Is Paranormal Investigations a Sin?

I’ve been a paranormal investigator for almost eight years now. That may not sound like much in most other careers, but dealing with spirits is not an easy gig. As if spirits weren’t enough, the criticism can be just as harsh. Despite the hard work, I’ve been called a Satanist, a hypocrite, lukewarm, and a heathen. I face constant comments from people who don’t understand what I do. Granted, not all of these remarks stem from arrogance—paranormal investigation is a field filled with different investigators from various backgrounds, methods, and beliefs. Unfortunately, this diversity can lead to misconceptions and negative stereotypes about the field.

This is why I always emphasize that I am a Christian paranormal investigator and demonologist. But the question that often arises is this: Is paranormal investigation a sin against God?

What Is Paranormal Investigation?

To answer that question, we first need to define what paranormal investigation is. As I mentioned, it encompasses many approaches. At its core, paranormal investigation involves going to a location thought to be haunted and seeking evidence of a spirit’s presence. Some people do it for cheap thrills, wandering graveyards or abandoned buildings with flashlights and Ouija boards. Others approach it more seriously, taking time to study the location before using scientific equipment to detect potential supernatural activity. Motivations vary: some investigate for fun, others to seek knowledge about the spiritual realm, and some, like me, do it to help those affected by paranormal phenomena.

Personally, I investigate to assist people in need and to advance research into the unseen world. This is important to note because motives matter. Paranormal investigation can be dangerous, which is why it’s not something to take lightly or treat as entertainment. My favorite cases are those where families feel trapped or afraid because they believe they are haunted. In such cases, my team and I use equipment to confirm or disprove their fears. If a spirit is present, we work with the homeowner to address the situation appropriately, always seeking to resolve it in a way that brings peace and comfort.

What Does the Bible Say About Ghosts?

Many Christians approach paranormal topics with skepticism or outright rejection, often taking their pastor’s or parents’ teachings as the ultimate truth. Unfortunately, this leads to widespread misunderstanding, particularly regarding ghosts. Most Christians are quick to dismiss all ghosts as demons in disguise, but the Bible itself is far from clear on this topic.

Let’s briefly explore what scripture says about ghosts. While I’ll write a more detailed paper on this topic later, here are a few highlights:

1. Familiar Spirits: A common argument is that "familiar spirits" mentioned in the Bible are demons. However, this claim is not supported by scripture. The Hebrew term for "Those with familiar spirits" refers to mediums or necromancers, individuals who claim to contact the dead. The term does not clarify what these spirits actually are. The term itself does not refer to familiar as in an associate or old friend but actually refers to familiar as in 'familial', ancestral spirits. These are ghosts not demons.

2. The Ghost of Samuel: In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul consults the Witch of Endor, who summons the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. The text clearly identifies the apparition as Samuel, not a demon. Saul recognizes him, and Samuel delivers a message from God. Since angels never conceal themselves, it’s unlikely this was an angel either. This passage suggests that ghosts can exist in some capacity.

3. The Disciples’ Belief in Ghosts:

4. In Matthew 14:26, the disciples mistake Jesus walking on water for a ghost (phantasma, meaning specter or spirit). If ghosts didn’t exist, Jesus would have likely corrected their misunderstanding, but He does not.

While the Bible does not conclusively confirm the existence of ghosts, it does not disprove them either.

What Does the Bible Say About Communicating with Spirits?

Now let’s address what scripture says about interacting with spirits. Several passages in the Old Testament explicitly condemn the practice of consulting mediums or necromancers:

• Leviticus 19:31: "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God."

• Leviticus 20:27: "A man or a woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them."

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: "There shall not be found among you anyone... who practices divination, or a sorcerer, or a medium, or a necromancer, or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord."

These verses seem straightforward: consulting spirits is sinful. But let’s examine this further.

A necromancer is someone who uses occult practices to gain knowledge or insight from the dead. Similarly, mediums were sought out for wisdom or glimpses into the future through their interactions with spirits. The sinful aspect is not simply talking to spirits—it is relying on them for guidance, wisdom, or power instead of trusting God.

In Isaiah 8:19, the prophet warns: "Should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" This clarifies that the issue lies in seeking the dead for answers that only God can provide. Even King Saul’s death was partly attributed to his reliance on a medium instead of God (1 Chronicles 10:13).

Paranormal Investigation as Ministry

As Christians, we are called to fulfill two primary missions:

1. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19-20).

2. "Take your stand against the devil’s schemes… against the spiritual forces of evil" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

While many focus on the first calling, the second is equally important. Demons are strong and terrifying, but God is infinitely more powerful. Fear of demons belittles the power of the Living God. Instead, we are called to take the fight to the enemy: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against [the Church]" (Matthew 16:18). Gates are defensive structures, implying that Christians are meant to go on the offensive.

This is why I investigate. Many families facing spiritual oppression turn to pagans or Wiccans for help, but as Jesus said: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined" (Matthew 12:25). Christians must step in with God’s power to bring true freedom.

Personal Experiences

In 2021, my team and I responded to a call from a young couple in Tulsa experiencing paranormal activity. Cabinets were opening on their own, objects were moving, and their children reported "imaginary friends" saying dark things. We confirmed the presence of two demons in the home. During the cleansing process, three of us were scratched as the demons resisted. By God’s grace, we succeeded in driving them out.

Another case in 2022 involved a cursed object that brought severe demonic attachment to a woman named Taylor. She experienced shadowy figures, disturbing thoughts, and sleepwalking. After an hour of prayer and spiritual warfare, the demon was cast out, and Taylor was finally at peace.

These cases are not rare. Through prayer, scripture, and faith, we have helped numerous families reclaim their homes and lives from spiritual oppression.

Conclusion

Paranormal investigation, when done with the right intentions, can be a powerful ministry. It allows us to help people suffering from spiritual oppression while testifying to the power of Jesus Christ. While the Bible warns against seeking guidance from spirits, it does not forbid testing or commanding them in Christ’s name. By confronting these forces, we fulfill our calling to fight against the darkness and bring others into the light.

Through my work, I have seen lives changed, families restored, and God glorified. For me, there is no greater joy than helping people feel safe in their own homes while sharing the gospel. By the will of God, I hope to continue this work, bringing hope and freedom to those in need in a dark and fallen world.