Should a Christian play with Ouija boards?

Answer

The modern Ouija board was created in the late 1800s as interest in spiritualism grew. A Ouija board, also known as a spirit board or talking board, is simply a game board that features the alphabet, numerals, and “yes” and “no” printed on its surface. A planchette, or pointer, is utilized to spell out words and respond to simple questions. Allegedly, the Ouija board named itself—when asked what the creators should name it, the board spelled out “o-u-i-j-a,” which was then interpreted to mean “good luck.”

Many individuals view Ouija boards as harmless amusement. Others consider Ouija boards to be mystical instruments, gateways to alternate realms, or prophetic tools that enable spirits of the deceased to converse with the living. They are frequently seen as channels of communication to those who have “passed over,” and those who gather around a Ouija board are engaging in a séance. Naturally, this is predicated on the assumption that spirits, or ghosts, actually exist and that they are capable of, or even willing to, communicate with the world of the living.

The Bible does not explicitly mention Ouija boards, but it does offer insights on divination and efforts to contact the deceased:

Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 – “Let no one be found among you who . . . practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD.”

Isaiah 8:19 – “When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”

Galatians 5:19–20 – “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and

Indulgence and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft… I caution you, as I did previously, that those who behave in this manner will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Advocates of the occult claim that Ouija boards function by enabling spirits to manipulate the pointer to respond to questions. Scientists have not yet demonstrated that the pointer is manipulated by anything other than the living individuals touching it. In reality, spirits of the deceased appear to become greatly perplexed when participants are blindfolded, causing the Ouija board to suddenly stop functioning correctly.

“Playing” with a Ouija board involves participating in occult practices and is certainly not a suitable choice for a Christian. Seeking knowledge apart from God, particularly when it entails invoking familiar spirits or the spirits of the departed, is explicitly prohibited in the Bible. Regardless of how harmless Ouija boards may appear, engaging with them can create an opportunity for demons to infiltrate our hearts and minds. Satan is a deceiver “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”, (John 8:44), and he disguises himself as an angel of light “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”, (2 Corinthians 11:14). The adversary of our souls has deceived many individuals into believing they are communicating with spirits of loved ones, when in reality they are interacting with demons.

Interacting with Ouija boards should be shunned as one would avoid a physical danger: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”, 1 Peter 5:8. The biblical illustration for handling things related to the occult (books, music, jewelry, occult games, Ouija boards, and other occult items) is to acknowledge engagement with them as sinful and destroy the objects see Acts 19:18-19.”