What does the Bible say about channeling?

Definition and Context of Channeling

Channeling commonly refers to the act of communicating with spirits, the deceased, or supernatural entities in order to obtain guidance, revelations, or power. Practitioners of channeling may seek messages regarding the future, hidden knowledge, or personal direction. While some cultures regard channeling as a spiritual gift or tradition, the Bible treats these practices in a specific and consistent manner.

Old Testament Prohibitions

From the earliest books of Scripture, the Bible condemns attempts to contact the spirit realm apart from seeking God directly. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 states:

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or conjury, who interprets omens, who practices witchcraft, or who casts spells, who consults a medium or spiritist, or who inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving them out before you.”

Leviticus 19:31 likewise cautions:

“Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”

These passages represent formal prohibitions. The context in which these commands were given includes the worship practices of surrounding nations in the ancient Near East, who commonly employed divination and necromancy to seek favors from their gods or ancestral spirits. The prohibition is rooted in the belief that such activities violate God’s specific design for seeking divine guidance, which is to come from Him alone (cf. 1 Chronicles 10:13, which explains that Saul died partly because he sought counsel from a medium).

The Account of Saul and the Medium at Endor

An illustrative narrative is found in 1 Samuel 28 where King Saul, facing desperation, consults a medium at Endor. This passage (1 Samuel 28:7–25) demonstrates that seeking to channel spirits directly is portrayed as both disobedient and spiritually perilous. Scripture records that Saul’s turn to a medium occurs after God no longer answers him through the accepted means of prayer and prophets. Rather than waiting or repenting, Saul attempts to bypass God’s silence through forbidden practices. This event underscores the Bible’s warning that reliance on mediums and channeling leads to spiritual ruin.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament era, the foundational principle remains that believers are to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, not on mediums or alleged spirit channels. Galatians 5:20–21 places forms of sorcery among “the works of the flesh,” warning that those who indulge in such practices “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Instead of seeking counsel from spirits or other supernatural entities, believers are exhorted to be “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18) and find wisdom through God’s revealed Word (James 1:5).

Acts 19 provides a notable example of believers in Ephesus who renounced their magical practices—some of which likely involved channeling—with many burning their scrolls publicly (Acts 19:19). The drastic measure shows the early Christian acknowledgment that such supernatural practices stood in contradiction to the faith imparted by the risen Christ.

Reasons for the Prohibition

1. Exclusivity of Worship and Guidance

Scripture consistently teaches that ultimate guidance comes from God (Psalm 119:105). Seeking communion through forbidden spiritual channels suggests dividing loyalty between God and other spiritual forces.

2. Spiritual Harm and Deception

Biblical authors warn that rebellious spiritual entities can deceive or harm people through mediums (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:14). Channeling opens the door to the influence of forces not aligned with God’s truth.

3. Undermining Faith and Trust in God

Channeling implies God’s revelation is insufficient or delayed, leading individuals to take matters into their own hands. This contravenes the biblical principle of trusting God wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

Archaeological findings from the ancient Near East (such as texts from Ugarit and evidence of cultic necromancy in Canaanite sites) confirm that divination and channeling rituals were widespread. These discoveries align with the biblical portrayal of surrounding nations’ reliance on mediums and spiritists. Scripture’s historical accounts match known practices that have been unearthed and studied by historians and archaeologists.

Additionally, early Jewish writings (e.g., certain Qumran community texts) underline the seriousness with which ancient Israel took these prohibitions, illustrating that biblical teachings were consistently followed and enforced within the community of faith.

Contrast with Genuine Prophetic Revelation

The Bible presents prophets as those who speak from God’s Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Prophetic revelation in Scripture is not human-initiated nor does it rely on occult rituals; it is a gift from God reflecting His initiative. Channeling, by contrast, is human-initiated and involves methodologies specifically forbidden in Scripture.

Practical Insights for Believers

• Recognize that Scripture directs humans to trust in divine guidance accessible through prayer, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the Bible itself.

• Understand that attempts to bypass God’s design place one in spiritual jeopardy.

• Note the Bible’s consistent message that God alone determines how He is approached (Hebrews 4:16).

• Exercise discernment if confronted with modern mediums or channelers. Efforts wrapped in spiritual or esoteric language may still fall under biblical prohibitions if they involve seeking communication with supernatural entities other than God.

Link to the Gospel and God’s Ultimate Plan

God’s redemption plan—centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ—provides a direct relationship with Him (Romans 5:10–11). Channeling seeks knowledge or power through spirits, but Scripture teaches that the only path to genuine salvation and eternal life is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The resurrection validates His authority and confirms His status as the rightful mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Conclusion

The Bible unequivocally discourages and forbids channeling in any form, urging individuals to seek guidance and insight solely through the means God has provided. Both the Old and New Testaments present a coherent, consistent message that God alone is the source of truth and life, and that efforts to engage the spiritual realm beyond His prescribed ways lead to deception and spiritual danger. The harmony of Scripture, backed by historical, archaeological, and textual evidence, testifies to the continuity of these prohibitions and the wisdom behind them. Ultimately, trusting and honoring the revealed word of God stands at the heart of biblical faith and practice.