Are There Such Things as Ghosts?

I decided to do something a bit more festive yet taboo. Considering that it is almost Halloween and that I have had a few conversations recently on this topic, I decided to discuss ghosts! Some may already be in the process of leaving the blog without a glimpse into the contents, but I suggest we all take time to discuss this topic. While many of us do not believe in ghosts and hauntings, the supernatural has an effect on our culture and lives. The central question to ask is if the belief in ghosts is compatible with Christian doctrine. This will lead us to ask ourselves if we center our beliefs around Christ’s teachings or what the secular culture tells us.

In short, we are not going to experience “spirits” of those who have passed. This is logically incompatible with Christian doctrine. To show this, I want to focus on two passages today. First, Philippians 1:23-24 speaks of being present with the Lord and away from the body. Paul asserts, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” The logic that this passage asserts is that spiritual absence from the body means to be in the presence of the Lord and away from the earth. I could continue with this, but the next passage holds insight.

The second passage is from Luke 16:19-31. Christ tells this parable to warn us of the sinful life we can lead on this earth, but deep within this parable is a description of the spirit after death. The rich man and Lazarus both go to two distinct, polarized places. Lazarus goes to Heaven and the rich man to Hell. There is no middle ground. Some Catholics may argue the idea of Purgatory, but the Holy Scriptures have no mention of such a thing, so that is dismissed. This shows that when we die, we either go to be with the Lord or away from him in torment. Concerning this discussion of ghosts, the last section of the passage gives great support to the nonexistence of haunting spirits. The rich man begs for Lazarus to be sent to warn his brothers because they will believe a dead man, but Abraham states, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

This last passage is crucial. It shows that after death, we either are with the Lord or away from him. It also shows that the dead cannot commune with the living. Think of this logically: If a person, saved or lost, dies, would he or she come back to just say hi, make mischief in a house, or attack others? It seems that these are the most common experiences with “ghosts.” Look at the rich man. No matter how evil a person is considered in this world, he or she will drop to the knees and be in full regret. Even with saved souls, if able to return, many would tell of the glory of God and give warning to those who need Christ’s salvation not rattle chains or slam doors.

I now need to be clear with the dangers of this topic. Many people claim to have experiences with ghosts. If these claims are legitimate, we should address it. Since we know that the bible is clear on what happens to souls after death, it is crucial to know what these people are experiencing. It cannot be a person’s soul; therefore, the only other logical explanation that is not biblically contradictory is that a demonic presence is at work. Many of you may want to dismiss this idea, but remember that Jesus and his disciples cast out numerous demonic spirits during his ministry. C. S. Lewis’ central précis of The Screwtape Letters is that the Devil’s greatest accomplishment was convincing the world that he did not exist. Do not fall into this trap. Satan is real and active in our world.

Some may ask, “why are some experiences with ghosts pleasant and comforting like those of a passed loved one?” With the scripture being quick to identify Satan as the great deceiver, it is logical that he presents himself disguised in an intriguing situation. We must understand that Satan will use all that he can to pull us away from God, even if it means posing as a loved one’s ghost. Put nothing past him.

Regardless if we believe in “ghosts” or not, this topic has extreme effects on our culture. How many “scary” movies have you watch in your lifetime? Are they entertaining in some way? The answers to these questions are apparent in the amount of movies, television shows, books, and magazines that are sold each year. The question we now must ask is this: Am I following Christian doctrine by believing in these things? The problem is that many Christians frankly do not know much biblically to know that they even need to ask this question. This is the same reason why we are commanded to stay away from the occult. Any spirituality that is not from God is from Satan. All occult beliefs, even belief in ghosts, are detrimental to our walk with God.

The best defenses we have against any demonic attack in our lives are the Word of God and prayer. Satan is at work in the world now, and the only way to resist these temptations and attacks is through God. We all must turn to God and resists all that the world throws at us including such impossible crazes as ghosts. God gives us hope and comfort in him. We have no need for other occult beliefs that our culture has inconspicuously injected into our minds. Believe in Christ Jesus only. All else is futile.