Occult

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Kojikun

Well-known member
Oct 5, 2018
4,658
2,721
113
#1
Okay so I looked up the definition of Occult and and its def is far more expansive than I thought supernatural, mysticism, necromancy, Witchcraft, Sorcery, magical powers etc. Its incredibly broad and can easily cover almost any anime, book, video game (and even some of my own books and comics) that I have interest in.....sooo I guess the question is whats the biblical term of it and what are (if they are any) exceptions...because I am at a point where I am losing sanity fast and I literally cant do anything (Including reading the Bible) without going insane. If its the same definition and so incredibly broad I literally have no hobbies
 

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2014
70,919
9,667
113
#2

Kojikun

Well-known member
Oct 5, 2018
4,658
2,721
113
#3
Well, some of your "hobbies" look rather demonic anyway.. Hopefully this is a wake up call for you to put that stuff away once and for all.. :)

Here are some links for you to read about the occult:

1. https://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/definition-of-christian-terms/occult.html

2. https://christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-occult.html


The second link is from christiananswers.net and specifically tells what the bible says about the occult..
Okay well nothing says anything about the stuff I enjoy really some of it is borderline but that can be changed and I can weed it out. The Holy Spirit has been helping me of late weed out certain games 🤔 hmmm okay perhaps the biblical definition isnt as broad as the dictionary (in fact the dictionary is so broad most of the bible is easily included) whew thanks blue 😊
 

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2014
70,919
9,667
113
#4
Okay well nothing says anything about the stuff I enjoy really some of it is borderline but that can be changed and I can weed it out. The Holy Spirit has been helping me of late weed out certain games 🤔 hmmm okay perhaps the biblical definition isnt as broad as the dictionary (in fact the dictionary is so broad most of the bible is easily included) whew thanks blue 😊

waving welcome kitten.jpg
 

Tinkerbell725

Senior Member
Jul 19, 2014
4,216
1,179
113
Philippines Age 40
#5
2 Corinthians 2:11 KJV

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Even something as subtle as facebook becomes occult if it leads you away from God. Use discernment. That's what satan is, subtle as a serpent and beast. Always watching and waiting for someone to devour.
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,693
7,176
113
#6
Koji, oh man how frustrating that your mind is not feeling sound, that the word isn't helping you find peace. I know He is able to use this season for good though, if You seek Him first.

Tinkerbell, what you said about facebook, as someone who overuses it, I agree. Really anything that we spend too much time, focus, money and energy on can be counterproductive to our well-being with the Lord.

He forever wooes us, though, calling us up to Him, directing us away from distractions. I believe it is good that you are unsettled if He is pricking your conscious, if you are grieving the spirit.

Koji, I will pray for you. 🙏❤
 

cinder

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2014
4,424
2,415
113
#7
Okay so I looked up the definition of Occult and and its def is far more expansive than I thought supernatural, mysticism, necromancy, Witchcraft, Sorcery, magical powers etc. Its incredibly broad and can easily cover almost any anime, book, video game (and even some of my own books and comics) that I have interest in.....sooo I guess the question is whats the biblical term of it and what are (if they are any) exceptions...because I am at a point where I am losing sanity fast and I literally cant do anything (Including reading the Bible) without going insane. If its the same definition and so incredibly broad I literally have no hobbies
First thing I'd say is that there's a difference between finding something evil a good element in an entertaining story and actually doing or participating in that evil. For example, my aunt loves murder mystery stories, leads a book group reading them and goes to conventions etc. but that's never encouraged or tempted her to committ a murder of her own. I've watched plenty of movies and TV shows with evil wizards or witches, magic powers, etc. most of it I very much doubt is based on occultic practicies as they occur in the real world but I've never felt tempted to imitate the bad guys (especially since I like movies where justice is served and the bad guys come to a bad end).

Personally, I hold to a standard of choosing entertainment that reinforces my values so things that glorify evil and darkness, stories where the protagonists are perpetrating crimes, etc aren't allowed in. A lot of horror movies that glorify the occult and only promote fear of the supernatural are also out. But great sweeping fantasy epics with wizards or magic or potent evil powers that are defeated in the end and the world is saved are in. And if God ever gives me a spiritual smack upside the head that something is not good for me, I'm willing to give it up. But God is the one who brings conviction, searching for something to feel guilty or worry about isn't conviction nor is it healthy.
 
U

UnderGrace

Guest
#8
Okay so I looked up the definition of Occult and and its def is far more expansive than I thought supernatural, mysticism, necromancy, Witchcraft, Sorcery, magical powers etc. Its incredibly broad and can easily cover almost any anime, book, video game (and even some of my own books and comics) that I have interest in.....sooo I guess the question is whats the biblical term of it and what are (if they are any) exceptions...because I am at a point where I am losing sanity fast and I literally cant do anything (Including reading the Bible) without going insane. If its the same definition and so incredibly broad I literally have no hobbies
Occult means hidden
 

Kojikun

Well-known member
Oct 5, 2018
4,658
2,721
113
#9
First thing I'd say is that there's a difference between finding something evil a good element in an entertaining story and actually doing or participating in that evil. For example, my aunt loves murder mystery stories, leads a book group reading them and goes to conventions etc. but that's never encouraged or tempted her to committ a murder of her own. I've watched plenty of movies and TV shows with evil wizards or witches, magic powers, etc. most of it I very much doubt is based on occultic practicies as they occur in the real world but I've never felt tempted to imitate the bad guys (especially since I like movies where justice is served and the bad guys come to a bad end).

Personally, I hold to a standard of choosing entertainment that reinforces my values so things that glorify evil and darkness, stories where the protagonists are perpetrating crimes, etc aren't allowed in. A lot of horror movies that glorify the occult and only promote fear of the supernatural are also out. But great sweeping fantasy epics with wizards or magic or potent evil powers that are defeated in the end and the world is saved are in. And if God ever gives me a spiritual smack upside the head that something is not good for me, I'm willing to give it up. But God is the one who brings conviction, searching for something to feel guilty or worry about isn't conviction nor is it healthy.
Indeed im in several Christian nerd groups and most hold to that. But some go far enough to say if your even watching something (like marvel movies ) you are practicing witchcraft which I dont see in the bible tbh blue posted the actual definition of the biblical occult and its not much I already avoid if its satanic and its not depicted as evil than thats a big no.
 

Kojikun

Well-known member
Oct 5, 2018
4,658
2,721
113
#10
Koji, oh man how frustrating that your mind is not feeling sound, that the word isn't helping you find peace. I know He is able to use this season for good though, if You seek Him first.

Tinkerbell, what you said about facebook, as someone who overuses it, I agree. Really anything that we spend too much time, focus, money and energy on can be counterproductive to our well-being with the Lord.

He forever wooes us, though, calling us up to Him, directing us away from distractions. I believe it is good that you are unsettled if He is pricking your conscious, if you are grieving the spirit.

Koji, I will pray for you. 🙏❤
I have scruples so its difficult to differentiate my concience and Ocd sometimes I can but others the "what if takes hold" but still a fast from this stuff would be good I think....I just got to find something I can do
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,693
7,176
113
#11
I have scruples so its difficult to differentiate my concience and Ocd sometimes I can but others the "what if takes hold" but still a fast from this stuff would be good I think....I just got to find something I can do
Oh yeah, I get that. I have a hyper mind, super analytical and with my hormonal season that runs a muck, I understand more than u know.

Would you agree that means we have to be extra mindful of our choices. Like sometimes, I'll get to overthinking, a gerbil on a treadmill, no focus. My sleep and appetite are off. I have a really hard time slowing my mind down. So that means, I have to to find healthy ways to chill my buzzing thoughts.

I use to think it was as simple as if I ate right and exercised just the right amount of time, that everything would balance out. And while it all helps, chilling out is not always easy or simple as that.

Prayer, Laughter, nature and sleep helps though.

I hope you are being merciful with yourself as you work through the what ifs. I really do understand it isn't a simple fix sometimes.
 

Deade

Called of God
Dec 17, 2017
16,724
10,531
113
78
Vinita, Oklahoma, USA
yeshuaofisrael.org
#13
Koji, I know you are confused but God has better things for you. Listen to blue's advice and inspect all your hobbies. Set aside anything doubtful and study God's word. If God is calling you into His light just go with it. You are in my David's Fixed Heart group so go to my website download my first book and study chapter seven "New Age of Old Tricks." 3spin-grin.gif
 

Kojikun

Well-known member
Oct 5, 2018
4,658
2,721
113
#14
Koji, I know you are confused but God has better things for you. Listen to blue's advice and inspect all your hobbies. Set aside anything doubtful and study God's word. If God is calling you into His light just go with it. You are in my David's Fixed Heart group so go to my website download my first book and study chapter seven "New Age of Old Tricks." View attachment 201824
I have countless times. I may check into a mental health facility for a bit to get my mind straightened out. If I where to set aside doubtful things it would be everything the Bible included its not always doubtful nor is everything I do but I think a break is what I need tbh a fasting so to speak
 

Mii

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2019
2,081
1,329
113
#15
I have countless times. I may check into a mental health facility for a bit to get my mind straightened out. If I where to set aside doubtful things it would be everything the Bible included its not always doubtful nor is everything I do but I think a break is what I need tbh a fasting so to speak
Depends on the facility. My experience has been rather dark with institutions...experimental drug pushing is a big turn off. Unless you've had good experiences.

I'd be more interested in a retreat center when I get to "headspaces" like the one you are in. Take a break from everything I'm doing and just spend some time in nature with other people around if things get "hairy".

That is if things are at a critical juncture.

Idk you personally but fire therapy has always been helpful for me. Something about the chaotic equation/energy release has always taken the edge off of anything. Allows my thoughts to settle down and to listen more because I have a task to focus on/tend. I bring my bible but only if it's a STRONG sense that I need to read it.

When something like that hits us out of nowhere, and the implications of such things, our minds can spiral out of control so change your venue, get some food, drink some water, take a shower, go for a power walk. Anything to distract you but at the same time be open to the Lord and what HE has to say not some random onslaught attack designed to rattle you. No idea which it is because I've experienced stuff like that also. Something that doesn't allow you any time to think and feels like an onslaught with no breathing room to do anything but panic and sends your anxiety through the roof I'm inclined to believe is an attack.

Spending some time in psalms usually lifts me up regardless of what side of the spectrum I'm vacillating toward.

Edit: I'll post @The OP but I need to take some time to collect my thoughts on that. It's a deep topic that needs the proper care.
 

Mii

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2019
2,081
1,329
113
#16
Ohhh Kay.

So, it took me a bit of time to collect my thoughts on this issue. I'm in the same boat as you are except it's not rocking as hard and the waves are relatively calm.

I came to that realization about 3ish years ago but I also had always noticed the energy output and how it "changed" things that I didn't willingly give it up because I was still attracted in a "closeted" kind of way.

I still believed the Lord could work in it or that it was my path/purpose/destiny somehow just because I had a gifting with knowing how a lot of that stuff functioned as well as being able to spot it I felt like it was for me. As well as the amount of time I had already invested in it. The mental resources that were already allocated for that purpose. I still remember films from my childhood, so I know there's quite a bit of nonsense in my mind :p

The time spent element factors in for most people but this is where I get led to...Matthew 20:1-16. Not to say you are just coming to know the Lord or anything just that time is not a factor in God's economy in the same way we view it.

Now you could go from there onto eternal rewards/treasure but personally I think that can be shaky ground. I've heard of a good few believers say well...if you sin it's ok because you'll just lose rewards NOT salvation. Sin on purpose is serious business.


Those things suffered a slow death in my life, I kept it in the closet and when I just craved a lie I would dig it out so to speak...I can't say it's completely dead because occasionally I still dream that way.


Now I am at the point where I can hardly conceptualize my attraction/interest in those things. They are lies. The enemy will tantalize you with "secret knowledge" or "hidden manna" (<---that's what it is for me). Energy that the Lord is holding back from me for some reason.

That's where I have to stop and take a spiritual inventory. Is the Lord withholding? Potentially. Then comes the why? Is it possible that I have enlarged my appetite beyond his provision?

I looked for that stuff in films/tv/books. It's there but as an outright lie. When one is seeking truth, those things begin to be unsatisfying.

All it did was awaken a deep hunger (so did other things on the internet) something that legitimately cannot be filled by those things. Which is what makes it so insidious.

I could keep typing for far too long about the subject because it was/is a daily struggle wrapped up in the flesh.

The problem with focusing on this is you can psyche yourself out about it and the mind can be pretty powerful with creating its own fabrications. Imagine when you are scared in the woods and shadows become something else entirely...primal fear of the dark sort of thing.

This is hard for me to speak to because it's "slippery". Personal conversations are a tad easier or IM but know that deliverance is real and it isn't always "fun" or "smooth". Count the cost of picking up your cross...


So then, if all your hobbies are in error. Get new hobbies? It sounds trite...but there are plenty of things to do that we feel like we don't like to do but if we treat them as a discipline we have a deeper rooted joy in them vs happiness.

There are plenty of scriptures regarding these issues, but depending on "how" you read them I would be careful. Love is patient. If you feel like you can't even catch a breath and feel sucked down into a vortex of swirling emotions...cry out!


Do you like nature? That's an excellent place to start, I would also consider fasting about it.

A useful way for me personally to look at it was...if it's true it will endure in my life. It's not going anywhere so there's no reason not to "shut the door" so to speak. You know where to find it...if a time comes when you can't find it...Praise God, he moved you past it :)

As always, continue to pray about it. Run to a rock that is higher than yourself.
@Kojikun
 

Kojikun

Well-known member
Oct 5, 2018
4,658
2,721
113
#17
Ohhh Kay.

So, it took me a bit of time to collect my thoughts on this issue. I'm in the same boat as you are except it's not rocking as hard and the waves are relatively calm.

I came to that realization about 3ish years ago but I also had always noticed the energy output and how it "changed" things that I didn't willingly give it up because I was still attracted in a "closeted" kind of way.

I still believed the Lord could work in it or that it was my path/purpose/destiny somehow just because I had a gifting with knowing how a lot of that stuff functioned as well as being able to spot it I felt like it was for me. As well as the amount of time I had already invested in it. The mental resources that were already allocated for that purpose. I still remember films from my childhood, so I know there's quite a bit of nonsense in my mind :p

The time spent element factors in for most people but this is where I get led to...Matthew 20:1-16. Not to say you are just coming to know the Lord or anything just that time is not a factor in God's economy in the same way we view it.

Now you could go from there onto eternal rewards/treasure but personally I think that can be shaky ground. I've heard of a good few believers say well...if you sin it's ok because you'll just lose rewards NOT salvation. Sin on purpose is serious business.


Those things suffered a slow death in my life, I kept it in the closet and when I just craved a lie I would dig it out so to speak...I can't say it's completely dead because occasionally I still dream that way.


Now I am at the point where I can hardly conceptualize my attraction/interest in those things. They are lies. The enemy will tantalize you with "secret knowledge" or "hidden manna" (<---that's what it is for me). Energy that the Lord is holding back from me for some reason.

That's where I have to stop and take a spiritual inventory. Is the Lord withholding? Potentially. Then comes the why? Is it possible that I have enlarged my appetite beyond his provision?

I looked for that stuff in films/tv/books. It's there but as an outright lie. When one is seeking truth, those things begin to be unsatisfying.

All it did was awaken a deep hunger (so did other things on the internet) something that legitimately cannot be filled by those things. Which is what makes it so insidious.

I could keep typing for far too long about the subject because it was/is a daily struggle wrapped up in the flesh.

The problem with focusing on this is you can psyche yourself out about it and the mind can be pretty powerful with creating its own fabrications. Imagine when you are scared in the woods and shadows become something else entirely...primal fear of the dark sort of thing.

This is hard for me to speak to because it's "slippery". Personal conversations are a tad easier or IM but know that deliverance is real and it isn't always "fun" or "smooth". Count the cost of picking up your cross...


So then, if all your hobbies are in error. Get new hobbies? It sounds trite...but there are plenty of things to do that we feel like we don't like to do but if we treat them as a discipline we have a deeper rooted joy in them vs happiness.

There are plenty of scriptures regarding these issues, but depending on "how" you read them I would be careful. Love is patient. If you feel like you can't even catch a breath and feel sucked down into a vortex of swirling emotions...cry out!


Do you like nature? That's an excellent place to start, I would also consider fasting about it.

A useful way for me personally to look at it was...if it's true it will endure in my life. It's not going anywhere so there's no reason not to "shut the door" so to speak. You know where to find it...if a time comes when you can't find it...Praise God, he moved you past it :)

As always, continue to pray about it. Run to a rock that is higher than yourself.
@Kojikun
not too found of nature usually some sites take my breath away....but nothing around here. Find new hobbies? The problem is at this point I'll probably find something wrong with them as well unfortunately.
 

Mii

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2019
2,081
1,329
113
#18
not too found of nature usually some sites take my breath away....but nothing around here. Find new hobbies? The problem is at this point I'll probably find something wrong with them as well unfortunately.
It's really hard to find wrong things in nature. It does bring up deep questions but they are productive questions in my experience.

What things about nature are you not too fond of? Weather? Insects? Human intrusion? Animals? Technological absence?



I keep trying to write out a long post but I keep erasing stuff because I get in darker headspaces at night so I'll just leave it for now. Rest and trust in Jesus. The enemy is certainly at work in the world but he is a liar. Changing your venue is not a bad thing...it may be uncomfortable and does require discipline but we are soldiers.

I'll post a bit more tomorrow when I get some sleepies. Thoughts and doubts can gnaw and wriggle deep down when we focus on ourselves too much (especially at night :( ). Our works, our ideas, our creations. Not to say it's all of no worth but our worth is in him. If we abide not in him, it is of no worth. Hard truth for me personally. Greater is he that is in you than he that is the world.

Also Romans 8:28.

Night.
 

Subhumanoidal

Well-known member
Sep 17, 2018
4,041
3,143
113
#19
@Kojikun
It really comes down to two choices. Take an "it's all wrong" stance or find a middle ground you're comfortable with.
I once heard someone explain why he disliked Harry Potter, yet was ok with LotR.
In HP the magic was focused on. It was heavily emphasized as being important and even detailed.
LotR treated the magic as this vague thing that merely aids the characters but is not deeply delved into.
And he felt that the one that had more of a magic teaching was a wrong focus while having the magic as a passive element to something greater was an acceptable use.
Perhaps considering a similar approach if finding where you consider a line crossed may make it easier for you to set your own limits.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#20
Gardening.

Is very therapeutic and gets you in the sunshine, very good vitamin D. Especially for nerdy types holed up in dark dungeons wasting away like vampires. I wouldnt wish that kind of dark lifestyle on anyone.

Start easy with pots and herbs and terrariums. Then branch out to veges, and then try cuttings and flowers.
You will then trade magic for miracles.