Saul, the Spiritist, and Samuel -- By: Thomas O. Figart

Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 11:1 (Winter 1970)
Article: Saul, the Spiritist, and Samuel
Author: Thomas O. Figart


Saul, the Spiritist, and Samuel

Thomas O. Figart

Dean, Lancaster School of the Bible

Two books have been written in recent years which expound the modern version of necromancy. The first is called A Gift of Prophecy and is the story of Jeane Dixon and her amazing series of predictions. The second book, A Search for the Truth, was written by the same author, Mrs. Ruth Montgomery, only this time the story revolves around her own adventures in the realm of the psychic. She, too, like her friend, Jeane Dixon, has experienced contact with the “other side” through a “control” or a spirit who is able to impersonate the voice of the dead.

In each case the woman claims to be a devout believer in God. Mrs. Montgomery describes Jeane Dixon in this manner:

…Jeane Dixon has declined to accept any remuneration for a talent which she believes God bestowed on her for a purpose. Devoutly religious, she will use her strange gift only for the benefit of others. She believes that if she were to take money she might lose this talent.1

For Jeane Dixon, having a vision is similar to what David said in Psalm 23, “My cup runneth over.”

Once you have had a vision like that nothing in this world can awe you. You feel that at last you understand the word ‘love.’ You know what it is truly to worship God. You yearn to develop the talent that He has assigned you; to do His work on this earth.2

Reference is made to the story of Saul and the witch of Endor (and many other supernatural appearances) as Biblical evidence that what they are doing is within the scope of the will of God.

The spirit of Samuel conversed with Saul in 1 Samuel. An angel came to feed Elijah, in 1 Kings; and angels protected the three Hebrew children from the fiery

furnace, in the third chapter of Daniel. The book of Daniel also records that ‘then was the secret revealed to Daniel in a vision.’3

After all, did not the witch bring up Samuel at the request of Saul? Further, was there not a genuine message from God which came from this seance, and did it not come to pass exactly as the spirit-medium indicated?

Historically, this passage has been appealed to from both sides of the fence. Some would like it to prove that we can indeed keep in touch with our dead loved ones. Others, such as the Seventh Day Adventists, go to great lengths to prove it was not a real appearance, because they ha...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()