Definition and Overview:
Spiritualism is a belief system or practice that involves communication with the spirits of the dead. It often includes the use of mediums, séances, and other methods to contact and receive messages from the spirit world. Spiritualism gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the United States and Europe, and continues to have adherents today.

Biblical Perspective:
The Bible addresses the topic of communicating with the dead and engaging with spirits, consistently warning against such practices. In the Old Testament, God explicitly forbids the Israelites from engaging in spiritualism and related practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "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 prohibition against spiritualism is rooted in the belief that such practices are an affront to God's sovereignty and a deviation from trusting in Him alone. Leviticus 19:31 further instructs, "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God."

Historical Context:
Throughout biblical history, instances of spiritualism and necromancy are met with divine disapproval. One notable example is King Saul's consultation with the medium of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. Desperate for guidance, Saul seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This act of disobedience leads to his downfall, as it demonstrates a lack of faith in God and reliance on forbidden practices.

New Testament Insights:
The New Testament continues to affirm the Old Testament's stance against spiritualism. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit's source, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the power of God over such spirits.

Additionally, Galatians 5:19-21 lists sorcery as one of the "acts of the flesh," warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This underscores the incompatibility of spiritualism with a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Theological Implications:
From a theological standpoint, spiritualism is seen as a counterfeit to the genuine spiritual experiences offered by God through the Holy Spirit. Christians are encouraged to seek guidance, comfort, and wisdom from God alone, as emphasized in James 1:5 : "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Practical Considerations:
Believers are urged to exercise discernment and avoid practices that open the door to spiritual deception. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Engaging in spiritualism can lead to spiritual bondage and distract from a faithful walk with Christ.

Conclusion:
While spiritualism may offer the allure of supernatural insight or comfort, the Bible consistently warns against such practices, emphasizing reliance on God and His Word for guidance and truth.Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?
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Ecclesiastes 9:5
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
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1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
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Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
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Acts 16:16-18
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
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1 Samuel 28:3
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
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Deuteronomy 18:11
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
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Leviticus 20:27
A man also or woman that has a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be on them.
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Leviticus 20:6
And the soul that turns after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
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1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
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Spiritualism.
... 34. SPIRITUALISM. [Illustration: Chapter header.] The ministration of holy
angels, as presented in the Scriptures, is a truth most ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /34 spiritualism.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... of man's consciousness in death, especially the belief that spirits of the dead
return to minister to the living, has prepared the way for modern spiritualism. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

The Impending Conflict
... Clinging to the papal error of natural immortality and man's consciousness in death,
they have rejected the only defense against the delusions of spiritualism. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

The Impending Conflict.
... Clinging to the papal error of natural immortality and man's consciousness in death,
they have rejected the only defense against the delusions of Spiritualism. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /36 the impending conflict.htm

The Final Warning
... As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed
upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 38 the final warning.htm

The Final Warning.
... As the teachings of Spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed
upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /38 the final warning.htm

Written from Rome
... tradition and philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing
sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

Ephesus
... old-time magicians. The ancient system of magic is, in reality, the same as
what is now known as modern spiritualism. Satan is finding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 27 ephesus.htm

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... of what in earlier generations would have been called (and properly enough) by the
name of witchcraft, we find the beginning of so-called "spiritualism" in the ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

Introduction
... At the same time we may welcome this recent development, if only as a set-off against
the Spiritualism and occultism which have played such havoc with souls ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/introduction.htm

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