What modern practices might equate to sacrificing to "demons" as in Deuteronomy 32:17? Deuteronomy 32:17—The Timeless Warning “They sacrificed to demons, not to God— to gods they had not known, to newly appeared gods that your fathers did not fear.” What “Sacrificing to Demons” Means • A deliberate act of giving honor, allegiance, or resources to spiritual powers opposed to the LORD (1 Corinthians 10:19-21). • Any practice that exchanges God’s truth for a lie and invites dark influence (Romans 1:22-25). Modern Parallels in Personal Life • Occult involvement—tarot, astrology, Ouija boards, channeling, séances, spell-casting (Leviticus 19:31; Acts 19:19). • New Age “energy” rituals, crystals, spirit guides, or yoga explicitly aimed at awakening “kundalini” spirits. • Substance abuse that opens the mind to altered states, welcomed in pagan rites (Galatians 5:19-21). • Pornography and sexual immorality treated as an offering to pleasure-gods (Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5 calls covetousness “idolatry”). • Abortion—echoing child sacrifice to Molech (Leviticus 18:21; Psalm 106:37-38). Modern Parallels in Culture and Society • Entertainment that glorifies witchcraft, vampirism, or explicit demonic themes—viewed repeatedly, funded willingly. • Materialism and consumerism where possessions become the functional deity (Matthew 6:24). • Political or social movements that demand ultimate loyalty above obedience to Christ (Acts 5:29). • Technological transhumanism promising god-like enhancement, sidelining the Creator (Genesis 11:4-6 reimagined). • Corporate or governmental corruption profiting by oppression—sacrificing people on the altar of greed (Micah 2:1-2; James 5:1-6). Why This Still Matters • “What fellowship does light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). • Behind every idol stands a real spiritual enemy seeking worship (1 Timothy 4:1). • God’s people are called to expose, not participate in, the fruitless deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Guardrails for the Believer • Regularly test practices by Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s witness (1 John 4:1). • Flee anything that competes with wholehearted devotion to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:14). • Replace counterfeit worship with true—prayer, Scripture, fellowship, serving others (Romans 12:1-2). • Walk in the armor of God, standing firm against schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). |
    |