of darkness and evil spirits.
Before I became a Christ-follower, my friends and I pursued the occult in our lives. I’ve had my palms read, followed my horoscope readings,
and a witch and wizard used me in one of my high school classes to prove to us teens that their “religion” was not only nothing to fear, but something that would bring us success in life (yes, my teacher invited them). Later, when I became a Christ-follower, I not only learned how the occult will deceive and enslave you, but I also learned there was far more certainty in following Jesus. Occult practitioners and methods will not love you and care for you like Jesus and fellow believers, nor will they give you the wisdom and understanding needed to navigate life’s many challenges successfully. It’s only “hocus pocus”. The only real certainty is the joy the psychics get from making your money magically disappear.
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