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Is It Okay To Believe In Ghosts?
Christian thoughts on every day parenting.
by Donna Shepherd
All materials copyrighted
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But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
– John 4:26
The other day in a parking lot, I walked past a little girl as she skipped along holding on to her father’s hand. She chattered away,
and as I neared, I heard her proclaim, “You know what, Daddy? You know who Casper is? Did you know he’s my favorite ghost?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle and wonder how many ghosts she knows!
As a little girl about that same age, I used to watch the cartoon starring
Casper, the Friendly Ghost .
Years later when my husband bought a white parakeet for me, I named him Casper.
I’m sure my mother never thought twice about letting me watch a cartoon starring such a cute ghostly character, but there is a time when
believing in ghosts becomes detrimental to a child’s spirituality.
As Christians, we look to the Word of God as our authority and standard, and the Bible has a lot to say about ghosts. In the King James
Version, the word ‘ghost’ appears many times, but usually in reference to the Holy Ghost. In the Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek
in the New Testament, the word could also be rendered ‘spirit.’ Angels are spirit beings and do God’s bidding.
Angels who left in rebellion to God are referred to as demons. Many times these demons trick people into believing the spirits of those
who’ve gone on before us roam the earth. They may have knowledge about a dead person and communicate this information, but it is not the
dead speaking, but a demonic spirit, or as characterized in our world of entertainment, a ghost.
In Matthew 8:16, we see that evil sprits can actually possess a human being to work through that individual, but Jesus had authority
over the evil spirit beings or demons. As Christians, we too have that same authority by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In television shows and movies, what should be scary and abnormal has been normalized. Many times witches and ghosts appear entertaining
and even humorous. While it may seem an innocent act to watch television shows about ghosts, or even dress up as one for Halloween, God
made His commandments very clear.
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or
a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up
the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-11 nkjv).
As Christian parents, we want to safeguard our children in every way—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So, is it okay to
believe in ghosts? Yes, but only one—the Holy Ghost. Do you know who He is? The Holy Ghost is most definitely my favorite!
BUSY Parents Tip
Turn in the Bible to Ephesians 6:10-12. An extraordinary struggle goes on in the heavens. Let’s be aware, and pray over our children
that they will be influenced by only one spirit—the Spirit of God.
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land
and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms.
From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with
daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.
Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice.
Read legal disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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