INTRODUCTION
Today's world has been
filled with the latest and ever-changing technology, making it easier for
people to move in their daily activities. People are getting easier to
communicate with others using intelligent and innovative smartphones. The world
of medicine has become more advanced where the laser method is currently being
used to perform surgery on patients who require surgery. In other words, in
today's era, the use of logic is the most important thing. However, even though
the world has used very sophisticated technology, some still believe in the
occult, namely the belief in supernatural powers (Ardani, 2013). Sadly, the
practice of the power of darkness is using modern technology.
Many Christians commit
occult acts for various reasons, such as fear of ancestral spirits, fear of not
being protected by ancestral spirits, or feeling that ancestral spirits do not
bless them. Many of these occult practices are generally inherited from their
ancestors and passed down from generation to generation until now (Saragih & Timo, 2020). Occult practices
usually act that does not make sense and are far from the truth of the
Christian faith.�
Given the public's
belief in this occult activity, it is unsurprising that this belief has been
passed down to the next generation. Even people who have accepted Christianity
are still following the occult. In the book by Eric J. Dingwal
and John Langdon Davies, occultism begins with a thirst for certainty about
something that is not yet known to humans (Dingwall & Langdon-Davies, 1968). The reason that religion cannot
provide an answer to that thirst, humans move to the supernatural world, where
there is something invisible power over the eyes of ordinary humans.
Furthermore, that power can be good or bad in the human mind. Finally, man
creates something that cannot be reached with the senses in his mind and admits
that thought until, in the end, his creation becomes the thing he fears. There
is supernatural power on this earth, and at its peak were born demons,
supernatural objects, and sacred places (Pasaribu, 2003a). Because of that, certain people
can determine or shape the communication between life and death, between humans
and spirits.
Occultism, or belief
in the occult, is often considered a joke in modern society. On the other hand,
the occult is often seen as something to be feared. Regardless of whether the
occult is true or not, several historical figures have been involved with
occult practices throughout their lives, namely: Elvis Presley, David Bowie,
Jimmy Page, Queen Victoria, and Mary Todd Lincoln, Heinrich Himmler, Isaac
Newton. The occult does exist in this world; therefore, a believer must be
vigilant and on guard to avoid falling into these occult practices. It is also
not easy to be misled because the Bible says people involved in occult
activities will not enter Heaven that God promised (Revelation 21:8).
METHOD
This research is to
implement a research library research method. The research methodologies of
literature review or literature study contain theories to research issues. The
literature review provides a theoretical framework as the basis of the study. A
literature review article provides a complete assessment of relevant literature
and instantiates prior studies to build the knowledge framework (Paul & Criado, 2020). The challenge of this
investigation is to discover Occult Practices.
Library research
develops concepts or theories that form the basis of research studies (Sujarweni, 2014). A literature review or study is required in research, particularly academic
research, whose primary objective is to develop theoretical and practical
benefits (Sukardi, 2021). This
section evaluates the used concepts and theories based on the available
literature, particularly articles published in various scientific journals.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A. Background of Occultism
Practices
Shamans and shamanic practices have existed
since the time of Moses for thousands of years and still exist today. Shamanism
is a belief in the communication between a spirit and a human with the aid of a
shaman who connects with divine beings (Gaidysheva & Parnyakov, 2014). Even though God has repeatedly forbade His people to do these
activities (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). Even a British researcher, Amich Alhumami, who studied his
dissertation in Indonesia, said, "Many parties believe that almost no
high-ranking Indonesian official has managed to climb the ladder of power
without the help of a shaman. Even the practice of shamanism in the form of
witchcraft is also colored and becomes a power
struggle" (Kompas, 2009).
Throughout 2013, 2 cases were covered by the
mass media regarding the issue of begu ganjang, which occurred in mid-January in Asahan and Nagori Usang Tapian Dolok
Regencies, where the residents in question were expelled from the village (SIB, 2013).
This is the highlight of this scientific study
and also for the Church as God's agent in this world so that the Church can
provide actual teaching regarding the dangers of occult practices.
1.
Understanding the Occult
The word occult comes from English and French
"occultism", which comes from the Latin word "occultus,"
which means hidden, invisible, secret or mystery, beyond nature. That is why it
has been called supernatural.
The word occult was first used by a Frenchman
named Eliphas Levi with the term occultism. In
Western society, especially Europe, which was influenced by rationalism and
science, especially after the Renaissance and revival, the occult developed
more towards science or into a science and an art (Jura & Sairwona, 2018). At that time,
occultism was discussed in the field of esocentrism
(similar to mysticism), namely understanding or teaching and knowledge about
things that are hidden or secret or mysterious in this world. It can only be
understood by certain people or who have special knowledge. However, by the
1700s, scientists in France no longer recognized the occult as a science. This
is influenced by absolute rationalism and science that began to triumph at that
time. Occultism reappeared in science, art, and religion during the industrial
revolution in Europe in the 18th or 19th century. It turns out that ratio,
science, and religion, in this case, Christianity, cannot answer various
spiritual or human needs. Industrial progress and prosperity in life do not
give people inner satisfaction. This inner need is then sought to be fulfilled
through understanding and efforts to search, find and unite with things or
figures that are supernatural or supernatural or secret and mysterious.
There are several views of occult experts
regarding the meaning or definition of the occult. Robert O. Wahl gives an occult
understanding of hidden, secret, dark, and mysterious. When used in a religious
context, occult means the practice of magical arts, which usually involves
contact with spirits. Occultism includes the practice of divination, magic, and
superstition (Wahl, 2006). Meanwhile, according to Kurt Koch, the occult is a belief in the
supernatural, mysterious, supernatural, with various supernatural and
mysterious figures, followed by various rituals or rites with a specific
purpose (Koch, 1978).
Pondsius Takaliuang said that the word occult
comes from the words 'occult' and 'ism'. Occultism means understanding or
belief in the power of dark and supernatural powers beyond God's power.
'Occult' means dark, hidden, mysterious, and mysterious, while 'ism' means
understanding or teaching (Takaliuang, 1987).
Thus, it can be interpreted that the occult is
a belief in spirits in this world that can help, bless, hurt, and even kill,
give good luck, and cause fear, which influences humans to worship it.
In the opinion of H. Soekahar,
in a book entitled Satanism in pastoral ministry, he said: "Occultism
comes from the Latin word ocultus, which means
hidden, secret, unlucky, wretched, unseen, dark and mysterious. So occultism
means seeing oneself with power, darkness, and magic in order to experience
things that are secret, strange, and mysterious (Soekahar, 1983).
From some of the definitions above, it can be
concluded that the understanding of the occult is an understanding or teaching
about hidden supernatural powers which exceed human strength. This power is in
objects or the form of certain spirits that people must respect and use for
their different lives.
2. Background to Occult
Practices
Disaster, disease, plague, possession, and death. One form of
tribal religious belief that still has a considerable influence today is the
belief in the spirits of the dead. In every tribal religion, there is a belief
that the spirits of the dead are still in this world and still have
relationships with the living. Specifically, the belief that ancestral spirits
still have a relationship with their living descendants in various
manifestations will be a blessing if respected and lead to disaster if ignored.
There is also a belief that spirits that have died have become good spirits
which are believed to be able to fulfil wishes, for example: giving good luck,
fertility, protecting from harm, and ancestral spirits are believed to be good
spirits who care about the welfare of their offspring and evil spirits are
believed to bring harm. This results in fear towards evil spirits and seeking
protection through shamans, and towards good spirits maintaining an attitude of
respect and gratitude, which is manifested in various ways (Saragih & Timo, 2020).
Respect parents for reasons of respecting parents and being
obedient to parents, they receive heirlooms and amulets given by parents for
protection. Second, for fear of the spirit of the deceased being angry, he
often serves by giving and doing things to the deceased by giving offerings and
praying at the grave to ask that the spirit of the deceased does not disturb and
is not angry because if the spirit of the deceased If it is angry it can lead
to various problems and disease outbreaks. Third, because shamans use spiritual
things, they also often use spiritual objects that are usually used for
spiritual services, such as the Bible, cross, candles, bread, and wine of the
Holy Communion, which causes people to think that it comes from God. Fourth
because it brings profit and help. Fifth, because of the demands of customs,
customs are often mixed with occult practices and are used by the devil to
deceive humans. Sixth, because there is convincing evidence, and Seventh,
because they are driven by fear that they use the services of the power of
darkness, so they seek help from the power of darkness (Hutapea, 2019).
Bambang Yudho, in his book �How To
Overcome Occultism�, explains the main targets of the occult, or people who are
usually affected by the occult, (Yudho, 2006)
namely:
First, children who are still mentally unstable. Children's minds,
emotions, and spirituality are not yet stable, so they cannot distinguish
between good and evil. Children are often the main targets of the devil because
they can carry out the devil's program fundamentally and for a long time.
Children are easily persuaded through the tricks of the amination film shows,
storybooks, and games that are interesting to follow. The children feel proud
to be able to carry out various great activities through occult means. However,
spiritually, children do not realize the danger. Children will grow up and
become the next generation who can ultimately influence others to participate
in occult practices.
Second, The one who opens his heart to demon spirits. In a society
familiar with the world of darkness, the devil's power is a power shamans have
used for specific purposes. Examples alternative medicine, using jinn, dancing
with the power of evil spirits, and using spells to kill.
Third, People who are overcome by hatred and uncleanness. Every
Christian who is overcome by hatred, uncleanness, hypocrisy, resentment, and
envy has the possibility of partaking in the occult. Their involvement with the
occult is to vent hatred or revenge.
Fourth, famous people in society. Famous people outside of God,
like rock singers and artists, can easily influence people through their
popularity. The devil often uses them as a means of promoting occult
activities, including the use of illegal drugs and free sex behaviour.
Fifth, spiritually blind Christian leaders. Christian leaders will
easily influence their congregations through the teachings they convey, and
their impact will influence the congregation's behaviour. The devil always
tries to influence church leaders who are spiritually blind so that they are
quickly filled with thoughts that are contrary to God's thoughts.
Sixth, the leader of the nation. The nation's leader is the
devil's target to influence the nation he leads to fight, colonize, destroy,
and adhere to ideas contrary to God's Word. The devil controls many national
leaders, allowing some of their people to kill en masse
against God's people.
3.
Forms of Occultism
Based on the types of occult practices that
exist in today's society as well as in the past, it can be carried out with the
following activities:
a. Spiritism is a practice based on the belief that the dead have a
relationship with the living (Takaliuang, 1987). The living can call the spirits of the dead through playing jelangkung, called psychics (Wulfhorst, 2006). Besides being summoned, the spirits of the dead are also believed
to bless their descendants, so ceremonies to honour the spirits must be carried
out, for example, visiting graves by making offerings.
b. Divination or Tenung, �namely
dark science in the name of a particular thing or a particular means to be used
to know the events and fate of a person in the future (Takaliuang, 1987). The fortune-teller is usually believed to be able to provide the
best way to show the way in the future that is real in the present life.
Practice can be seen with:
1) Astrology is the science of the stars that relate the date of
birth to the future fate of humans.
2) Fortune-telling with cards, and hand lines, namely with
this one's fate, is believed to have been implied in the person's hand line.
3) Chronomatic, the science of divination, is used to find the best day and time.
For example, an excellent day to get married, build a house, plant seeds, and
enter the house. Moreover, conversely, sometimes dates are considered unlucky,
for example, the number 13, so every 13th is considered an unlucky day.
c. ��Magic, witchcraft or
incantations. It is rooted in a belief that people, objects, places, or
circumstances contain power (Wulfhorst, 2006). A shaman masters magic. A sorcerer's shaman maintains a genie who
can be ordered to bring witchcraft and insert it into one's body at any time.
d. Black magic, namely dark science that is troublesome,
injures, damages, crazes, and kills other people (Takaliuang, 1987). The purpose of black magic is for evil things.
e. White Magic is dark science whose purpose is for good and helpful
things but also destroys humans. White magic is a wolf in sheep's clothing,
like a robber in priestess robes. Although white magic has a good purpose, it
is still evil in the eyes of God. White magic is a fulfilment of 2 Corinthians
11:14, which uses the guise of kindness as its basis.
f. ��Amulets are goods or
powerful objects that contain supernatural powers and are considered soulful (Takaliuang, 1987). This amulet is used for self-defence, achieving goals, or as an
antidote or conqueror of opponents.
g. False Miracles are strange events carried out to deceive or deceive
people's vision, for example, walking on coals of fire, stopping the rain, or
eating glass.
h. Witchcraft (Javanese: tenung, teluh) (Poerwadarminta, 1989)
is a person's attempt to harm others by using black magic. The
term witchcraft is sometimes also used to refer to inserting foreign objects
into the victim's stomach, a type of magic (Saksono, 2007). Witchcraft is a manifestation
of the power of darkness, a demon called the occult. Witchcraft is the science
of killing, destroying, and destroying humans. In other words, witchcraft is
someone's attempt to harm another person remotely by using black magic.
Witchcraft is often carried out by people who grudge against others. In other
words, witchcraft attempts to influence or disturb other people with bad intentions
by using natural objects or invisible forces. Witchcraft is usually intended to
harm others, namely to make others suffer, get sick, and even die.
i. ��A person uses attractive
witchcraft (pemanis)
to need the sympathy of others. In general, this sweetener is used to lure the
hearts of the opposite sex. Those with sweeteners easily seduce and conquer
someone opposite sex (Yudho, 2006). However, there is a fatal
consequence: the sympathy was not pure or forced.
j. ��Pelet or witchcraft is a form of
magic/ sorcery. The dictionary defines memelet as
�to influence with or as if by witchcraft and incantation� (Hawkins, 2004).
k. Pitonggam
is usually used by those who want to have power. When he speaks,
those who hear him seem to be listening intently. What he said and ordered his
subordinates always did by parroting (Pasaribu, 2003b).
4. Consequences of Believers
Involved in Occult Practices
The impact of believers who engage in occult practices on people
who do it directly and on their descendants is that they have negative impacts
that can harm themselves and their descendants. Ancestors and parents who are
involved with the occult will experience suffering, namely often experiencing
manifestations of evil spirits, being haunted by evil spirits, torturing
themselves and even others by beating others, being lazy to pray, not liking
spiritual songs, depression, having angry character, revenge, live in fear,
anxiety, worry, no peace and even can have an impact on his studies because he
can no longer focus in school (Harefa, Gulo, & Gaurifa, 2022). It is not
uncommon for people who practice occultism to have a fatal impact on their
offspring by asking for sacrifices in various forms: strange illness,
disability, and insanity.
Everyone involved in occult practices will surely experience fatal
consequences and constantly be undermined by the occult power. The consequences
of practising the occult in one's life will affect (Saragih & Timo, 2020). First,
physically, the nerves are disturbed and physically tortured. Second, psychologically,
you can experience depression, abnormal fear, unclean thoughts, and abnormal
anger. Third, spiritually dead, or closing oneself to God's Word, wanting to
blaspheme God's name. Fourth is the impact on descendants, and descendants will
also be cursed. The Bible records that the curse extended to the third and
fourth generations (Exodus 20). Fifth is the impact on eternity. People
involved in occult practices will not get a share in eternity.
5. How Believers Win From Occult
For believers, occultism must be defeated, and
what believers must do is as follows:
First, Believe in the Lord Jesus by increasing
faith, spirituality, fellowship with God, increasing understanding of Allah�s
Word, and keeping life holy. Believers must understand that the occult is
inevitable such as rock music being played everywhere; witchcraft used. Only
when believers have the Lord Jesus and have an intimate relationship with God
can believers avoid the occult.
Second, be careful and alert to the occult.
Because of the unavoidable existence of the occult, believers must be wary of
the occult. Not constantly afraid (overemphasize), nor reckless
(underestimate), but always be careful of the occult.
Third, there is a release prayer for people
who have participated in or become tools in the occult practice.
B.
The Bible's View on Occultism
The Bible provides a comprehensive explanation of the occult. For
this reason, the Bible explains that there are two powers at work: the power of
light (Allah) and the power of darkness (devil) with all its manifestations.
The power of Allah has defeated the devil. However, the devil is still trying
various strategies to prevent people from entering the kingdom of Allah and
fighting people who already believe in Allah (Saragih, 2016). According to the Bible, the
struggle for life is not something that only concerns the needs of physical
life but also things that are supernatural (Ephesians 6:12).
The Bible clearly states that the world of darkness is accurate,
and the power of God is also real. In addition, many people realize that a
manifestation of the power of darkness belongs to Satan. The manifestation can
be seen because believers must understand this spiritual warfare and occultism
in the Old and New Testaments.
1. Occultism in the Old
Testament
In Exodus 20:1-7, Allah advised the Israelites that there should
be no other Allah before Him but Him, the Creator of heaven and earth. The two
laws are placed as the first and second laws. Because Allah had understood the
attitude of human life, which is very interested in idol worship and in
particular, the Israelites were trapped into very deep paganism when the
Israelites were involved in worshipping the gods of Baal and the gods of the
Canaanites. The Israelites had repeatedly offended Allah by worshipping other
gods, which was known as spiritual prostitution.��
In the Old Testament, there are several occult practices that Allah
forbade to the Israelites as Allah�s people (Handoko, 2020), namely, Allah forbids the worship of manufactured statues,
obelisks, and idols (Genesis 23:24; Micah 5:12-13; II Chronicles). 33:7). They
are placing the symbol of an idol at the house's doorway (Isaiah 57:8). The
house owner had raised the emblem above himself or his head. That is a sign
that the Israelites did not worship and worship Allah. They sought spirits or
fortune-tellers' spirits (Leviticus 19:31; II Chronicles 33:6). Ask the spirit
or the spirit of fortune-tellers (Deuteronomy 18:11). They were offering a son
or daughter as a burnt offering in the fire (Deuteronomy 18:10; II Chronicles
33:6). This habit is the habit of the surrounding nations who do not know Allah.
Become a sorcerer, soothsayer, learner, magician, or caster (Deuteronomy
18:10-11). They are asking the dead for guidance (Deuteronomy 18:11). People's
belief in the spirits of the dead wander. That is what drives people to
practice summoning spirits or spirits of the dead. Become a sorcerer (Ezekiel
13:18). Also, according to the testimony of the woman Endor in I Samuel 28:9,
every sorcerer, seer, and soothsayer must be cut off from among the Israelites.
Because his actions are an abomination to Allah (Deuteronomy 18:12), tie the
ropes of amulets (Ezekiel 13:18). They were wearing a head covering to capture
souls (Ezekiel 13:18). Speak false divinations (Ezekiel 13:23). Worship the
heavenly host and worship him (II Chronicles 33:3). They are an abomination to Allah
and will be punished.
2. Occultism in the New
Testament
The new testament also explains the activities of occult practices
through the deception of Satan. Satan is a deceiver, and he tries to deceive
everyone through signs so that those who see him are influenced and believe and
want to follow his will and rebel against Christ.
�The devil can also perform
miracles but is fake. The goal is for people to be attracted and believe in it (Kasih, 2007). Satan's deception blinds one's spiritual eyes, which eventually
makes one fall into and engage in the practice of dark powers.
Acts 8:9-24; 13:6-11 mentions the Pharisees casting out demons and
sorcerers as rivals for the evangelists, and these activities are considered
contrary to Christianity by Christians in Ephesus. They burn all objects
related to Christianity, demons, and books of spells (Acts 19:19). Examples of
people as powerful objects or talismans, such as prayer ropes, long tassels,
and soil (Kasih, 2007).
God's word very clearly rejects all occult practices. The
occultism that the Israelites loved so much had hurt God's heart and built
God's jealousy as the creator and elector of Israel. In addition to violating
God's Word, occult practices also impact people who do it (Takaliuang, 1987), namely, spiritually, they
will experience depression, a closed attitude, hostile toward God's Word.
Psychologically, unreasonable fear, uncontrollable lust, anger, and frequent
suicidal ideation end with the fact of suicide. Physically, sick nerves,
infertility, unnatural death. The Bible strongly opposes occult practices,
whether involved directly or indirectly. Compromise with Satan is forbidden by
God not only being involved, but the Bible also warns and forbids imitating all
occult rituals in any form because if imitated, the spirits of dark powers will
gain access to destroy the faith of God's congregation and church.
The Word of God is light to man. God gave a man a ratio so that
ratio is used to see the light. If the reason is used to see darkness, then
what happens is moral decline, and this must be avoided.�
C.
The Church's View on The Practice of Occultism
There are various views regarding the occult practice. Some people
do not believe in the devil's existence and the powers of darkness. The devil
does not exist, and all occult practices are human thoughts only as a believer
should not admit that the devil exists because the stories about the devil and
the devil's work are old stories and fairy tales.��� Such responses are improper because
the Bible repeatedly warns of the devil's existence and the devil's power that
continuously affects human life. Moreover, Christians who have believed in the
Lord Jesus Christ should not give themselves up in the slightest to things that
have to do with the power of darkness. Christians should not go to a shaman for
help from a shaman (Dilla, 2015). For Christians, there is no Allah but that which is known in Allah the Father, Allah, and Allah Holy Spirit.
As a creation of Allah, we must realize that humans are the most glorious creation of Allah, who is given a cultural mandate
to conquer the world (Genesis 1:26-31). Conquering the world means not to make
the world which is also a creation of a God who controls humans. It is hoped
that Christians must reject occultism because occult practices violate the
truth of God's Word, and occult actions also have consequences for those who do
them (Takaliuang, 1987).
WH Rassers revealed that people involved
with the occult lead to confusion in life because the occult cannot be proven
by scientific analysis. People who adhere to the occult will think in confusion
and produce irregular life products (Rassers, 2008).
In Christian dogma, it is explained how Israel knew Allah. Allah seeks, determines, and chooses the nation of Israel to reveal
Himself, not Israel who seeks Allah (Simanjuntak, Baito, & Marpaung,
2022). In His
self-revelation, Allah gave ten Words of God (Torah) as a guide for life in His people. In the first and
second commandments, Allah asked the Israelites only to worship the LORD (YAHWEH). Others
should not be worshipped. The statement that I am the Lord your Allah affirms He is Allah. This means He is not a creation
of the human mind, which seems to be the one who sent Allah down from heaven and became
according to human desires. Finally, humans no longer believe in Allah but
become trusting in allah (ilah).
Following belief in God, then what arises is the desire to create
a god that is tailored to his needs. For example, if a person wants wealth,
then a god is created who can give wealth. So many gods were created, and the
existence of these gods was very arrogant, to the point that even to summon the
gods, one had to give offerings or perfume. Occult practice is a human effort
that wants to get something or is afraid of something, so the method used for
that (getting something or being afraid of something) is to do occult actions.
In the human mind, there is an attitude of forcing his will until, in the end,
he uses a method forbidden by God. The first and second commandments vehemently
oppose the occult.
Christian belief does not eliminate or suppress customs but
illuminates and renews meaningful customs among the Karo people (Gintings, 1995). Karo Man, in his religious
attitude (religiosity) which is originally transcendental to the absolute
because the absolute transcendental has the authority to interfere in human
life. That is why humans throughout history and in all places as well as a
culture have the potential to receive salvation because of the absolute
intervention of God. This is a method for Christians not to be exclusive and
introverted but to be inclusive amid the plurality of the nation's society and
ethnic customs. Such an approach is not the same as syncretism because there is
only one certainty of salvation, namely in the Lord Jesus, which is inclusive
to seek other ways in the culture outside the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Christians are not anti-custom because the Word of God has come to
the Karo tribe so that the Karo tribe can receive the Gospel as a high-cultured
Karo tribe. God's word needs to illuminate
the customs of the Karo tribe so that the Karo tribe can become more robust in
revealing their identity as Karo Christians. Karo Christians also need to
remain careful so that the prevalence of Karo customs, which often contain
elements of old beliefs and the influence of mythical fears, can damage and
break belief in the Lord Jesus. Therefore, in carrying out Karo customs, they
must be grown and strengthened with the Word of God and the help of the Holy
Spirit. People whom the Lord Jesus Christ has saved see by faith that God's
plan for all His creation is united in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10; I
Cor. 15:20-28).
Tribal religion, including the belief that long before the Karo
people became Christians, had been trying to find a Dibata
(God) whom he did not know, praying to the powers, he was looking for that he
felt were outside of him and beyond him. There are still some old beliefs that
still become the culture of the Karo tribe even though they have long been
Christians, namely:
The first treatment of sick family members. If a family member is
sick, his family tends to take him to a dukun or so-called 'Guru Sibaso' because there are people who still believe that
'Guru Sibaso' or 'shaman' has the talent from God to
heal. If 'Teacher Sibaso' can no longer be cured in a
critical condition, they take the patient to a doctor. As a result, patients
are often treated late, which leads to death. Some people think that seeking
treatment with 'Guru Sibaso' or 'shaman' is just for
treatment, not for worshipping 'Guru Sibaso' or
'shaman'. Because there is an antidote to their reasoning, which is quoted from
Exodus 20:3,5 and Deuteronomy 5:7,9), their understanding that they are only
seeking treatment does not acknowledge 'Guru Sibaso'
as God and worship him because what they understand is that they are only
utilizing the healing talents that exist in 'Guru Sibaso.'
Their actions are recognized as a policy received from God (Matthew 10: 16) to
get healing through people given by God as an antidote to disease.
With these two reasons (perhaps there are many other reasons they
use to justify themselves), they often perform ritual worship of the sick in a
culture in their families even though they claim to be Christians.
Second, the customs of the Karo people, which are religious,
contradict the Christian faith, namely: Erpangir Kulau, which is a medium for making 'Belo pengarkari' to prevent misfortune, disaster, bad luck, and
the power of evil; Tambar-tambar Karo accompanied by
old beliefs (traditional medicine: some are neutral, but some are wrapped in
old beliefs; tabas tabas or
mantra mantras.
By looking at the phenomenon of Karo people's lives who still
believe in old beliefs even though they have long been Christians, the door to
evangelism is still very open to Karo people. The goal is that Karo people can
understand the truth of God's Word, and Karo people are no longer involved with
these occult practices.
Occult practices are strictly prohibited in the view of the
Christian faith. As the source of Christian belief, the Bible has reminded
God's people not to engage in occult practices from the beginning in the Book
of Genesis.
CONCLUSION
Occultism comes from
the word 'occultus,' which means hidden, secret,
unseen, mysterious, dark, or darkness. Thus, occultism can be interpreted as an
understanding that adheres to and practices the power and power of the world of
darkness or the world of evil spirits.
A shaman is usually
cult as a teacher by fanatical followers. These occultists possess magical
powers by associating dark spirits from the underworld. They believe that the
spirits of the dead are always near the living. They are believed to be able to
comfort, guide, and help and can also be asked to take revenge, haunt, threaten
and disturb. Certain shamans are given the expertise to predict, cure illness,
bring wealth, and provide a mate. Modern spiritual experiences in the same
occult principles are carried out, only changing the packaging and appearance.
������� ��� Occultism
brings humans into the bondage of idolatry, and any human involvement in the
occult will distance humans from God. In harnessing magical powers through
occult practices, a person is usually bound by specific conditions which can
have dire consequences if violated. Those conditions will bind the human being
for the rest of his life, and he is under the devil's power.
The reality is that
many Christians live their lives ruled by darkness. The tradition of parents is
one of the causes. Therefore we must decide on all kinds of occultism that
believers have practised. The church needs to hold revival services with a
particular theme: release from the bonds of dark power. Also, the Theological
College should ideally provide pastoral counselling to every new college
student in the hope that they will be released from the power of darkness.
Also, the College of Theology, in collaboration with the church, held a seminar
on the theme of the dangers of the occult to believers.
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THE PRACTICE OF OCCULT THEOLOGY