What practices in Deuteronomy 18:9 should Christians avoid in today's culture?

Setting the Scene

“When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.” (Deuteronomy 18:9)

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What Moses Was Warning About

Reading the next two verses (vv. 10–11) fills in the details:

– child sacrifice

– divination

– sorcery

– interpreting omens

– witchcraft

– casting spells

– consulting mediums or spiritists

– necromancy (seeking the dead)

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Modern Parallels Christians Should Avoid

• Any involvement in the occult—tarot cards, fortune-telling, crystal healing, astrology, horoscopes, ouija boards, séances, pendulum swinging, or automatic writing

• New Age channeling, spirit guides, energy readings, psychic hotlines, aura photography

• Wicca, witchcraft practices, spell books, or “white magic” rituals, even when marketed as harmless or empowering

• Pop-culture fascination with curses or hexes, including social-media “spell-casting” trends

• Spiritist or medium services offered online, at fairs, or in private sessions

• Games or entertainment that simulate occult rituals, summon spirits, or glorify demonic powers

• Music, literature, or movies that invite participation in dark spiritual ceremonies

• Abortion as the contemporary echo of child sacrifice (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5)

• Any attempt to manipulate future events through supernatural forces rather than trusting God’s providence (Proverbs 3:5–6)

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Why These Practices Remain Dangerous

• They open the door to deception by “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30).

• They place human curiosity above God’s revealed will (Isaiah 8:19–20).

• They rely on powers Christ has already defeated (Colossians 2:15).

• They compromise spiritual clarity; the Holy Spirit will not share lordship with occult influences (1 Corinthians 10:20–21).

• They dull the conscience and can enslave (Galatians 5:19–21).

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Positive Alternatives

• Seek God’s guidance through Scripture and prayer (Psalm 119:105; James 1:5).

• Practice discernment—test every spirit (1 John 4:1).

• Cultivate fellowship and accountability in a Bible-believing church (Hebrews 10:24–25).

• Fill heart and mind with what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

• Celebrate the freedom Christ provides; burn or discard occult objects as believers did in Acts 19:19.