Introduction
Ouija boards have been around for a long time, and the idea that they can let us communicate with spirits is one that has captivated people for centuries. While there are some people who believe that Ouija boards are a harmless way to reach beyond the veil of death, others see them as potentially dangerous. The Christian church has long been wary of Ouija boards, and many wonder if they are against Christianity. This article seeks to explore the idea of Ouija boards and Christianity in order to determine if the use of Ouija boards is in line with Christian teachings.
Background Information
The history of Ouija boards is both confusing and fascinating. The exact origin of the Ouija Board is up for debate, with some sources claiming it was invented in the 19th century by Elijah Bond, while others suggest it was around as early as the 11th century. Generally speaking, a Ouija board is a flat object, with letters and symbols on it, used in a board game. The participants place their fingers lightly on a piece called a planchette and ask questions expecting a response from whatever spirit inhabits the board in the form of messages spelled out with the planchette.
The Christian Perspective
The Christian Church has warned of the dangers of Ouija boards for a long time, with some Christian denominations going as far as to say that they are a portal to demonic activity. There are Biblical passages that seem to support this idea, such as Deuteronomy 18:10-13, which says “no one should be found among you who makes a son or daughter pass through fire or who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft.” These verses make it clear that ancient Christians could potentially have seen Ouija boards as a form of witchcraft and thus, against Christianity.
Assessing The Risk
There are those that argue that a Ouija board is not necessarily a dangerous thing, as long as it is used responsibly. It’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that Ouija boards can actually contact spirits, so any risk associated with using one is purely theoretical. Furthermore, there are also many people who have used Ouija boards without having any negative experiences.
Other Perspectives
Other spiritualists and groups, such as Wiccans, are much more accepting of Ouija boards and claim that they can be used to communicate with positive spirits and gain insight into the spiritual realm. They point to the lack of any scientific studies that have actually proven that Ouija boards are used to connect with evil spirits.
The Cultural Angle
Ouija boards have become a staple of pop culture, appearing in movies, books, TV shows and even comic books. They are seen as a novelty item rather than an actual spiritual tool. This could be another factor to consider when looking at whether Ouija boards are against Christianity.
Psychological Benefits?
Some people have argued that Ouija boards can actually have psychological benefits, as the act of playing with one can make people feel more open to talking about spiritual subjects, and can even help them come to terms with their beliefs. Because of this, many people believe that Ouija boards can be used as a form of spiritual exploration, as long as it is done in a controlled, responsible manner.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of whether or not Ouija boards are against Christianity is a complex one. On the one hand, some Christians believe that Ouija boards can be used to contact evil spirits, and thus should be avoided. Other groups, however, point to the lack of scientific evidence supporting the idea that Ouija boards are dangerous and argue that they can be used as a form of spiritual exploration. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if they feel comfortable using a Ouija board, as long as they are taking the necessary precautions and using it responsibly.
