Interest in the Occult Is on the Rise. How Should Believers Respond?
Just a few blocks from my home are two local businesses which offer tarot card readings; my short drive to church means passing by three or four homes with frightening and demonic Halloween decorations. And when I ventured into a small gift shop in a local tourist town, I encountered a statue of a goat with a collection of different occult materials available for purchasing.
I doubt I would have seen most of these things five years ago.
An interest in the occult is certainly on the rise. How should a Christian respond? This article is a compilation of some preliminary research I’ve done in this area, and a look at what the book of Ephesians says on this topic.
What is “the occult”?
The word occult can refer to many different practices and subcultures. In addition, many of these groups practice very individually so it can be hard to summarize their beliefs. This is my attempt to offer a quick definition of the major neo-pagan religions:
Neopagan: This is the term for beliefs and rituals outside of traditional religions, especially Judeo-Christian practices. Neopaganism is the modern practice of pagan religions.
Occult: The word occult references alternative, supernatural ways of thinking. This does not always mean witchcraft, but is an adjective for supernatural practices that does not fit into traditional monotheistic organized religion. These groups usually are darker in nature. In this article, I use the word occult as a blanket term for witchcraft, satanism, and other neo-pagan beliefs.
New Age: This is another umbrella term. The term itself has been used for the last fifty years, but the beliefs have roots in ancient eastern mysticism. These beliefs cater to the individual, focusing on “creating your own reality” and activating control over your life, presented in a more positive and light-filled way than other occult groups. Adherents seek an enlightened consciousness, which sometimes happens through contact with “spirit guides”, what we would consider mediums and demons. Astrology, yoga, meditation, reincarnation, crystal powers, and tarot card readings would all be considered part of New Age practices.
Wicca: This is a widespread neopagan religion. This group usually does not worship Satan in its practice; similarly, not all Wiccans practice witchcraft. Some practice spells and wishes called “magick” (different from ‘magic’). Wiccans can be polytheistic, worship a single god or goddess, or worship nature. Some even embrace aspects of Christian doctrine and seek to make Wicca similar to and acceptable to Christianity.
Witchcraft: Traditionally viewed as the practice of malevolent magic, witchcraft involves a witch invoking magic, usually for a harmful or evil purpose. This is usually referred to as black magic, but there is a version of white magic, which is supposedly used for helpful purposes. Witchcraft can involve divination, spells, and other occult practices. A majority of practitioners distance themselves from Satan.
Druidism: This neopagan religion with Celtic roots is similar to Wicca, but worships nature as divine. It is often practiced in conjunction with other religions. Members emphasize their belief that druidism predates Christianity. Modern practice varies widely, with some praying or invoking spirits, and others worshipping nature.
Satanism: There are many different branches of Satanism and not all believe in Satan. Those that do worship and follow Satan to various degrees. Some groups are quite dark and linked to sinister crimes and secretive practices, while other groups attempt to paint Satanism in a positive light by participating in activism and community involvement. Some groups do not believe in a literal Satan, instead saying he is a figurative image representing their political and social beliefs.
Luciferianism: This belief system hinges around Lucifer as a light bearer and someone who is misunderstood. Through Lucifer, one can pursue true enlightenment and recognize his or her potential.
The Attraction of the Occult
It’s clear that there are many parts and components to the occult. But while some of these practices have been around for centuries, why the recent cultural interest?
A Newsweek article reported that “there may be at least 1.5 million witches across the country…the increase has been led by a reaction of mainstream Christianity among young Americans as well as a rise in occultism.” The article goes on to add that it is believed that witchcraft practitioners have now numerically surpassed the 1.4 million members of the Presbyterian church.
This uprise of interest has specifically attracted Generation Z. “Witchcraft is gaining traction among younger generations seeking meaning in ecology and ancestral knowledge,” writes Molly Lipson in an article titled “In a Burning World, Witchcraft is On the Rise. The article goes on to explain why, citing belief of the importance of witchcraft during oppression (the examples of oppression given in the article ironically range from slavery to conservative politics) and the connection between witchcraft and feminism. The article reports that witchcraft is inherently political, because it is so connected to the ideas of intersectionality, feminism, and activism.
Rather than simply dismissing these ideas as the fruit of liberal politics, we need to consider the underlying motivation for young adults—my generation!—in witchcraft and the occult. A THINK NBC article reported, “…the proliferation of witchcraft reflects two timeless and universal urges: the need to draw meaning from chaos, and the desire to control the circumstances around us…it’s not surprising that witchcraft appeals to those seeking to mend what’s broken in ourselves and the wider world.” Young adults are seeking meaning to understand the world around them. But they’re also seeking control of their circumstances and control of their world.
Jesus is the Answer
The desire for meaning and control actually exist in all of us, not just the young girl experimenting with tarot cards or in the dark practices of a Satanist. All humans seek meaning, whether through occult practices or through addiction or materialistic lifestyles. Humans seek control, not only through spells and rituals but also in manipulation and sinfully using others in our attempt to satisfy ourselves. The rise of occult practices is connected to the age-old search for meaning and the result of sin, which has been present since creation.
Of course, the Bible provides answers to these two very real needs. We can find meaning and purpose in life by looking at Jesus’ own life and mission. Jesus is the way, the truth, and life (John 14:6). He is the only way to heaven. The entire Bible is unified in its presentation of meaning and purpose, from how it the Old Testament anticipates Jesus Christ’s arrival as the Messiah, to its occurrence in the Gospels, when Jesus died on the cross and rose again in space, time, and history. The epistles reflect on the Gospel of salvation and anticipate the second coming. This was God’s plan; the grand meta-narrative that condescends to include sinful humans in its hope. Believers do not need to control or manipulate their circumstances when they are living with faith, trust, and hope in God’s sovereignty. If you are seeking meaning, or control, look to Christ as He is understood in the Scriptures.
Those of us who have responded to the Gospel message—who have trusted that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again—do not need to fear Satan, witchcraft, new age beliefs, or any aspect of the occult. Now, the Bible is very clear that witchcraft and any practice of the occult is not to be tolerated; death was the penalty under the Old Testament law (Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:31, Lev. 20:6-7, Deut. 17:2-5 and 18:10). While we are no longer under this law, we still need to take the warnings against witchcraft seriously.
Witchy Culture
Unfortunately, many new age and occult beliefs have become so mainstream that they have actually entered some practices of Christians. “Witchy culture” normalizes the occult, neopagan practices, and makes new age beliefs a staple part of today’s culture. You can find new age beliefs in the wellness community or in practices like yoga and meditation, witchcraft permeating TV shows and movies, occult beliefs promoted as a “hobby” of multiple celebrities and influencers, and Satanist rituals as mainstream Halloween celebrations. I can participate in a tarot card reading at several businesses in my local town and find all types of pagan merchandise at many mainstream stores, all painted as innocent fun. It would take too long to dive into each of these subjects in depth, so every Christian should make a point to study it for herself. We don’t want to naively embrace or promote things that are unbiblical. We must be on guard and discerning, especially when these beliefs are being promoted as innocent, fun, and harmless.
The biggest way I see this happening has been through Hollywood; even films such as the Harry Potter series normalized the idea of young teens involved in magic. Celebrities are quick to share their own personal practice of witchcraft. Perhaps this normalization has given Generation X the first step towards developing a curiosity about these topics, without providing any cautions along the way.
It is not inherently wrong to watch a film or read a book that references magic, but we must be able to discern through potentially unbiblical messages. The Harry Potter series utilizes magic with a good verses evil narrative, but much more concerning is content where the lines between good and evil have been blurred—think films like Wicked. A few years ago, I began to watch a new Star Wars show. I was unaware that the show featured witches and involved what appeared to be several occult rituals (I didn’t feel comfortable finishing the show). Christians have the ability to exercise discernment in this area, but must be willing to step back from things with a sinister and evil worldview because of our commitment to Christ.
God’s power in Ephesians
Paul addresses a similar culture in the book of Ephesians. The city of Ephesus contained the famous temple of the Greek goddess Artemis. The Romans associated her with the moon. Not only was this idol worshiped, but the entire city was obsessed with the occult, dark magic, and as Constable points out, any spiritual forces that opposed God. Does this sound similar to today’s culture, with its interest in the occult, astrology, new age practices, and other dark spiritual beliefs?
In the book of Ephesians, Paul wrote several references to spiritual warfare and demons. Many of the believers would have been saved out of this lifestyle from concerning beliefs. Ephesians is an encouraging book to read in light of today’s concerns with the occult. I’ll highlight a few of its messages here:
Ephesians 1 contains a beautiful description of the believer’s position in Christ; it is clear that the Christian does not need to worry about losing salvation or seek confirmation from outside sources. The believers of Ephesus would need this reminder of true salvation as opposed to the many false messages that came from dark spiritual beliefs.
Ephesians 1 also proclaims the power and position of Jesus Christ; He is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:21-22) In a city that worshipped a false goddess and engaged in sinful, dark practices, it would have been encouraging to hear that Jesus Christ is without a doubt more powerful than any other alternative.
Ephesians 2 strongly condemns the sinful lifestyle that all believers formerly engaged in, including occult practices, and references the unbeliever’s connection to Satan, who is “the prince of the power of the air of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2) However, Paul adds, “But God…” (Ephesians 2:4), following with another proclamation of the Gospel. Because of God’s mercy and love, He sent His Son to die on the cross as punishment for our sins and rise again. Paul makes it clear that this is the “gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8), and it is impossible to work or earn our own salvation.
Ephesians 3 closes with a second prayer that again references the amazing love and power of Jesus. His power strengthens believers; this meant that there was no need to seek this from outside sources. Again, this would have greatly encouraged the believers in Ephesus who formerly had sought power and control through false gods and the occult.
In Ephesians 4 and 5, Paul gave practical application for the spiritual walk of believers in light of their position in Christ and the secure status of their salvation. Spiritual gifts are available (4:7), believers are to stand firm in sound doctrine and beware of false, alternative teachings (4:14-15), leave behind their old darkened and corrupted practices (4:17-24), and avoid evil (Ephesians 5).
Ephesians 6 contains perhaps the most well known passage dealing with spiritual warfare. The armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17 is how God has equipped believers to stand firm against “the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (6:12) This passage affirms the reality of the occult and demonic activity, but the armor of God contains complete protection for the Christian. This is also the Christian’s responsibility to put on; each part of armor represents truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, and salvation; the only offensive weapon is the Word of God. This information would have been life-changing to believers at Ephesus! No longer did they need to fear the spiritual realm, but they now had protection and confidence. They were also equipped with the Scriptures to share the truth with others.
The book of Ephesians was written against a dark backdrop of occult practices and demonic activity, but the encouraging message of the book is in its celebration of the transforming power of the Gospel and the ability to live the Christian life in God’s power. Perhaps a study through Ephesians would encourage you if you struggle with any fear or anxiety over the occult.
So, where do you find yourself at the end of this article?
Are you a Christian who is concerned about the rise of the occult, or perhaps know people ensnared in one of its dark practices? Pray through Ephesians and find encouragement in the character and power of Jesus Christ.
Have you embraced the occult or any other power apart from Christ? You have hope and peace through the Gospel message; find strength and comfort in your salvation and the armor of God.
Maybe you consider yourself a Christian, but subtle new age philosophies have entered your life unknowingly. Perhaps you are still unaware of it. Seek the truth and hold to it unwaveringly. Let Scripture be your guide and foundation for comparing all other messages.
And for all of us: how can we share the Gospel and make Christ known, regardless of the darkness? Let us have this same mindset as Paul:
“With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:18-20
All Scripture is quoted from the NASB
Photo by Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash
