Can We Talk to the Dead? Part 1 of 2

"They See Dead People!" was the eerie title of acontact them advisable? Is this the best way to
haunting article in the November 7, 2005 issue ofreceive comfort? Make no mistake about it: real spirits
People magazine. "What is it with the dearlydo inhabit our atmosphere, and they often do claim to
departed?" wrote an unnamed author, "Seems they'rebe the spirits of the dead. But are they really? Our
everywhere lately. Ghosts, ghouls and spirits arefamily used to have a housekeeper named Mary who
invading prime time (Medium, Ghost Whisperer,told us point blank that after her husband died his spirit
Supernatural) and buying second yachts for popvisited her. "I saw him myself," Mary reported. "His spirit
psychics like John Edward" (1).walked right through the screen door into my bedroom
Indeed. The idea of 'talking to the dead' has goneand talked to me!" Was it really her husband? How
mainstream. As reported by People, Hollywood hascan we know? Just because a spirit looks, talks, and
recently produced multiple TV series centered aroundacts like a dead person, is this proof it is really that
the fascinating possibility of contacting or beingperson?
influenced by those on the 'other side.'Personally, I believe the Bible. Paul wrote, "We walk by
NBC's Medium is a prime example about a womanfaith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). This means that no
who helps law officers solve crimes throughmatter what our sight, senses, or feelings may tell us,
supernatural assistance from the 'disembodied.'we should trust God and His Word first and foremost.
Released in January of 2005, Medium continues toThis is the true Christian position. So what about talking
garner rave reviews. In the spring of 2005, NBC airedto the dead? Does the Bible say anything about it?
Revelations, a supposedly biblical apocalyptic thrillerGet ready for a shock: The Bible categorically forbids
with a storyline that included the spirit of a dead girlall communication with the spirits of dead people.
mouthing messages through the placid lips of anotherIn Deuteronomy 18:9-12, God lists various occult
comatose girl about the 'End of Days.' Not to bepractices that His people should avoid like the bird flu.
outdone by competition, CBS then premiered Ghost"When you come into the land," God commanded, "you
Whisperer about Melinda Gordon, a woman able toshall not learn to follow the abominations of those
"see and talk to dead people".nations." What abominations? Note carefully: "There
Not only is Hollywood fictitiously bringing the dead toshall not be found among you anyone... who conjures
life, but also real-life mediums like John Edward, Jamesspells or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up
Van Praagh, Lisa Williams and Sylvia Browne are nowthe dead. For all who do these things are an
raking in non-fiction dollars by connecting with realabomination to the Lord" (verses 10 and 11, NKJV, italics
spirits on TV. James Van Praagh is Co-Executiveadded). Again God warned, "Give no regard to
Producer of Ghost Whisperer. The CBS websitemediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to
promoting the show previously contained a sectionbe defiled by them: I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 19:31,
called "The Spirit World According to James VanNKJV, italics added).
Praagh" which even showed pictures of "spookyThese verses are clear. God forbids any involvement
visitors" right on the set.with "mediums" or "spiritists," and He specifically forbids
Then there's White Noise, a scary movie about a deadtrying to contact the dead. NBC, CBS, James Van
woman making contact with her grieving husbandPraagh, John Edward, Sylvia Browne, the producers of
through "Electronic Voice Phenomenon" (EVP). EVP isWhite Noise, and countless others may promote it, but
the idea that the spirits of the dead can talk to theGod plainly says, don't do it!
living by speaking directly through the 'white noise' orWhy not? Is God trying to prevent us from finding
static of common electronic recording devices. Theircomfort, or receiving real guidance from deceased
words can be recorded and then played back. That'sloved ones? No. His reason is simple. Mysterious
what the movie describes. The most frightening thing isnon-physical entities may look like, talk like, and act like
not the film, but the practice itself, which is actuallythe dead, but according to a careful study of the Book
promoted on the official White Noise web site asof books - they are not the dead. Who are they then?
something people can really do. There's even anRevelation lifts the veil by declaring, "For they are the
"American Association of Electronic Voicespirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto
Phenomenon" now offering resources, support andthe kings of the earth and of the whole world, to
conferences.gather them to the battle of that great day of God
There has never been such promotion of 'talking to theAlmighty" (Revelation 16:14, KJV, italics added). Here
dead' in all of history. Of course, the idea and practicethe Bible warns that the tricky activity of "spirits of
has always been around, but it has usually beendevils" will 'go global' right before the Day of the Lord.
relegated to séances, Ouija boards, andThis is happening right now.
isolated instances. Now Hollywood is behind it andGod loves us and wants to protect us.
books written by practicing mediums have becomeHe wants us to avoid having "fellowship with devils" (1
New York Times bestsellers.Corinthians 10:20, KJV).
Losing a loved one is incredibly painful, and it's naturalIn Part 2, we will discover in greater detail what the
to wish they were still here. It's perfectly normal to longBible has to say about talking to the dead.
to hear their voice and feel their touch. But is trying to1. People magazine, Nov. 7. 2005, p. 91.