Ouija boards first came onto the scene in February of 1891. When it first came out, it was marketed as a magical board that could answer questions about a person as well as answer questions about the future. With a starting price of $1.50 in 1891, this “magical” board started selling out. In the modern-day, Ouija boards are still being produced and sold, even at children's toy stores.
What Is the Origin of Ouija Boards?
Ouija boards are long, flat boards that contain all of the letters of the alphabet and numbers 0-9. On the board, there are the words written “yes” and “no,” and some editions contain the words “hello” and “goodbye.” There are also many symbols painted on the Ouija board itself.
Players use an item called a planchette in order to spell out the words that the “spirit” is guiding them to spell.
Ouija boards are used for séances, communicating with the dead, and predicting the future. Many advertisements and endorsements will try to pass off Ouija boards as being a harmless children’s game, but it is not. Ouija boards are directly related to the occult and Christians need to abstain from participating in the use of Ouija boards.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns us, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.”
Ouija boards are not “magical” boards nor are they providing you with the ability to talk to your loved ones who have passed away. When a person participates in playing with a Ouija board, they are directly communicating with demons. Satan and his demons are always trying to deceive mankind.
Often, demons will appear as “angels of light” in order to trick mankind into believing their lies (2 Corinthians 11:14). Given Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:14, it is not surprising that demons would masquerade as dearly departed loved ones in order to get a person interested or involved with the occult.
Christians and all people need to know that Ouija boards are not a gateway to communicating with dead loved ones. Ouija boards are direct communication with Satan and his demons only. When a person passes away, they can no longer communicate with the living (Luke 16:19-31).
Deceased loved ones are immediately taken into the presence of the Lord and the individual either goes to heaven or hell based on whether or not they accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. No person can come back from the dead to communicate with the living, whether in communication through Ouija boards, ghost sightings, or anything else.
Should Christians Be Aware of Ouija Boards?
Christians do need to be knowledgeable about Ouija boards. Ignorance is not bliss. Satan and his demons want to keep Christians uneducated about aspects of the occult, such as Ouija boards. If Satan and his demons can keep Christians believing that Ouija boards are harmless fun, then they can keep Christians participating in these demonic practices.
All believers must put on the full armor of God in order to take their stand against Satan and his schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18). Demons will try to trick us into believing lies about God, other people, and ourselves. We do not need to give them a foothold into our lives.
Ouija boards are not “harmless fun” as they are an avenue of direct communication with demons. Christians should not simply look the other way and ignore the true reality of demonic forces at work in Ouija boards. It is good for Christians to be educated about Ouija boards in order to help others as well as themselves abstain from participating in this board game.
Christians should also help unbelievers become educated about the true facts of Ouija boards in order to help them not participate in this form of the occult. If a person becomes easily fascinated with Ouija boards, they can easily be drawn into the occult. If a family, friend, or neighbor is involved with Ouija boards, the first thing you can do to help them is to pray for them.
Afterward, in a kind manner, you can point out the true reality that Ouija boards are part of the occult and are demonic. Sadly, many unbelievers will not believe Ouija boards are demonic because they are being blinded to the truth.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).
However, we can continue to pray for them and share the gospel with them even if they will not believe the truth.
Many people seek out Ouija boards because they want wisdom or knowledge about the future. Ouija boards are not the correct place to search for wisdom or knowledge about the future. If a person desires wisdom, they need to turn to God.
The Bible tells us plainly, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). God is the only One who can give true wisdom, direction, and guidance. Seeking help from a Ouija board is not a wise choice for a Christian or an unbeliever.
The Bible gives us knowledge about the future, such as in future prophecies yet to be fulfilled as well as the events of eschatology. The future is bright for all Christians as ultimately, we will all be with God one day in the New Heaven and the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-27). All believers can rest assured that no matter how difficult life becomes on earth, we are promised an eternal home with God for all eternity.
Why Do Christians Need to Know the Truth about Ouija Boards?
Thus, Christians do need to be knowledgeable about Ouija boards, but we should not participate in this demonic activity. Ouija boards are an aspect of the occult and are controlled by demons.
When a person utilizes a Ouija board, they are directly communicating with demons. Demons will lie and say anything in order to get a person to believe them, including masquerading as a dead loved one.
As Christians, we need to educate ourselves about Ouija boards and know the harm that they can cause to people; however, Christians must not become highly interested in Ouija boards as it is part of the occult and can lead an individual astray. The devil is always trying to trick us into deception (1 Peter 5:8). It is not surprising that he would use Ouija boards as a gateway to our downfall.
For further reading:
Are Tarot Cards Evil and What Should Christians Know about Them?
Why Was Evil Celebrated on Halloween?
Why Was Evil Celebrated on Halloween in the Past and Is it Still Celebrated Today?
What Does the Bible Say about Ghosts?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Fran Rodriguez
