SCIENCE AND SPIRITISM by G. W. Reaser

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 30, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 31.

SCIENCE AND SPIRITISM.

By G. W. Reaser

[In the Natal Mercury of South Africa recently there has been much discussion anent Spiritism, many favoring it. Among the letters in that paper, was the following, which presents the truly Biblical view:—]

JUDGING from the volume of correspondence, Spiritism must be regarded as one of the most prominent religious questions of the hour. The writer, having made a careful study along these lines for several years, would proffer the following suggestions: Spiritualism, more properly designated Spiritism, is not a new thing in the world, but dates back several thousand years in the history of the human family. The writer fully believes in the fact of Spiritism, and is positive that at least some of its adherents can demonstrate its reality beyond the power of science to controvert. This system, in its modern form, and under its present title, was developed and made known to the world as a result of some strange phenomena which occurred in the Fox family at Hydesville, New York, U. S. A., about the year 1846. Its adherents can now be numbered by scores of millions of men and women, many of whom retain their membership in the leading churches of civilized lands. While the writer is a believer in the fact of communication with spirits, yet he would rather lose his physical eyesight than to become a confirmed Spiritist. The Bible and its author bear record to the reality of this occult form of religion, but no one can be a devout Spiritist, and at the same time be a full believer in the Bible, or have the approval of heaven; for while it is recognized of God, it is always and forever condemned by His Word; and while men may rejoice in the thought of being in touch with the spirit world, their rejoicing is not of heavenly origin, for it is contrary to the Word of God.

A few Scripture quotations will convince any candid mind that the one who communicates with spirits of supposed human beings is doing a very offensive thing in the sight of High Heaven. In Deut. 18: 10-12, the Lord speaks through His servant Moses, saying: “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter of familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord.” Again Isaiah testifies against the practise of Spiritism, when, in chapter 8: 19, he says: “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” A New Testament writer foretold the rise of modern Spiritism when he wrote these words: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Tim. 4: 1. The seer of Patmos adds his testimony also to the rise of Spiritism just before the coming of Christ the second time. He writes: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Rev. 16. 13, 14.

In the quotation from Timothy, the spirits with which some men communicate are denominated “seducing spirits.” Who ever saw a confirmed Spiritist who was not seduced from the true principles of Christianity? The influence of Spiritism is acknowledged by many of its followers to be corrupting instead of elevating. One of its legitimate offspring is that destroyer of the family and human happiness in general—“free-love.” To say, as some have said, that the Saviour of men was a Spiritist medium savors strongly of blasphemy, for one form of blasphemy is to attribute the power of God to Satan. The Scriptures teach that there are two classes of angels—one class loyal to God, and unfallen; the other, joining in the rebellion of Satan, and fallen, corrupt, “lying spirits.” Neither of these classes were ever members of the human family, but were created angels from the beginning. These beings, of both classes, have power to visit this world; and, that the evil angels should appear to those “who seek familiar spirits” as their dead friends, is “no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light;” but, says Inspiration, “I would not that ye should worship devils.” This Satanic delusion is to constitute one of the greatest deceptions that the world has ever seen, even substantiating its assumptions by apparently bringing “down fire from heaven on the earth, in the sight of men.” Take heed, fellow-traveler; shun it as you would the leprosy, for it will, if possible, “deceive the very elect.”

G. W. REASER.

Beulah, Bulwer Road, Durban, Natal.