Block, SkipCaptcha, Automoderated users, edit, rollback
6,613
edits
Changes
a good reference for this bit
Many of these practices are widely regarded as [[superstition]] with no functional basis, and thus ineffective - the [[divination]] rituals will provide no insight into the future, the spells have no influence and the demons will not appear. However, the occult does have fervent [[believer]]s. Further, the presence of warnings in the [[Bible]] against various practices that would now be regarded as occult demonstrates there is a level of truth and real danger behind them.
Many of these practices are widely regarded as [[superstition]] with no functional basis, and thus ineffective - the [[divination]] rituals will provide no insight into the future, the spells have no influence and the demons will not appear. However, the occult does have fervent [[believer]]s. Further, the presence of warnings in the [[Bible]] against various practices that would now be regarded as occult demonstrates there is a level of truth and real danger behind them.
Many [[Christians]] see the occult as being profoundly [[evil]], criminal, destructive, life threatening, and/or [[Satanism|Satanic]]. Some Christians take this further, and argue that even fictional depictions of occult practices (such as [[fantasy]] books) or non-supernatural recreations ([[magician]]s' performances) may be dangerous.
Many [[Christians]] see the occult as being profoundly [[evil]], criminal, destructive, life threatening, and/or [[Satanism|Satanic]]. Some Christians take this further, and argue that even fictional depictions of occult practices (such as [[fantasy]] books) or non-supernatural recreations ([[magician]]s' performances) may be dangerous. For example, in 2006 the [[Bishop]] of Bolton implored retailers not to stock traditional Halloween merchandise, saying that 'occult practices should not be condoned, even if they are only being presented in a caricatured, light-hearted form.'<ref>[http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr9106.html Church of England]</ref>
Concerning occult practices, the [[Israelites]] were told:
Concerning occult practices, the [[Israelites]] were told: