Contrary to some popular thought, a séance is not a game and not to be taken lightly. In the English-speaking world, a séance has come to describe a gathering of people under the direction or leadership of a spiritualist or medium who attempts to connect with the spirits of the dead.
The word is French in origin, coming from the verb "to sit," and is also used to describe gatherings of people who enjoy some sort of entertainment, such as a movie, while seated.
Séances are not something new. Both the Old and New Testaments mention mediums, spiritists, and occult practices (1 Samuel 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3; Acts 8:9). The Old and New testaments also both warn against trying to contact the dead, or to use a medium (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Galatians 5:20). In 1 Samuel 28:7–25 is the account of the witch of Endor who was able to contact the spirit of Samuel for King Saul. Samuel was none too pleased, and clearly this is something Saul should not have done.
Do not treat the occult or practices such as séances as silly or fun. Demonic forces are real and they work to harm us. Demons would like nothing better than for us not to take them seriously (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8). Christians should have no part in trying to contact the dead or any other occult practice. Christians are instructed to resist the devil (James 4:7) and to put on the armor of God to stand against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11).
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