The Spiritual Risks and Potential Benefits of Ouija Board Use: A Comprehensive Overview
The Ouija board, a popular tool for communicating with the alleged supernatural, has been a source of both fascination and controversy for decades. This article explores both the potential benefits and risks involved in its use, based on various personal anecdotes and biblical perspectives.
Personal Experiences with the Ouija Board
Several individuals have shared their personal experiences with the Ouija board, each with varying outcomes. One individual stated, "I worked the board alone. I got demon possessed. It took four years to get rid of the thing by extreme prayer, New Testament scripture meditation, and seeing an exorcist. Never use the board. It is not a toy." The personal risks associated with Ouija board use can be significant, including harm from attached spirits.
Another person recounts a more benign experience: "Yes, I played with a Ouija board with some friends years ago and it was kind of fun. It eventually got boring and we stopped." While seemingly harmless, these experiences can still carry underlying spiritual implications.
A third individual shares a detailed account, beginning with their experience in high school. They mentioned, "When I was in high school at age 15, we had free study periods with no supervision. A bit daft to let teenagers supervise themselves tbh, however I digress. So we tore up some letters and numbers and turned a plastic tumbler upside down. Asking the obvious 'Is there anybody there,' it flew to 'yes.' It turns out it was my friend Connie's grandmother who had died recently. Anyway, we asked all the usual questions that teenage girls ask. 'Who am I going to marry,' 'How many children will I have,' and so on."
Interestingly, the board predicted that Connie would marry a boy from their class. When Connie was not in school, the cup would not move, suggesting that an outside force was moving it. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Connie's finger was responsible. However, when everyone let go, the cup continued to move with Connie's finger alone, indicating that she was not the source. That night, none of them could sleep, and they decided never to play with the Ouija board again. The board's accuracy in predicting such mundane details left a lasting impression.
Exploring the Spiritual Risks and Potential Benefits
From a spiritual perspective, using a Ouija board is not recommended. The board is considered a tool of entertainment, cleverly manipulated by the planchette mover who dominates the direction to words, letters, and numbers for effect. However, it is believed that there is a sinister side to Ouija use.
According to occultists, any paranormal powers being channeled through the Ouija board are without risk to themselves. However, such practices engage demonic spirits, such as Satan and other fallen angels, which can pose a spiritual danger. These demonic spirits can offer limited supernatural facilitation or hidden knowledge through divination, posing as benign spirits, spirit guides, familiar spirits, ghosts, or an impersonal cosmic force. However, their primary motivation is to dissuade and distract humanity from God.
The Bible, in various passages, highlights the dangers of engaging with the occult. Genesis 3:1-7, Job 1:6-22, Matthew 4:1-11, James 4:6-7, and Ephesians 6:10-18 all warn against the dangers of engaging with spiritual forces. God, through the Holy Spirit, provides guidance and empowerment to those who serve Him. The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking restoration of fellowship with God and prayerfully calling upon Him through Christ Jesus, who has authority over all and offers forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Based on personal experiences and biblical teachings, the use of a Ouija board is not advisable. While some may find it interesting or even prophetic, the potential spiritual risks far outweigh any benefits. Instead, individuals are encouraged to seek a personal relationship with God, understanding their eternal destiny through faith in Jesus Christ.
As Augustine of Hippo once said, 'Man does not seek God in vain; he is not impelled to idolatry by an innate longing but nevertheless there is in him a yearning for truth and for righteousness which cannot be dispelled nor is it extinguished by ignorance or evil. But the way to God is by truth and by right virtue, and these are not perceivable without the teaching of a doorway or a key, and this was given by God through the incarnation of His only-begotten Word.' This emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of God's truth and righteousness through study and faith.