Topical Bible: Ouija Board

◄ Ouija Board ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Description:
A Ouija board, also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0-9, and the words "yes," "no," and "goodbye." It is used as a tool for divination or communication with spirits. Participants place their fingers on a small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic called a planchette, which is believed to move to spell out messages during a session.

Historical Context:
The modern Ouija board was patented in the late 19th century and gained popularity as a parlor game. However, the concept of using a board for spiritual communication has ancient roots, with similar practices found in various cultures throughout history.

Biblical Perspective:
The Bible does not mention the Ouija board specifically, as it is a modern invention. However, it provides clear guidance on practices related to divination, spiritism, and communication with the dead. These practices are consistently condemned in Scripture as they are seen as attempts to gain forbidden knowledge and power, which should be sought from God alone.

Relevant Biblical Passages:

1. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 : "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 spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."

· This passage explicitly forbids practices associated with divination and spiritism, categorizing them as detestable to God. The use of a Ouija board would fall under these prohibited activities.

2. Leviticus 19:31 : "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God."

· Here, the Israelites are warned against seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists, emphasizing the defiling nature of such practices.

3. Isaiah 8:19 : "When they say to you, 'Consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,' should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?"

· This verse challenges the logic of seeking guidance from the dead rather than from God, highlighting the futility and danger of such practices.

4. Acts 16:16-18 : "One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued this for many days. Eventually, Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' And the spirit left her at that very moment."

· This New Testament account demonstrates the apostolic authority over spirits and the rejection of divination, as Paul casts out the spirit of divination from the girl.

Theological Implications:
From a biblical standpoint, the use of a Ouija board is seen as an attempt to access spiritual realms outside of God's ordained means. It is considered a form of divination and is associated with the occult, which is strictly prohibited in Scripture. Engaging in such practices is believed to open individuals to spiritual deception and harm, as it involves seeking knowledge and guidance apart from God.

Pastoral Considerations:
Christian leaders often counsel against the use of Ouija boards, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's sovereignty and to trust in His provision for their spiritual needs, avoiding practices that could lead them away from a faithful relationship with Him.

Topical Bible Verses

Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
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Leviticus 20:6
And the soul that turns after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
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2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he worked much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
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