Witches and Wizards

Amazingly, the word witch only appears twice in the Bible, and is not even referring to an individual, but the practice of magic. The best know instance is the one most often used to condemn witches to the fate practiced between the 15th and 19th Centuries; death: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." (Exodus 22:18) A simple study of this verse will show why theologians generally agree that it actually means; do not allow magic to be practiced, not that we should kill all witches.

The concept of wizards is a complete misconception, all eleven times, where it appears in scripture. The words wizard and wizards are translated from the word yidd`oniy, pronounced yid-deh-o-nee', meaning; properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by implication) a ghost. It is not associated with magic, but possession by a ghost; presumably the same spirits that were called devils in the New Testament. Magic, therefore, is considered a sin, but there is no indication that it comes from a source of evil as is so commonly believed by the church.

Why the Threat?

To this point, we have seen that every aspect of the paranormal found in the Bible, so far discussed, has either been ignored or altered. As our research into this paradigm has progressed, a distinct pattern of demonizing or radically focusing on many concepts, not deserving such attention, has clearly developed. This extends far beyond just these few paranormal instances to other religions, social realities, and the worst form of psychological terrorism ever devised; an eternal suffering, in a unimaginable Hell. Terrorism is defined as "the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion" in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Terror is defined as "a state of intense fear" or "one that inspires fear", AKA, a terrorist.

The direct threats of horrific torture by fire for eternity are a tool used to keep church members in line. If they do not obey, they are thrown out of the congregation, told they are going to Hell, and all others under the same threat are told not to communicate with them. This is a standard practice in Christianity and keeps every member in stark fear of the pulpit's control. Although Hell is the strongest weapon used to keep the flock in fear, it creates other perils to prevent the flock from seeking other greener, or at least, more interesting pastures.