By Gary Seven
The allure of the unknown often prompts individuals to delve into mystical pursuits like using Ouija boards. Traditionally used as a means of allegedly communicating with spirits, the spirit board or Ouija board is often seen as a harmless diversion, a source of amusement at social gatherings or a tool of intrigue for the spiritually curious. However, understanding these boards from a Christian perspective reveals profound, often overlooked concerns about their usage.
EXPLORING THE OUIJA BOARD
The Ouija board, a legacy of 19th-century American spiritualism, typically displays a complete alphabet, digits up to nine, and words such as “yes”, “no”, “hello”, and “goodbye”. Participants place their fingers on a small movable piece known as a planchette, and the alleged spirits use it to relay messages or answers to questions by pointing to symbols on the board. However, this perceived innocent interaction masks serious spiritual and moral implications.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SPIRITUAL CONTACT
Christian doctrine repeatedly dissuades individuals from attempting to contact or solicit information from spirits or the dead, a practice known as necromancy. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 enumerates a series of practices, including witchcraft, divination, and necromancy, counselling against their engagement.
Attempting to interact with spiritual domains via a device like the Ouija board is seen as defiance of this Biblical prescription. Exposing oneself to spiritual forces of unknown intentions might lead to precarious spiritual circumstances and undesirable experiences.
SPIRITUAL DANGERS OF OUIJA BOARDS
The assumption that Ouija boards constitute nothing more than a harmless game is a perilous one. Despite the seemingly benign experience, using them implies a naive disregard for the existence of both friendly and malicious spiritual entities, as described in Biblical accounts.
Ouija boards potentially open access points for unwelcome spiritual forces. While some spirits may hold benign intentions, others, as characterised in Biblical teachings, can be deceptive and harmful, possibly subjecting individuals to spiritual oppression or infestations in their lives.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL REPERCUSSIONS
Besides potential spiritual hazards, the Ouija board can also fuel harmful psychological effects. Anxiety, fear, and mental unrest can get compounded, especially in individuals prone to such feelings.
Moreover, from a psychological standpoint, the planchette’s movement on a Ouija board often manifests through the ‘Ideomotor phenomena’, where subconscious thoughts or feelings inspire physical movements. And instead of interpreting these movements as an exterior spiritual influence, they possibly emerge from the participant’s own subconscious mind, spurring a delusion of external spiritual contact.
SEEKING WISDOM AND GUIDANCE
In understanding life’s mysteries and seeking answers, Christianity encourages turning to God – the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. Biblical texts like Hebrews 1:1-2 underline this belief by affirming that God has communicated with humanity through His son, Jesus Christ. This affirmation suggests one need not risk spiritual stability chasing answers through dubious spiritual conduit like Ouija boards.
Against this backdrop of understanding, engagement with such boards could be viewed as a stark deviation from the path God has set forth. Divine counsel, protection, and wisdom are accessible through prayer, reflective interpretation of God’s teachings, and fellowship with other Christian believers, free from any dangerous spiritual gambles.
AWARENESS AND SAFEGUARDS
Greater awareness about the spiritual and psychological perils of Ouija boards is essential, far beyond dismissing them as mere recreational tools. Vigilance unveils the latent danger, emphasising the importance of preserving spiritual integrity and mental wellbeing.
Those holding Christian beliefs are encouraged to discourage loved ones, especially impressionable young individuals, from using Ouija boards, elucidating their potential risks. The counsel, instead, is to guide them in forging a hearty relationship with God, residing in His teachings, and seeking His guidance, thus ensuring their spiritual journey remains secure and fulfilling.
The Secret Paranormal Investigator 