Occult Christians

Christians don't believe in or trust the occult. You can't put your faith in two opposite influences without completely losing it. So 'Christian spiritualism', for example, is a contradiction in terms, as is a Christian who espouses tarot, astrology or any other form of occultism.

But ... given that the word 'occult' means hidden or secret knowledge, it's undeniable that many Christians indulge in some covert priorities and sources of influence that may be hidden even from their own conscious awareness.

If God insists that the only health is to love him with all we have - heart, soul, mind and strength - but concepts that are perfectly innocent in themselves start to take over chunks of our mind or heart, then they are - hidden and secretly - taking up space in our lives that was meant for God. And that means that faith in him will not be diluted, but superseded.

Ironically, the 'idols' may be things that God gives, and likes and approves.

Some examples of hidden motivating forces for good Christians' actions and attitudes might be: medicine, science, weight loss, psychology, health, romance, theology, fitness regimes, relationships, family, work, success, poverty, victims, pets, technology, marriage, education, death, approval, popularity, love, sport, politics, the environment, religion.

When they become a primary factor in someone's thinking, reasoning, behaviour or decision-making, they become god of that person's life. It's possible to believe you're still worshipping God when in fact he has slipped, unnoticed, into second place - which is how an occult influence works.