I recently received an invitation to write for a non-Christian website. I’m not talking about a “neutral” site about the craft of writing, pet grooming or gardening, that many people doesn’t like and prefer to contract services as lawn care in Utah to make the job for them . No. This popular website concerns straight-up, high octane, occultism.
Of course, the members of that group wouldn’t label it as such. It is a Paranormal Community. Members of the site include Wiccans, Druids, Spiritists, New Agers, and Ron Paul supporters. OK. Kidding about that last one ;-). Topics involve trance states, reincarnation, crop circles, voodooism, incantations, cryptozoology, and UFOs.
Just my kind of place.
For the record, I think most sites like this attract whackos who jettison critical thinking in favor of the conspiratorial and/or outlandish theories. Not to mention, they promulgate spiritual deception. However, I’ve also come to believe that this is the exact type of place Christians should be.
But there was something that kept me from signing on the dotted line. It wasn’t whether or not I could handle hanging with shamans and satanists.
It was whether or not other Christians would understand.
The mantra, er, manifesto of my well-meaning friends is rooted in Scripture:
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (II Cor. 6:14-17 NIV)
Pretty clear, isn’t it? We’re to be separate from “darkness.” Christians have no place at the devil’s table, much less his chat room. We are to distance ourselves from “wickedness,” not blog alongside it.
Question: Is this verse the reason why I should not “network” (or “yoke”) with others in a paranormal community?
Frankly, I wonder if this verse — or should I say, the interpretation of this verse — isn’t what’s driven us Christians into the literary ghetto. In our effort to “come out from them and be separate” we have constructed a Green Zone devoid of humanists, atheists, and occultists, where we regular police for expletives and false doctrines and prosecute violaters with impunity.
But does not touching the “unclean thing” validate quarantining our literature from the mainstream? Does separating ourselves from unbelievers mean we shouldn’t be published alongside them? Does holiness require a literary Green Zone?
I’m sorry, but views like this are what keep Christians — and the Christian book industry — ghettoized.
That’s a good point. I’ve also heard about pastors who got expelled from their organizations and/or congregations for *gasp* associating with “sinners”. Hanging out in a bar, for example, to witness to drunkards.
Christ was often mocked for associating with the “sinners”, even daring to eat with them—something no Pharisee would ever do.
I’ve always understood that “Do not be unequally yoked” verse as a reference to marriage. It’s sad how some folks who would never dream of, say, being friends with an occultist (due to that verse) will marry an agnostic with the belief that they’ll change him (which is what that verse says not to do).
Ron Paul…heh heh.
I hope you don’t let other Christians keep you from signing on if you feel it’s something God wants you to do. I personally do not have a problem with it, in any case. Although, I can say…it’s true, we do become like the people we hang out with. I’ve experienced it myself. Their ideas can infiltrate, even if you go in feeling strong and sure in your faith.
I think your main consideration when deciding whether or not to join in should be the strength of your own faith. You will be placing yourself in a prime spot for attack (satan’s attack. I’m allowed to say that here, right? 😉 ). It’s not something to take lightly, as I assume you already know. (Speaking from experience here. Been there, done that, faced attack, screwed up.)
So, ask yourself, are you reading the Bible and praying regularly.? Are you spending quality time with your Christian peers, in true fellowship? If not, then no, I wouldn’t recommend you join into their conversation.
Another thing to consider…I don’t know how you might work this out, but is it possible for you and another Christian blogger to buddy up? Maybe alternate postings, support each other in comments. If not that, definitely encourage other Christians to watch you, support you, and take part in the discussions. Think buddy system!
Perhaps I’m preaching to the choir here, but while, like I said, I have no problems with Christians engaging with others involved in the paranormal, but it *must* be done wisely.
I appreciate your advice (and concern) here, Jessica. I definitely don’t want to appear flippant or reckless about such an “alliance.” I assume I was contacted because I’m a speculative author and have some articles about ghosts floating around (pun intended). But if I learned I had to tone down my biblical rhetoric to blog there, I probably won’t do it.
Good points, it is so easy to be corrupted. Jesus warned that we are to watch and pray because our spirits are willing but our flesh is weak.
A buddy system is a good idea, if not buddy system on the blog , at least have a support group that prays with you and for you regularly.
Also, the armor of God is a must! Spiritual battle is real and God gave us the armor to help protect us in this fight.
I was asked to join a secular site and did for awhile. The problem I quickly encountered though was the blog was so inclusive Christ looked like just another flavor on the menu. I couldn’t share enough truth to make anything of the opportunity so I backed out. Personally, I don’t know any Christians who would not want to participate in thoughtful discussions with non-believers as long as they weren’t expected to validate other faiths.
I understand your conundrum, it reminds me of when I was a young Christian, I harshly judged my father for having alcoholic friends (my father also did prison ministry and befriended many ex-convicts). Wasn’t he being unequally yoked?
He asked me how they were supposed to hear about God if everyone avoided them. He reminded me that we are called to go out and make disciples. You can’t make a disciple from someone who is already saved. He reminded me that Jesus came to seek that which was lost and we are called to do the same thing. He reminded me of the company Jesus kept while on earth, he didn’t eat with the “church goers” he ate with the ones they wouldn’t go near.
He also quoted Romans 10:14-15, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Yes we are called to be different from the world, we are told to watch out so we are not corrupted, but we are also told to be salt and light.
We are to let out lights shine so that men may see our good works and glorify God, Matt 5:16,
A light is worthless if it is hidden inside a church. We are to let the WORLD see our lights.
I think hiding behind scriptures that tell us to not be unequally yoked is what is watering down Christianity in America, it is why so many are turning to other religions instead of Christianity for answers (if you don’t believe that look up the growth rate of Islam in America).
In my opinion, some people are scared to go out into the world. I know I would not be comfortable on a post like you are describing, but it is not because I worry about what other Christian think, but because I do not know enough about the paranormal to converse with them. But you do. Just like God gave the ability to my father to relate to ex-convicts and alcoholics. We each have various backgrounds and interests and God uses our uniqueness to further His kingdom. You may be the person to get through to someone no one else can.
When my father passed away, people were lined up in the hall way at his funeral, even the over flow seating area in the church was cram packed, and many of those attending were people he befriended when no one else would. Everyone had stories to tell of how my father helped them, how he influenced them and how much he impacted their lives. Yet while living, many judged him for the company he kept, but he didn’t care what the world said, he cared about what God told him to do.
I will be praying you find peace and guidance in this and that you will have the courage to do whatever it is God tells you to do. Follow him and you will have peace no matter what other well intending Christians think.
God bless.
Some of the topics you mention may have nothing to do with Satanism. I personally never knew that cryptozoology was satanic–I mean, really, is it? If you could cast spiritual light on what’s really going on, you might do somebody a huge favor. I can’t say I would want anything to do with voodoo after reading about it. It’s clearly a religion based on demonic possession–and yet, I’m sure there are missionaries called to witness to those who practice it. Maybe you’re one of them. Maybe not. You have to feel the calling, I think, before walking into that territory.
No, I didn’t mean to imply that all these categories correspond to Satanism, especially cryptozoology. If anything, they’re all tied to pseudo-scientism and alternative religion.
If we separated ourselves from the world then the light of Christ would not be able to shine to a lost world. I think we all have our strengths and weaknesses. I could not delve into this literary world that you explained, but you could probably hold your own and be able to “shine” for Christ. Good post, and good ideas to think about as always!
I agree, you said what I did in a much more concise answer. Good job, I tend to get long winded.
I think the sticky point is the definition of yoked. You aren’t marrying the group, or volunteering to become its leader. Someone has to talk to the lost in order for them to see the light. Jesus hung out with tax collectors, lawyers, and sinners rather than the Pharises and Saduceses (lucky for me He hangs out with people that can’t spell Pharises and Saduceses, too).
As others have said, I don’t think merely joining in a conversation or participating in a round table sort of atmosphere is the same as “being yoked.” Because of its allegory to cattle teams, I’ve taken those verses to apply to marriage, business partnerships and other arrangements where you must work as a team. But friendships, dinner parties, etc. don’t count as “yoking”.
I do think, to your point, that a lot of Christians DO overreact to the teachings of that verse and (mis)use it as a directive to cloister themselves and bury their talents.
BUT…..
I remember you talking in a previous blog entry (maybe it was the one about your anniversary? Can’t exactly remember) about your life before you became a Christian in your late teens. If I recall correctly you mentioned specifically that you had become involved with the occult and it was a problem for you before you were saved. If you’re not feeling like this would be a stumbling block and bring up those old wounds than I would think you’d be fine. But it would be something I’d think about were I in your shoes. I only say all this because I know that I’ve had to give up political blogging because that IS a stumbling block for me. And it is an area where I teamed with non Christians and that DID turn out to be an ugly, awful mistake.
(But I will say that I am a Ron Paul supporter…I think. I’m a libertarian. We’ll leave it at that. )
Being aware of our limitation/weaknesses is important. We have to be careful, Satan will use everything he can against us.
I understand where you are coming from about the politics thing. I am passionate about politics, current events and not repeating our history. Thankfully I don’t have as much time as I would like to devote to it. Instead I blog on a few issues that catch my attention, issues I believe Christians need to be aware of, but try to focus my blog on God.
Ron Paul uh? I don’t know what to call myself. The Libertarians have views I agree with, so does the tea party and republicans. There are even issues I can agree with democrats on. I guess I don’t really have a “party”, I just vote how I feel God is instructing me.
Do you like Herman Cain, it’s early still, but I think I like him.
You’re right, Katherine. I did explore (semi-seriously) the occult in my teens and early twenties. I remain highly sensitized to related issues, but not to the extent that it’s a stumbling block. For me, it really was an expression of a “search for truth.” Which is why I have a hard time categorically demonizing people who may be in various stages of their own quest.
(Re: Ron Paul — I probably agree with him more than I don’t. But when I don’t, I REALLY don’t.)
Hmmm. I must have inadvertantly swore.
I’ve always interpreted it to mean not becoming their best friend; not hanging out with them all of the time; not becoming influenced by those I’m trying to influence. The word acquaintaince comes to mind.
In other words, guarding our hearts.
Ha ha, that actually sounds like a lot of fun.
I used to run a website for kids who wrote fanfiction and drew pictures of Sonic the Hedgehog. The Sonic fandom is a weird place that has fringe elements out in furry-land, so I got to interact with pretty much all the people on your list of topics up there.
I was unapologetically Christian, and I annoyed a lot of people who were of other, weird persuasions. I never convinced them and they never convinced me. But boy did we have some great discussions.
On a blog type like that, you could totally use Chuck Missler’s definition of the Bible: 66 books written by 40 authors over thousands of years, but we now come to discover that it’s an integrated message system from outside our time domain.
It has to be something you’re interested in, though. It can get real tiring arguing with space-cases.
I’d find it interesting to know more about this Sonic phenomenon, esp. since my younger daughter was convinced he was real when she was a kid. Is there some kind of alien theory about the hedgehog? Regardless, I had a feeling there was something behind her sudden persuasion that he was real. Demons come in all shapes and sizes, I’m sure of that.
The logic you give — rather tongue-in-cheek, I presume — would mean that Christians shouldn’t work with non-Christians. You’d have to quit your day job, Mike.
As I’m sure you can guess, I take issue with your conclusion:
We aren’t the one quarantining our literature from the mainstream. No author or book seller is telling bookstores to please keep the Christian fiction off the shelves with those other books. I know people in publishing who have worked hard to get Christian books into general market stores and into the big box retail locations.
As one of your earlier commenters said, I don’t know of any authors who wouldn’t gladly engage non-Christians, even those who write specifically to the Christian market about Christian issues.
Becky
Fair enough, Becky. Many authors DO fight for inclusion alongside mainstream fiction. But wouldn’t you agree that “separatism” has played a part in the birth and furtherance of the Christian book industry? Christian fiction is often contrasted as being “different” than secular fiction. In fact, I recall more than one CF supportes who’s done so on the grounds that Christians should “come out from among them and be separate.”
Hi Mike,
Im kinda of new to your blog and just wanted to thank you for your post today. I have been struggling so much with the entire concept of the paranormal genre- Ive been blogging for a few years and have been doing a range of Christian and secular fiction…..Ill just say it has taken a toll spiritually (at least the ya-paranormal books Ive accepted to review have) I started reading them because I wanted to give parents an idea of what is being marketed to teens and children and in all my Im a mature Christian I thought it wouldn’t affect me.
I think that scripture you quoted (even though Ive heard it a thousand times) hit me like bricks today…….
Mike, looks like I’ll be following a similar path as yourself. My agent (thank you Lord, I now have an agent! *G*) agrees that even though I have four novels published in the CBA, it was never a good fit. Intellectually I knew that, but still, it’s daunting to sail away from that safe harbor.
That said, she’s diving right in, and taking the first of my new suspense/thriller series straight to the commerical market. During our talk last week she suggested to jump-start things I not only begin particapting in a few secular websites of like-minded writers, but that I attend the next ThrillerCon as well, which I think is in NYC.
Mighty strange territory for a transplanted Kentucky farm boy. Lead on, Good Shepherd …
John, I loved your “Joe Box” novels. One of the few CBA books I really liked, and I think you’d do fine in the secular market. AND, ThrillerCon is right down the road from me (figuratively speaking) so if you do attend, would love to hook up.
Far as CBA making inroads into the secular market, it seems to be this: will that CBA PUBLISHER in question be okay with it? You see Robert Liparulo attending all the same Cons as secular authors, (ThrillerCon being one of them) sitting on panels with guys like F. Paul Wilson. Yet, the few CBA publishers I’ve spoken to – when I mentioned my frequent attendance of secular Horror Cons – seemed leery of the prospect. I remember mentioning how I’d love to have a CBA novel of mine (if I ever wrote one) wind up on the Bram Stoker Award ballot, and that ALSO wasn’t received so well.
And I think it’s ThrillerFest, because I just googled ThrillerCon and couldn’t find it…
1 Samuel 16:23
So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Thanks for the kind words, Kevin; and you’re right ThrillerFest it is (blame it on too many 14-hour days at work).
Truth to tell, the idea of my having to step into a different arena filled with folks who don’t give two flips and a whistle about my relationship with Jesus is causing me both trepidation, and cautious joy.
The former for obvious reasons (will the big kids like me? accept me? let me sit with them at lunch? *G*), while the latter means I can write the stories I’ve really wanted to write for the last ten years, and not having to worry about meeting a checklist I’ve always held suspect anyway.
So will I fall flat on my face? Auger in? Explode in fire and ruin? Dunno, but I’m ready to stand next to the plate and give it the best swing I can.
I will say this – in a moment of honest revelation – it is harder, but not in the way you might think. In all the Cons I’ve attended, I’ve never once had folks push things on me, harass me for my beliefs, or attack me.
The greater issue is a “self-governance”. For example, even as a Christian, I’m not a Prohibition-style, anti-alcohol buff. I drink beer. Maybe once every few months. My wife buys me a bottle-six pack of my favorite every Christmas, and it probably takes me a year to finish it.
Now, at Christian Cons – I’m guessing, because I’ve never attended any – there’d probably be a tighter, non-drinking atmosphere. A little more sedate and conservative, maybe. It would be much easier to attend a Christian Con, because I wouldn’t have to be so cautious about my behavior, because of that – I adjust my behavior accordingly.
Now, at secular Cons – not so much. Or at all. Which poses unique challenges and opportunities. At a secular Con, I have the freedom to imbibe as much as I want. Hey, I could get rip-roaring drunk, and fit right in. ALSO, what if someone takes a picture of me with a beer in my hand – maybe only one of three that whole night – tags it on Facebook? Or maybe someone passes a bottle of liquor, and as a joke, I tip it back – and same thing happens? Do I freak out, ask that person to delete the pic, not post in on Facebook….or do I shrug my shoulders, think: “Hey. People who know me well know what I’m really like. Whatever.” (on a side note, it’s usually courtesy because of this for folks to let others do the tagging.)
The thing is, how you act and treat people always shines through. At these conventions, I’m always first to bed, first to rise. People who meet me at these Cons have probably read my blog, know where I stand. And, I don’t go out of my way to proselytize – it’s simply not in my nature – but people at these things KNOW. Recently at Horrorfind, there was a panel titled: “Politics & Religion in Horror”. I wasn’t on it – because I’d moderated another panel that weekend – but still, several people asked me: “Dude, why weren’t you on that panel? You would’ve been perfect!”
I think you are probably doing the right thing by not associating with the non-Christian website. However, many parts of the Bible, like what you pointed out, are, at least for me, sometimes unclear as to the exact meanint. I do not think that we, as Christians, are supposed to isolate ourselves. If we did, how could we spread God’s word to the very people who need it? Obviously we have to live beside and with non-believers. How could we do otherwise? I believe what the scripture is saying is that we are not to become like them. I believe it would be okay for you to write and post on the site, as long as you do not let them negatively influence you.
Often many people in the groups you mentioned are seeking for answers. Some oppose Christianty for no other reason than they had a bad experience, have misconceptions about it or see it as some Oppressive Institution. Many, however, are surprised and open to hear that Christianity isn’t what they thought or were told. Too often we talk about other people and not to them. We fight the constant struggle of not being part of the world and trying to engage it. Sometimes we get pulled to the extremes, other times we let our fear of this happening lead us to do nothing.