Clairvoyance: A Christian Perspective on the Dangers of Extrasensory Perception

Clairvoyance, derived from the French words clair (clear) and voyance (vision), refers to the claimed ability to gain information about an object, person, location, or physical event through extrasensory perception. Often associated with the "sixth sense," clairvoyance is a cornerstone of many New Age and occult practices. While it may appear benign or beneficial, engaging in or seeking clairvoyant experiences from a Christian standpoint poses significant spiritual dangers.

Origins and Cultural Context

The concept of clairvoyance has ancient roots. In ancient Egypt, seers were revered for their ability to communicate with deities and predict future events. These practices often involved rituals and tools like scrying mirrors or crystal balls. The modern interpretation of clairvoyance began to take shape in the 18th century. In 1784, the Marquis de Puységur, a disciple of Franz Mesmer, observed a peasant named Victor Race entering a trance state and exhibiting knowledge beyond his natural capabilities, marking one of the earliest recorded instances of clairvoyant behavior .developingspiritPsychic Light

The 20th century saw figures like Edgar Cayce, the "Sleeping Prophet," who claimed to access information while in a trance state. Cayce's readings covered topics from health diagnoses to past lives, blending Christian terminology with esoteric concepts. Wikipedia

Beliefs and Spirituality Behind Clairvoyance

Clairvoyance is often linked to New Age spirituality, which emphasizes personal transformation, holistic health, and the exploration of metaphysical realms. Practitioners believe in accessing higher consciousness or spiritual entities to gain insight. This belief system often incorporates elements from various religions and philosophies, creating a syncretic spiritual framework.

This practice is central to connecting with spirit guides, ascended masters, or the collective unconscious. These entities are believed to provide wisdom and guidance, often through mediums or individuals with heightened psychic abilities. However, from a Christian perspective, these so-called guides are considered deceptive spirits that lead individuals away from the truth of the Gospel.

Clairvoyance as Divination

Clairvoyance falls under the category of divination—the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. The Bible explicitly warns against such practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states:

"Let no one be found among you who... practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."

Engaging in clairvoyance opens individuals to spiritual deception and aligns them with forces contrary to God's will.

Spiritual Dangers and Consequences

Involvement in clairvoyant practices can lead to various forms of spiritual oppression. Individuals may experience:

• Emotional torment: Persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression.

• Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted, distressing thoughts that are difficult to control.

• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that disrupt sleep and peace of mind.

• Sensory disturbances: Hearing voices, seeing orbs or shadows, or sensing presences.

• Confusion, fear, and anxiety: Difficulty discerning truth, leading to spiritual instability.

These manifestations are indicative of demonic influence, which can infiltrate a person's life through engagement with occult practices.

The Incompatibility with Christian Faith

Attempting to integrate clairvoyant practices into Christian life is incompatible and dangerous. The Bible calls believers to rely solely on God for guidance and wisdom. Isaiah 8:19 warns:

"When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists... should not a people inquire of their God?"

Jesus Christ never employed or endorsed clairvoyant methods. His ministry was marked by direct communion with the Father and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to follow His example, avoiding practices that seek knowledge apart from God's revelation.

Path to Deliverance

For those who have engaged in clairvoyant practices, there is hope and freedom through Jesus Christ. Deliverance involves:

1. Repentance: Acknowledging the sin of engaging in occult practices and avoiding them.

2. Renunciation: Verbally rejecting and breaking ties with all forms of clairvoyance and associated entities.

3. Renewal: Seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and immersing oneself in Scripture and prayer.

James 4:7 encourages believers:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Through Christ, individuals can find true peace and protection from spiritual deception.

Methods of discernment:

• Who was the founder of this modality?

• What was his/her spirituality?

• What culture did it come out of?

• What were their beliefs?

• Who is their God or gods?

Many occult practices in Christianity need to be discerned.  Another method of discernment is the Word of God. The word of God is our measuring stick. The more we read the word, know the word, and have a relationship with the Lord, the more we discern right and wrong. We perish from a lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”

By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance. 

See list of occult practices. 

If you've been involved in a new age, occult, or cult, it can invite demonic spirits to torment you. If you feel tormented, you may need deliverance.

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