Sorcery

Sorcery, often associated with witchcraft, divination, and the use of magical arts, is explicitly condemned in the Bible. The practice is seen as an abomination to the Lord, as it involves seeking power and knowledge from sources other than God. The Bible warns against engaging in such practices, as they lead individuals away from the truth and into spiritual darkness.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to avoid sorcery and similar practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , it is written: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or 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 out the nations before you."

The New Testament continues this prohibition, emphasizing the incompatibility of sorcery with the Christian faith. In Galatians 5:19-21 , sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The book of Revelation also speaks against sorcery, associating it with the downfall of Babylon and the final judgment. Revelation 21:8 states: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."

Bestiality

Bestiality, the act of engaging in sexual relations with animals, is strictly forbidden in the Scriptures. It is considered a grave sin and an unnatural act that defiles both the individual and the land. The Bible's prohibition against bestiality underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of human sexuality as ordained by God.

In the Mosaic Law, bestiality is explicitly condemned. Leviticus 18:23 states: "You must not have sexual relations with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it; a woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion." This command is reiterated in Leviticus 20:15-16 , which prescribes severe consequences for those who engage in such acts: "If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he must be put to death. And you are also to kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal to mate with it, you must kill both the woman and the animal. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them."

The prohibition against bestiality is also found in the context of the broader moral and ethical laws given to the Israelites. In Exodus 22:19 , it is written: "Whoever has sexual relations with an animal must surely be put to death."

These prohibitions reflect the biblical view of human beings as created in the image of God, with a distinct and sacred role in creation. Engaging in sorcery or bestiality is seen as a violation of God's design and order, leading to spiritual and moral corruption.