Bethel ‘Church’ of Redding, California, has proven itself time and again to dabble in the occult. But in its latest dabbling with the devil, its pastor, Kris Vallotton, encouraged the use of ‘spirit guides.’
Bethel has repeatedly practiced a necromantic “grave-sucking,” sold “prophetic Uno cards” on their website, taught telepathy to children, and have endorsed “Christian Tarot cards.”
And now, their pastor is endorsing ‘Spirit Guides.’
Vallotton’s post entitled, Why Every Christian Has a Spirit Guide, begins by saying, “not all supernatural experiences or practices hail from the kingdom of darkness.”
Vollotton then complains that Christians misinterpret Matthew 24:24 as he tries to lower their defenses by explaining that “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect,” is abused to discount supernatural practices like using Spirit Guides.
Vallotton says, “Let’s take a look at some practical examples of supernatural experiences that have been labeled as New Age in much of today’s culture.”
He goes on to claim that because Paul had a “trance” (11:15) we Christians today should be going into trances.
Ultimately, Vollatton goes on to claim that our “Spirit Guides” should be the Holy Spirit.
The danger with a false church like Bethel is evident in Vallotton trying to cloak religious concepts with occultic language, apparently to appeal to pagans, Satanists, superstitionists, and spiritists. Every time Bethel sparks a controversy by using Occultic ideas like Tarot cards, necromancy, or the like, its leadership will ultimately claim good intentions.
God, however, does not ask us to appropriate the language and practices of the occult in order to worship Yahweh. In fact, God forbids us from worshipping him with pagan practices or language. Repeatedly throughout the Old Testament, God punished the Israelites for worshipping him the same way pagans worship their gods (whether through idols, images, self-mutilation, or by groves and decorated poles).
The use of New Age and mystic terms in reference to the Holy Spirit is ungodly and unholy, and should be forsaken at all costs.
