Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 12/1/2006

Question
Dear Pastor Carpenter, I need your help/advice concerning my neice. She has
become what she calls a spiritualist. Her last email to me was scary. She said
that she can talk to deceased relatives etc. She moved into an older historic
home and claims that the previous owner who is deceased has given her
advice on how to decorate it. She also claims to be able to give readings and
such and threw away her TV out of fear.

She starts and ends all her email correspondence with this following phrase:
Religion is for people who are afraid of hell--Spirituality is for people who
have already been there.

I feel this to be a very negative phrase and cannot believe that she truly feels
that she has  #1. already lived a hell or #2. Is currently living in hell. This
phrase sounds like a typical type that psychics like Sylvia Brown would use.

I know the Bible has many scriptures which denounce the practice of
mediums, spiritualism, card readings etc. I do not want to push her further
away so I am asking if you would be willing to write something that may steer
her towards the right path. I will forward it to her. Perhaps she would be more
accepting of advice that comes from a Pastor such as yourself who has
attained the wealth of knowledge that the Bible has to offer.

Thank You for listening and pray that you can offer help.
Karen  

Answer
Hi Karen,

THank you for your question.  I believe that you are right to be concerned about your neice.  She has been swept away and bewitched by the very pervasive doctrine of spiritualism.  I am afraid that I cannot effectively write her as you requested without turning her off.  She has already rejected the Bible ( or so it would seem) if favor of some "more accepting" religion.  If I write and post all the scriptures that condemn witchcraft, then she may be gone for good.  I believe that the way to reach her is for you to love her.  Show her that Jesus is real.  Ask her about what she believes (listen and learn, do not condemn)  Then offer to explain what you believe about Jesus dying on the cross in your place.  Do not try to make her repent of witchcraft, give her some salt that will make her thirsty for Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

If after you read this, you would still like some biblical material on what is wrong with witchcraft, I can gladly give it to you.  I hope that this is of some help to you.

In Christ
Pastor Don