Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 04:3 (Oct 2004)
Article: Whom Shall We Fear?
Author: Toby A. Travis

Whom Shall We Fear?

Toby A. Travis, Th.B., M.R.E.

Faith Studies International

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©2002 Toby Travis

Living In The Illudere

Close investigation and study of the claims of the paranormal, such as those found in the New Age movement, Eastern Mysticism, and the Occult, is a fearful procedure for many. To be sure, exploring such practices out of mere curiosity and without biblical discernment can be dangerous. However, to approach these claims fearfully is to play into the hands of those who are making such claims. It may be that the strength or power of paranormal proponents and claimants is primarily in their ability to generate fear and an unholy awe.

As Christians, the Scriptures instruct us “to fear God and God only”1 (Deut. 6:13, 24; 10:12, 20; 31:12, 13; Joshua 4:24; 24:14; 1 Samuel 12:24, etc.). Apart from the fear of God, we are to live without fear for “greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). To accept the claims of paranormal practitioners without challenging them is to offer them a level of credibility that according to Jesus they simply do not possess (John 8:44). Satan’s rebellion at its core is the desire to be God. Thus, his desire is for us to fear him as a god - and to fear his destructive activity.

The word “illusion” originates from the Latin, illudere, which means “an erroneous perception of reality,” - to see reality incorrectly. As professional illusionists and students of orthodox biblical Christianity, we have been sought out by many individuals over the years to help them discern if they are living in the illudere. As we have interviewed, counseled, and simply conversed with these individuals we have encountered many that we believe are living in the illudere concerning the supernatural. In particular, they are seeing reality incorrectly (especially those who are within the Christian community) when it comes to claims of the paranormal. Foundational to what may be an erroneo...