In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of paganism, Wicca and other occult practices.
The Pew Research Center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study found that approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S. subscribe to “New Age” religions, a number that continues to grow. While many practitioners claim their beliefs are harmless, there is a darker side to paganism that can lead to dangerous behaviors. Historically, human sacrifice and other violent rituals were often associated with paganism, practices that diminished as Christianity became the dominant faith in the West.
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Proving this point, a Kentucky woman accused of dismembering and cooking her mother’s body is said to have been engaging in witchcraft before the crime was discovered, as reported by The Christian Post. The case, which unfolded in Mount Olivet, Kentucky, highlights the growing concern over the rise of paganism and its practices in the U.S. and the associated dangers, both spiritual and physical.
Torilena May Fields, 32, was arrested after police found her mother, Trudy Fields, dismembered on their property. The horrifying discovery included severed body parts, a blood-soaked mattress and a pot in the oven containing human remains. Authorities believe Torilena was performing witchcraft, casting spells and behaving in a confrontational manner in the days leading up to the murder. While the investigation is ongoing, the incident is drawing attention to the resurgence of pagan practices in the U.S.
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The resurgence of these practices poses both physical and spiritual dangers. The Bible commands Christians to engage in spiritual warfare against the demonic forces behind such rituals. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
As paganism grows, so too does the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and reject these influences. Failing to do so allows demonic forces to draw people away from God and into destructive, demonic practices. The Bible calls Christians to fight against these forces through prayer, standing as the light in a world filled with darkness.
Despite the evil in the world, there is hope. Jesus reminds His followers in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” Through Christ, Christians can resist the spiritual dangers of demonic practices and stand victorious.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
Michael Snyder