Witchcraft

[lforrest]

I understand what you are saying, we sometimes get involved with entities and occasions that we truly don't understand or know their depths..... a fleshly desire to fit in, thinking on the frats/sororities/masons, most feel are simple civic groups but their true origins of "have you seen the light?" only a few are privy to.

So witchcraft includes any form of manipulation using a spirit who is not of God? And it is further associated with subversion of righteous authority.

So the example of the child asking for a cookie in the presence of their mom's guests, because she knows that will make her more tractable, this is given as an example of witchcraft.

But let's say the Chinese communist government wants to disperse protestors in an illegal demonstration they can mow some of them down so that the rest will live in fear for their lives. And that would not be witchcraft, because the government's authority is legitimate?

 

[Always]

So witchcraft includes any form of manipulation using a spirit who is not of God? And it is further associated with subversion of righteous authority.

So the example of the child asking for a cookie in the presence of their mom's guests, because she knows that will make her more tractable, this is given as an example of witchcraft.

But let's say the Chinese communist government wants to disperse protestors in an illegal demonstration they can mow some of them down so that the rest will live in fear for their lives. And that would not be witchcraft, because the government's authority is legitimate?

Okay lets dig a little deeper, I hear you, IF that child knows, they know that because the child has been allowed or trained that it works.

Whether a govt.'s authority is legitimate or not has no relevance (imo) on it's tactics. Look at Hitler, research showed he dabble or more like dunked in the occult and he had authority to do horrific acts......

 

[lforrest]

Okay lets dig a little deeper, I hear you, IF that child knows, they know that because the child has been allowed or trained that it works.

Whether a govt.'s authority is legitimate or not has no relevance (imo) on it's tactics. Look at Hitler, research showed he dabble or more like dunked in the occult and he had authority to do horrific acts......

Perhaps that example was too extreme, and detracting from the point which is to question the role of authority in the determination of if something is witchcraft.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

James 1:13
When you are tempted to do wrong, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God cannot be tempted. He will never tempt anyone.

1. Fear is a spirit,
2. Fear will not be the basis of a Christian's growth as the Holy Spirit overcomes it.
3. Fear of future punishment is a deterrent against misbehavior.
4. The concept of punishment is not exclusive to God, but also in the parent child relationship.
5. Proverbs 13:24 can be considered as advice found in God's inspired word, and following it can not be considered witchcraft even if it relies on the spirit of fear.