What defines spiritualism?

Definition and Overview

Spiritualism can be broadly described as the attempt to communicate with or understand realities and beings beyond the physical world through supernatural means—often involving mediums, séances, or channeling. In many modern contexts, it centers on contacting the spirits of the deceased or tapping into hidden spiritual forces. This practice presupposes that there are realms or dimensions outside of mainstream experience and seeks guidance or revelation from those realms.

From the perspective of the Bible, spiritualism is not merely an alternative way to explore the supernatural; it can involve dangerous engagement with occult or demonic forces. Instead, Scripture consistently calls believers to a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, to test all spirits, and to avoid counterfeit spiritual practices.

Biblical Understanding of Spiritual Beings

The Bible presents a clear reality of spiritual beings. God is declared to be Spirit:

• “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Scripture also affirms the existence of angels, who serve as God’s messengers (e.g., Luke 1:26–38, Hebrews 1:14), and of fallen angels or demons, who seek to deceive humanity (2 Corinthians 11:14–15, Ephesians 6:12). Because these spiritual entities exist and can influence the physical realm, the Bible warns believers to discern carefully which spiritual powers they engage.

Spiritualism vs. Biblical Spirituality

1. Source of Authority

Spiritualism frequently relies on human mediums or practices such as necromancy, fortune-telling, or psychic readings. By contrast, biblical spirituality is anchored in God’s revealed Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and completed in the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

2. Nature of Communication

Where spiritualism attempts to contact or channel disembodied spirits—often those presumed to be the spirits of the departed—the Bible underscores that God alone is the source of truth, and He has explicitly forbidden attempting to consult the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10–11). Instead, believers are directed to pray to the Lord and rely on Scripture for divine revelation (2 Timothy 3:16).

3. Goal of Engagement

The ultimate goal for many who dabble in spiritualism is personal knowledge, power, or comfort from departed souls. The biblical approach to spirituality seeks to deepen one’s relationship with God, pursue holiness, and conform to the likeness of Christ for eternal life (Romans 8:29).

Scriptural Warnings Against Spiritualism

1. Prohibition of Necromancy and Mediums: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or familiar spirit, or inquires of the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:10–11) This passage condemns attempts to derive knowledge or power from any source other than God.

2. Saul’s Consultations with a Medium: When King Saul sought counsel from a medium, it ultimately contributed to his downfall (1 Chronicles 10:13–14). Scripture expressly declares that he died for being unfaithful to the Lord.

3. Testing the Spirits: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1). The focus is on discerning truth from deceptive spirits that might masquerade as the departed or as angels of light.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

True spirituality, according to the Bible, does not involve seeking contact with departed souls or relying on human mediums. Instead, it focuses on the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), leads them into all truth (John 16:13), and provides the genuine power behind conversion, sanctification, and ministry (Acts 1:8). Through the Holy Spirit:

• Believers receive guidance and strength (Romans 8:14).

• The truths of Scripture are illuminated (1 Corinthians 2:10–12).

• The character of Christ is mirrored in their lives (Galatians 5:22–23).

Evidence From Scripture and History

1. Scriptural Consistency: The biblical text—spread across 66 books and penned by approximately 40 authors over centuries—consistently rebukes illicit engagement with spirits (Isaiah 8:19; 1 Timothy 4:1).

2. Archaeological and Manuscript Confirmation: Multiple archaeological finds (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls) corroborate the authenticity and careful transmission of biblical manuscripts. These discoveries demonstrate the reliability of biblical warnings concerning spiritualistic practices. Scholars such as Dr. James White and Dr. Dan Wallace have documented the remarkably faithful copying processes evident in ancient manuscripts.

3. Practiced Throughout History: Instances of spiritualism can be traced throughout history—whether through ancient pagan rites or more recent movements like 19th-century séances. Scripture repeatedly confirms that such practices are not new (e.g., mediums in Canaan, 1 Samuel 28).

Distinguishing Biblical Faith from Spiritualism

• Relationship over Ritual: A believer’s walk is centered on a personal trust in God, reliance on Christ’s atoning work, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:9–10).

• Hope in the Resurrection: Rather than seeking comfort from the dead, the Bible directs attention to the resurrected Christ, who holds power over life and death (1 Corinthians 15:14–20).

• God’s Sovereignty and Glory: All pursuit of the supernatural must honor God’s sovereignty. Any practice aiming to bypass or undermine the authority of Scripture is counted as disobedience (Jeremiah 10:2).

Conclusion

Spiritualism is defined by its attempts to access or interact with the spiritual realm on terms other than those God has provided. While it recognizes the existence of something beyond the physical world, spiritualism’s methods and goals often stand in sharp contrast to biblical teaching and can open doors to deceptive influences.

True spiritual life according to Scripture points to Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the revealed Word of God. The believer’s confidence rests in the relationship God has established and sustained by His power, ensuring that authentic guidance comes from the Holy Spirit rather than pursuits the Lord has clearly forbidden.

Ultimately, what sets biblical spirituality apart is its foundation on God’s authority, the work of Christ on the cross and in the resurrection, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. By aligning ourselves with these truths, we honor the Creator of the universe and safeguard against counterfeit spiritual practices.