Last year I wrote a post specifically addressing the question "Should Christians Ghost Hunt?" as well as Is Ghost Hunting a Sin?. Not unlike people who are attracted to the idea of ghost hunting via psuedo-reality programs such as Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, and Ghost Lab, many Christians are continuing to express an interest in paranormal investigation. In fact, groups are forming which specifically identify themselves as Christian Ghost Hunters.
The question I often hear from people who enjoy watching these programs about ghost hunting or are drawn to paranormal investigation themselves is "What's the harm?". What is the big deal about Christians believing in ghosts or wanting to be part of a ghost hunting team? Don't ghost hunters help people?
When it comes to ghost hunting there are two important points Christians must keep in mind:
1) God condemns communication with the dead or seeking out people who do so:
When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God?{Should they} {consult} the dead on behalf of the living? Isaiah 8:19 (NAS)
2) Spiritual deception:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
I believe ghost hunting it is a spiritually risky activity and causes great harm because it re-enforces the belief that human spirits haunt or communicate with the living. I don't believe the Bible supports that idea but rather strongly suggests human spirits go either to be with the Lord or a place of judgment (Luke 16: 19-31). Ghost hunting can also draw unsuspecting people into other occult related interests and activities (which is sin).
I believe what most people think of as ghosts and hauntings are demonic spirits masquerading as deceased human beings with the intent of drawing people away from God and His revealed plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. While these situations do need to be addressed, ghost hunting techniques (paranormal investigation) are not the answer. What's needed are Christians with the gift of discernment who are willing to listen to what people are claiming and then be prepared to offer assistance through prayer, spiritual warfare, Biblical counsel, and pointing people to Jesus Christ.
Ghost hunting is a distraction and misses the point.
There is a lot of potential spiritual harm for anyone participating in or seeking out a ghost hunting or paranormal investigation and is the reason Christians would do better to avoid these activities altogether.
It sounds like you have a gift of spiritual discernment as well which reminds me of a guy named Jonathon Welton who appeared on Sid Roth's TV program "Supernatural." I watched his archived interview online and also discovered he has a book about developing this gift from a biblically based perspective titled "The School of the Seers: A Practical Guide on How to See in the Unseen Realm." Thank God for the internet or I'd never know or hear about any of this stuff.
Interesting. I will have to look into the book.
I have not read the book but judging from the reviews it sounds interesting and is on my wish list. The thing is so many people are hungry for this type of knowledge and the only areas being addressed are the popular ghost hunting & psychic/medium shows (which I still watch). It's not until it dawned on me to start searching the web for people that got out of that type of stuff (like you) that I found out there is a better and safer alternative. I really like Sid Roth because to me he is talking about stuff that I've never heard of from religious people.
The thing many Christians forget is God does gift all of us with spiritual gifts, meant to bring Him glory and build up the church. The harm comes in seeking things outside of God's will such as through occult means.
Thank you Kristine… I am a Christian who got caught up in desiring to seek out tangible Supernatural Phenomenon. I've been looking for biblical material that's correct and accountable to the Bible to counsel me in my redemption from Ghost hunting. I completely agree with you in your comment about
Ghost hunting is a distraction and misses the point. It mis leads our faith and takes it away desiring to seek results rather than believing itself.. Why go to the proof when God settles for Faith alone. Why Satan for entertainment? This I'm guilty of and no longer want to walk around deceived. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! I'm so glad this post has been helpful to you as you move forward. Praise God for what He's done and continues to do in your life!
I'm quite confused, not to say I am disagreeing with you, but I'm in the middle of agreement and disagreement. I and a friend are about to start up a ghost investigation team…we are in our 16's. She and I both have a strong walk with God, and we also have a strong passion for hunting. Now I don't know what to do! I'm still very confused about this. Why is it so bad to ghost hunt, if we both have strong walks with God, and have hunted before? I would really love an answer, so we don't make a team, and then call it off, or make something that is potentionally hampering every member's walk with God.
Also, is it bad to still watch those series like "Ghost Hunters", "Ghost Adventures" and "Paranormal Witness"?
The problem with ghost hunting is that what you would be doing is seeking out demonic spirits. Ghost hunters use video, digital photos, and recording devices in an attempt to capture "proof" of a haunting. Is this not a form of communication (especially with EVP work?). I've written several articles why I don't believe Christians should mess with ghost hunting. The most important thing to consider is what does scripture say? Is this an activity God wants you to participate in? As I've read the Bible the only answer I find is an emphatic "no". You would be wise to stay away from ghost hunting. It only will open up doors to the occult realm in your lives which are better left alone.