Although the United States is a melting pot, Christianity still dominates as the most popular religion. So what is the Christian take on psychic abilities? That really depends on which church you attend.
Some believe that any form of psychic ability is the work of Satan, while others carry books by James Van Praagh and Doreen Virtue in their gift shops. There’s even the Church of Devine Man, located in California, that is home to the ministry known as the Berkeley Psychic Institute, which teaches how to develop one’s psychic abilities.
Biblical Prophets
Many believe that Jesus was the most gifted prophet of all time. Not only could Jesus foretell the future, He also had the ability to heal. In John 14:12 Jesus states, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and a greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.”
There are those who interpret this to mean that Jesus is saying that each person is capable of the abilities that Jesus had, some being able to do even more. Numerous other prophets, (psychics,) are written about in the Bible with some of the Major prophets being Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. All of these prophets are held in high regard with various churches.
Psychic Saints
In looking over the history of Sainthood, it is found that many people were canonized by the Church for their psychic abilities. Saint Bernadette saw visions of the Virgin Mary, while Joan of Arc received visions she believed to be directly from God.
Many Saints had the power of levitation. Saint Teresa of Avila was able to levitate while deep in prayer. Saint Tomas of Copertino levitated on numerous occasions in front of entire congregations. It was even witnessed by Pope Urban VIII.
Modern Day Prophets
In exploring more modern times, there appear to be cases of people who have used their psychic abilities to help others. One of the most famous psychics of all times is Edgar Cayce. Known as the “Sleeping Prophet,” Cayce was able to properly diagnose and treat patients while in a trance, with no prior medical knowledge. His readings are still being used and studied today by organizations such as The Edgar Cayce Foundation and The Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc.
It is becoming more and more common for police departments to call upon psychics to aide in their investigations. Psychics, like Sylvia Browne, have worked with authorities for years helping solve crimes and locating missing persons. Some of the cases Browne has worked on are featured in her book: Insight: Case Files from the Psychic World.
So, are psychic abilities evil? It really comes down to a personal choice whether you want to believe they are or not.
Readers may also enjoy What Is A Medium?
Sources:
- The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1985).
- Parapsychology, The Controversial Science, Richard S. Broughton, (Ballentine Books, 1991).
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