In recent days, the virtual world has been abuzz with the statement of a social media activist who offered a prize of a car to anyone who successfully performed black magic on him. It turned out that, until the specified time limit, he did not experience any disturbances, indicating that no black magic was successfully carried out.

In the Christian perspective, black magic itself is part of the practice of black magic or is often also called occultism. However, this issue is still a matter of debate to this day. It turns out that there are many contradictory responses among Christian clergy regarding this supernatural phenomenon, which triggers various thoughts and responses.

Responses from Church Leaders

At least, there are two kinds of responses from modern Christian leaders regarding the spiritual impacts believed to be caused by occult practices. The first response is an attitude of 'denial' about this case. Pastors and church leaders often refuse by arguing that the problems experienced are psychological problems that are best handled by psychiatrists. On the other hand, there is a response that acknowledges that occultism does have a real impact. Some churches that accept the existence of this phenomenon come from certain theological schools that are open to the presence of supernatural things. One pastor who is also active in ministry against the impact of occultism is Rev. Asigor P. Sitanggang, Th.D., a lecturer at STFT Jakarta, who also explained this in one of LAI's Youtube content, Bible Seminar.

Exorcism Service.

According to Rev. Asigor's research, historically churches such as the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist churches acknowledge the existence of problems related to occultism. These churches even have special services for exorcism, which is a form of resistance to occult practices. In contrast, Calvinist churches that emerged after Martin Luther's Protestant movement tend to reject the impact of occultism. This rejection is related to one of their theological principles, namely desacralization. Desacralization is a rejection of the sanctification of objects or places of worship (such as buildings and statues, etc.).

The Principle of Rationalism.

This desacralization is also indirectly related to the rationalism that developed in the western world. Western society tends to be skeptical of the existence of supernatural beings and mystical phenomena described in religious scriptures. They still believe in God as Spirit, but in their understanding other things related to spiritual phenomena can be explained scientifically and psychologically. This causes a rejection of the impact of occult practices. Another thing that influences is Cartesian, which is explained by Paul G. Hiebert as a school of thought that states the concept of separation between the 'spiritual' and 'physical' worlds. This concept developed along with the spread of rationalism, thus influencing the doctrines of modern western churches such as in Europe and America at that time. Meanwhile, these churches carried out many mission services in the world, including to Asia and Indonesia. Because of this, many people no longer believe in the impact of spiritual things other than the existence of the Spirit of God.

Personal experience.

In his presentation regarding occultism and its history, Rev. Asigor also stated that he himself had handled several cases that occurred among modern Christians in Indonesia. Several congregations claimed to have received strange objects sent with evil intentions, which resulted in strange events in their lives. According to the testimony of the congregation, they even experienced black magic attempts several times. Rev. Asigor also told about the occult terror experienced by his congregation through the internet.

Shamanism in the present day?

Perhaps in this modern era, practices related to the supernatural world such as shamanism feel 'far-fetched'. Then because of the influence of rationalism that has taken root in some Christian circles, issues related to the occult are also considered irrelevant. However, what really happened? Is it true that shamanic practices can no longer be trusted? Is it true that the impact of the occult no longer needs to be considered?

Come on, check out this review in the Bible Seminar segment entitled Church and Shamanism in Indonesia.

Link is here!