Introduction

Our goal in writing Entertaining Spirits Unaware: The End-Time Occult Invasion is to offer a resource concerning the occult, in particular concerning the many ways our culture is being affected by it’s workings. Though sometimes subtly, occultism such as witchcraft (WICCA) and the New Age Movement are undoubtedly infiltrating and often capturing the masses today.

Throughout recorded history, Satan has consistently enticed mankind into his dark, supernatural realm. Aided by man’s sin-driven quest for control, power and self-enlightenment, Lucifer’s lure has been quite successful. From the pages of the Old Testament, we are made aware of his many traps and catch a glimpse of individuals and entire nations caught up in his web. From Pharaoh’s court to Elijah’s triumph over the false prophets of Baal, the occult is pictured as the ultimate defiance of God’s supremacy. From the New Testament, we see God’s powerful and complete antidote, as captives are set free through the diligence of the Saints in the mighty name of Jesus.

The Middle Ages saw throngs lost in the control of sorcery. For centuries, entire regions of the known world were found beholding to every fearful bondage from simple superstition to overt Satanism. The threat of occult-based reprisals at the hands of the magicians in those days elevated Satan’s cause dramatically.

Now, though claiming to have progressed to new heights, man has come full circle in the hour in which we live. Occult beliefs seem to be exploding around us and the alleged "knowledge" of the modern-day occultist is once again sought, perhaps as never before. In a time when psychic hotlines, astrology and witchcraft seem to be the norm, and when our children find their entertainment inundated with occult practices, extreme violence and heroes such as the fictional boy-wizard Harry Potter, Bible-believers are sure to recognize that we are indeed living in the last days. Following Peter’s admonition to be "sober and vigilant" (I Peter 5:8) is surely an important and apropos warning to us, for certainly our enemy is prowling about seeking whom he may devour before his time is gone.

We contend that the Christian, armed with God’s word and cognizant of the times in which we live, will not be overcome and can make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Based on an examination of Deuteronomy, chapter 18, we believe that understanding the "nine forbidden practices" mentioned there is mandatory for successful Christian living in this and every era. Also, our chapters discussing other pertinent and controversial issues such as the affinity that Hollywood, television and cartoons hold for the occult, as well as the yearly celebration of the pagan holiday Halloween, will give readers ammunition for the battles being waged for our communities, our churches and our homes.

The Spirit of Apathy…

Occasionally we’ll get an email or comment critical of our concerns about the occult. This is to be expected from those outside Christ, but often it is directed from someone within the Church. Recently, after addressing occultism in his Internet newsletter, Eric received an email that said, "Why worry about Harry Potter? You should be more concerned about Austin Powers and the Back Street Boys."

Now don’t misunderstand us, we are concerned about the fleshly effects of Hollywood and the music industry. Both of our ministries have consistently spoken out about these issues for years. But the occult is actually the very crux of the rebellion that the vast majority of today’s entertainment world is peddling. This book will further demonstrate our desire to expose the ungodly nature of today’s entertainment industry as we deal with coinciding issues in these pages.

We also recognize that the Enemy would love to sidetrack not only us but also the Church in general. He often uses well-meaning people to accomplish this purpose, focusing only on effect instead of cause. The fact is that the occult represents the epitome of Satan’s deception and manipulation over the lives of humankind. Thus it must be recognized and exposed for what it is wherever and whenever it surfaces around us, even if it means exposing today’s manmade icons, which the world has accepted hook, line and sinker.

To illustrate the contemptuous nature of the occult one only needs to examine the Ten Commandments in Exodus, chapter 20. The occult is literally the antithesis of God’s most sacred directives to mankind, starting with the first, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)

All sin flows from the act of rebellion, yet there are many Christians who sit in church year after year never understanding that the basis of all sin – rebellion – is biblically associated with occultism. The Bible clearly denotes that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23) and that trusting other belief systems dictates that one rebelliously follow and serve other gods. This is true whether the rebellion surfaces as Satanism, sorcery, witchcraft or any of the variations of its end time spin off, the New Age Movement. While the occult may have many different facets and may seem mysterious and foreign to most, the spirit behind it is nothing more than rebellion. When we realize this, Satan’s veil or darkness and threat of the unknown can be seen for what it is – a shallow masquerade feebly attempting to defy Almighty God.

We’d Rather Not Either, But…

Granted, the occult is not a pretty subject, nor one we relish to continue ministering about. But, in a day when "itching ears" seem only to hear what pleases them, and when theological standards bend to accept every belief system as a "path to enlightenment", we recognize why the Lord has called some in His ministry to wake the sleeping church and the masses at large about the issues we raise here.

There are times when both of these authors wish that the Lord would allow us to do something "nicer", but this is the ministry he has called us both to carry out separately in our public ministry and together in this book. And while we may daydream about presenting seminars on the grace of God or the "Sermon on the Mount", it seems that the Lord has other plans for us. Surely this is why we both feel so adamantly about these tough and confrontational issues, for were it not for the calling, guidance and stamina of the Holy Spirit our perseverance would have run out long ago.

So with that, we reiterate that every Christian needs to know about and have a working knowledge of the new age, witchcraft and the occult in our culture today. In our midst there are captives in bondage by the millions and as God’s servants we are all called to go and set them free - beginning with our own homes.

Entertaining Spirits Unaware: The End-Time Occult Invasion will first shed light on what God’s word says about these dark practices and beliefs. Then, armed with that insight, we pray you’ll actively use the information and detail offered concerning some of the specifics that challenge the Christian worldview in our society today. Above all, it is our heart’s cry that this book will light the path toward man’s only hope and touch lives for the Kingdom of God.

Eric Barger & David Benoit, September, 2000

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