Expert: Scott Talbot - 9/26/2005

Question
Hello Scott,


We know that divination devices such as the Ouija board can open up the door for demonization. These methods are obviously very dangerous, but are there other more subtle and deceptively harmless forms which can be equally as dangerous?    

For instance what do you think about watching horror movies (ie. "Exorcist", "Exorcism of Emily Rose")?  Movies that directly talk about the influence of demons.   Can this also be a means by which demonization can occur?  

One time not too long ago I had a strange experience occur in my apartment while watching the action/horror movie "Constantine" a movie that has to do with a man battling demons.         


I have a second totally unrelated question regarding "white lies".

The scriptures tell us that lying is sinful.  Is it ok to tell a white lie if it means that the lie protects someone else's feelings?  Sometimes I find myself in situations where I'm undecided on telling the truth or telling a lie to protect another person's feelings.  Is lying ok if it involves an outcome for the greater good?   (For instance in the book of Joshua, Rahab the Harlot hid two of Israel's spies by lying in order to protect both men.  The Lord rewarded her.)

Sometimes my conscience bothers me so I'm not quite sure what to do.  

When is it ok to lie, if ever?   


Thanks!  

Answer
It's not so much things that make us susceptible to demonic influence, but our own personal attitudes.

In Ephesians 6:10-18 tell us that we are involved in a spiritual battle, and we need to be prepared by putting on the armor that God provides with us. This includes a knowledge and understanding of the truth, a quest for righteousness, an eagerness to evangelise, faith (trust in God), assurance of salvation, God's Word, prayer, and watchfulness.

Of course, if we are relying on God and the resources He provides, we will be careful about exposing ourselves to the wrong thoughts, environments, and temptations. And we should be careful about being too careless about Satan and his power. I Peter 5:8 says, "Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour."

As for lying, it's never OK to lie. The fact that Rahab lied does not mean that God rewarded her. He spared her in spite of her lie, not because of it. And, had she told the truth, God still could have found a way to protect her and the spies.

Honesty is always the best policy.

Scott