Description

To many people, the word occult conjures up a number of topics, sometimes mysterious, sometimes evil. It can range from paganistic and witchcraft to demons and Satanism. Other practices such as psychics, séances, vampires, ghosts, spells, black magic, voodoo, tarot cards, yoga, divination, clairvoyance, and many more can be included under the umbrella of the occult. But what is the “occult”? The word comes from the Latin word occultus and means “hidden knowledge.” People who practice the occult are attempting to obtain power through secret (Gnostic) or inner wisdom. Such is contrary to Biblical teachings. In this issue of the Areopagus Journal, authors Hux and Gibson address Satanism and divination from a Biblical worldview. Montenegro, a former astrologer, gives expert advice on why contact with the dead (necromacy) is unhealthy and can open up the occult and expose oneself to spiritual danger. Others issues of the Areopagus touching on occult philosophy and practice include Engaging the New Age and Stretching the Truth (yoga).

Content
Veritas: The Occult by Craig Branch

A Biblical Look At Satanism by Clete Hux

Do You Believe In Ghosts? A Look at Contact with the Dead by Marcia Montenegro

Divination Deception by Keith Gibson

Book Reviews
What Rough Beast? Images of God in the Hebrew Bible by David Penchansky. Westminster John Knox, 1999; 123 pages
Spellbound: The Paranormal Seduction of Today’s Kids by Marcia Montenegro. Cook Communications Ministries, 2006; 256 pages
Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis by Michael Ward. Oxford University Press, 2008; 384 pages
When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics by Paul Copan. Baker Books, 2008; 221 pages