Grace Thompson
Seeing a medium is considered a sin in the Catholic religion. The Bible strongly condemns spiritism and mediums, with the Catechism of the Catholic Church stating that resorting to mediums and other forms of spirits or the occult contradicts the honour, respect, and loving fear owed to God alone. Catholics believe that God is the only source of consolation, hope, help, and strength, and that seeking assurance from a medium is a sin against the First Commandment. The practice of invoking spirits, or divination, is also forbidden in Catholic doctrine, and is associated with Satanism and the occult. Despite this, some Catholics continue to seek reassurance from mediums, especially during times of uncertainty or grief, which may be driven by a desire to connect with the dead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The Catholic view on seeing a medium | The Bible strongly condemns spiritism and mediums |
| The Catechism of the Catholic Church forbids consulting mediums | |
| The Church teaches that consulting a medium is a sin against the First Commandment | |
| Reasons for seeing a medium | To connect with the dead |
| To find hope in loss | |
| To receive reassurance | |
| To receive answers | |
| To receive peace of mind | |
| Dangers of seeing a medium | It corrupts good desires and leads people away from God |
| It exploits others for power and profit | |
| It gives a false sense of security | |
| It is a destructive force that lets the power of evil enter a person's life |
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What You'll Learn
The Bible condemns spiritism and mediums
The Bible strongly condemns spiritism and mediums. Leviticus 20:27 states that "a man or woman who acts as a medium or fortuneteller shall be put to death by stoning". Similarly, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (or 10-13 in some versions) says:
> "Let there not be found among you anyone who immolates his son or daughter in the fire, nor a fortuneteller, soothsayer, charmer, diviner, or caster of spells, nor one who consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead. Anyone who does such things is an abomination to the Lord."
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also repeats this condemnation of divination: "All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to 'unveil' the future". Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens, clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all contradict the honour, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
The Bible makes it clear that God is the only source of consolation, hope, help, and strength. Trying to discover the future through palm reading, tarot cards, or other forms of fortune-telling, or attempting to control the future through black magic, witchcraft, or sorcery, is a violation of the first commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your strength". While it is natural to seek assurance and to desire connection with the dead, these practices lead us further away from God.
Mediums take advantage of people's vulnerabilities, exploiting them for power and profit. They deceive their clients and give them a false sense of security, which ultimately allows a destructive force—the power of evil—to enter their lives.
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Seeking answers from a medium is a sin against the First Commandment
The Catholic Church teaches that seeking answers from a medium is a sin against the First Commandment. This is because the practice of consulting a medium is considered a form of divination, which is strictly forbidden in the Bible. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "all forms of divination are to be rejected" as they contradict the honour, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
The First Commandment, as recalled by Jesus Christ, states: "I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have any gods before me." This commandment underscores the fundamental tenet of Christianity: to love and worship God above all else. Seeking answers from a medium is viewed as an act of putting one's trust in powers other than God, thereby violating this commandment.
In Sacred Scripture, there are numerous condemnations of divination, mediumship, and sorcery. For instance, in Leviticus 20:27, it is written, "A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortuneteller shall be put to death by stoning." Similarly, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "Let there not be found among you anyone who causes their son or daughter to pass through the fire, or practices divination, or is a soothsayer, augur, or sorcerer, or who casts spells, consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead." These passages underscore the biblical prohibition against seeking guidance from sources other than God.
The Catholic Church emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of consolation, hope, help, and strength. While the desire to connect with the dead or seek answers from beyond may be understandable, the Church teaches that these desires should be directed towards God alone. Prayer and trust in God's providence are encouraged as alternatives to seeking answers from mediums.
Furthermore, the Church warns of the dangers associated with consulting mediums. It is believed that mediums can introduce destructive forces, such as the power of evil, into a person's life. Mediums are also accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals for power and profit, providing false reassurance, and leading people away from God. Thus, seeking answers from a medium is not only a sin against the First Commandment but also potentially harmful to one's spiritual and emotional well-being.
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Mediums are deceptive and exploit others for power and profit
The Catholic Church strongly condemns the practice of invoking spirits and consulting mediums, as outlined in the Bible's sacred scriptures. Leviticus 20:27 states that "a man or woman who acts as a medium or fortune-teller shall be put to death by stoning", while Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against those who "consult ghosts and spirits or seek oracles from the dead". These practices are considered deceptive and exploitative, leading people away from God and towards a false sense of security.
Mediums are seen as deceptive because they claim to have powers that they do not truly possess. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that non-material beings exist and that these entities are the source of a medium's power. However, these powers are not derived from God and are therefore considered evil. Mediums exploit people's vulnerabilities and brokenness, often during times of crisis or uncertainty, to offer false answers and a sense of peace that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that consulting mediums and other forms of divination are to be rejected as they "conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings" (CCC 2116). This desire for power and control is in direct opposition to the honor, respect, and loving fear owed solely to God. By turning to mediums, individuals are attempting to bypass God and take power into their own hands, which is considered a sin against the First Commandment.
The Bible also addresses this issue, with St. Paul condemning sorcery in Galatians 5:19 and rebuking Elymas, the magician, as the "son of Satan and enemy of all that is right" (Acts 13:8ff). Additionally, the New Testament states, "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all of your strength" (Matthew 22:37), emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's providence rather than seeking answers from mediums.
Instead of turning to mediums, Catholics are encouraged to find consolation, hope, help, and strength in God alone. While the desire to connect with the dead may be understandable, the Catholic faith teaches that Christ has destroyed death and that we will be reunited with our loved ones in the Lord's coming Kingdom.
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church forbids consulting a medium
The desire to connect with the dead and find hope in loss may seem like a Christian impulse, but the Church teaches that these desires can be corrupted and lead individuals away from God. The Church also warns that mediums can exploit people's vulnerabilities for power and profit, giving their clients a false sense of security through deception and even claiming to be Catholic.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in discussing the first commandment, states that "all forms of divination are to be rejected". This includes consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens, clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums. These practices are believed to conceal a desire for power over time, history, and other human beings, as well as a wish to access hidden powers.
Instead of turning to mediums, Catholics are encouraged to trust in God's divine providence and to seek reassurance and answers from Him. This is reflected in the first commandment, "I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have any gods before me", and in the words of St. Paul, "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His decree" (Romans 8:28).
While the Catechism of the Catholic Church forbids consulting a medium, it is important to approach individuals with love and correction, as St. Paul enjoins.
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Catholics should seek assurance from God, not a medium
The Catholic Church strongly condemns the practice of invoking spirits and consulting mediums. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that resorting to mediums and other forms of spirits or the occult contradicts the honour, respect, and loving fear owed to God alone.
The Bible also contains several passages that speak against the use of mediums and fortunetellers. For example, Leviticus 20:27 states, "A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortuneteller shall be put to death by stoning", and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, "Let there not be found among you anyone who causes their son or daughter to pass through the fire, or practices divination, or is a soothsayer, augur, or sorcerer, or who casts spells, consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead".
Catholics who seek assurance from mediums may be trying to fill a spiritual need or find hope in the face of loss. While the desire to connect with the dead may seem understandable, the Church teaches that these practices lead people further away from God. Only God is the ultimate source of consolation, hope, help, and strength, and Catholics should seek assurance and guidance from Him through prayer and living a Christian life.
Additionally, the Church warns that mediums can exploit vulnerable people for power and profit, giving them a false sense of security and allowing the power of evil to enter their lives. Instead of turning to mediums, Catholics should anchor their lives in the Lord, trusting in His love, care, and divine providence. They can also pray for their loved ones who have passed away, asking God for His eternal remembrance and the hope of seeing them again in His kingdom.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, seeing a medium is considered against the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that resorting to mediums and other forms of spirits contradicts the honour, respect, and loving fear owed to God alone.
The Bible strongly condemns spiritism and mediums. Leviticus 20:27 states: "A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortune-teller shall be put to death by stoning". Deuteronomy 18:10-12 also addresses this issue: "Let there not be found among you anyone who causes their son or daughter to pass through the fire, or practices divination, or is a soothsayer, augur, or sorcerer, or who casts spells, consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead".
Some experts suggest that many Catholics who seek assurances from mediums define themselves as spiritual persons rather than religious persons. As such, they may not feel bound by the rules and commandments of the Catholic Church. Additionally, it is human nature to seek reassurance, and some may turn to mediums when they feel they are not receiving answers through prayer or living the Christian life.
Catholics should turn to God and the Church for guidance and reassurance instead of seeking the help of mediums. Catholics believe that their prayers are efficacious for those who have "fallen asleep in the Lord". They pray for the forgiveness of their loved ones' sins and hope to see them again in the Lord's coming Kingdom.
