Did you know? Occult "Paganism is now the 7th largest organized religion in the US ? Why is the occult now poised to have an impact on every family in America? Will someone you love be influenced by Wicca, Psychics, or Magick? The possibility might be more likely then you think.
1 Peter 3:15
1 Peter 3:15
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
As the influences of the Occult has become more pervasive in our culture, it is imperative for the Christian to be well equipped, not only spiritually, as we are instructed from Ephanians 6:10-17, but also intellectually, to be able to stand firmly in the faith. Always remembering that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, and we must put on the full armor of God so that we will be able to Stand Firm in the faith.
** (Stand Firm in the Faith has been given permission to reproduce the letter by James Walker of Watchman Fellowship.) Also, there is No relation to this blog's writers and Allison DuBois who is mentioned in the letter.)
August 29, 2008 Dear Friends,
The math does not look good. Odds are, someone very close to you-your daughter, your brother, your best friend, or a coworker will become deeply involved with the occult. And if your family member or friend is younger (ages 18-35), the danger is much higher. I want to encourage you to make copies of the Profile and give them to every Christian you know. Why?Occult practices such as psychics, communication with the dead, astrology, and Wicca (witchcraft) are no longer seen as "kooky." Boosted by an incredible public relations makeover, the occult has now become part of our cultural mainstream. The occult is now attracting a growing number of well-educated and affluent devotees, including many coming from traditional Christian homes. Most of us never saw this coming.
Thirty years ago, most experts predicted that America was becoming a secular nation. They thought that by now--- the early 21st Century, most Americans would either be Christians, believing in Jesus, or they would be atheists, believing in nothing at all. Well...the experts were wrong! It seems that as our country slowly drifts away from traditional Christian faith, we are not seeing the huge "revival" in secular humanism and atheism that was predicted. When people stop believing the Bible, they don't believe nothing -they believe everything!
In my recent book, The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality, (1) I discussed the amazing resurgence of contemporary occultism:
There is also widespread interest in the occult as reflected by popular TV programs such as NBC's Medium. The drama is reportedly based on the true-life psychic, Allison DuBois, who allegedly makes contact with the dead. In 2006, John Edward Cross Country was launched on the WE network as a sequel to Edward's earlier show, Crossing Over, and best-selling book by the same title featuring alleged psychic communication with the dead. CBS has also joined the party with the hit series Ghost Whisperer, which stars, Jennifer Love Hewitt.
The country's fascination with the occult and witchcraft goes far beyond television programming, reaching into the core beliefs of millions of Americans. A 2003 Harris poll reveals that almost one in three Americans (31 percent) now believe in Astrology, an ancient, occult divination practice going back to biblical times (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). More telling in the Harris survey is the age demographic. When polling younger Americans (ages 25-29) belief in Astrology jumps to an unprecedented 43 percent. (2)The growing impact of the occult can also be measured by comparing its sheer number with those of other religions. Based on research conducted at the Graduate School of the City University of New York by sociologists Barry A. Kosmin and Seymour P. Lauchman, Paganism (as represented by Wiccans, Pagans, and Druids) now ranks as the seventh largest organized religion in America with an estimated 433,267 adherents as of 2004. (3)Jesus said, "Beware of false Prophets..Every Christian in America needs to be brief on the roots of occultism and its current impact on our culture. More importantly, every generation of believers needs to be reminded of what the scriptures teach about the occult. Jesus said "Beware of false prophets..." (Matt. 7:15). We can't "beware" unless we are first "aware." That's why I've written the profile.I want to encourage you to pass out copies to everyone in your Sunday School clsss, Bible study, or home fellowship group. This issue will touch every Christian you know-either directly or indirectly. ( You can receive the profile by contacting Watchman Fellowship - http://www.watchman.org/ or P.O. Box 13340, Arlington, TX. 76094________________________________
Prayer Requests!I want to thank each of you who prayed for us and/or supported us financially through the summer. We have survived the summer but we still have a significant budget deficit we need to make up quickly. We really need the Lord to touch the hearts of more partners who believe in our mission and are willing to stand with us. I want to encourage you to make a fiancial donation. Please consider becoming a monthly support partner in our work. Finally, I am teaching a course this semester, New Age Spirituality and the Occult, at Criswell College in Dallas. I am having an unusual guest come in the class to speak to our students and take questions. He is a Wiccan high priest and the author of a popular book on witchcraft. I have had several interesting and productive conversations with him in the past. Please pray that the Lord would guide my students and me in our questions and use our dialogue to touch him with the truth of the gospel of grace.Yours in Christ,James K. Walker, President
1. James K. Walker, The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality, (Eugene, Or. Harvest House Publishers, 2007) pp. 7-8
2. "The Religious and Other Beliefs of Americans 2003," [Online] URL http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359.
3. Top Ten ORGANIZED Religions in the United States 2001" (with updated 2004 estimates) [Online] URL http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.htm#Pew_branches.