"A Supernatural Minefield"

Nearly three-quarters of American teenagers have experimented with at least one type of psychic or witchcraft-related activity according to a study done by Barna Research Group.

Surprised? You wouldn't be if you've ever checked out the Teen section in a bookstore or your local library. Talk about a supernatural minefield! That section is crawling with vampires, ghosts, goblins, magic, witchcraft and all things occult and creepy.

According to Barna Research:

• 30% of teens claim they've had supernatural encounters
• 10% say they have communicated with the dead
• 10% claim they have psychic powers
• while 30% claim to have seen an angel, demon, or some other supernatural being

Out of the 73% engaged in some form of occult activity, the most commonly named were using a Ouija board and/or reading books about witchcraft.

The researchers found that relationally-isolated teenagers and those experiencing a significant amount of stress and frustration were more likely to experiment with occult activities, while the least likely by far to do so were those with evangelical faith.

So how do parents steer their teens clear of this supernatural minefield?

David Kinnaman, author of the report, believes there are no simple solutions. "Unfortunately, we discovered the answers are quite complex. Teens need help becoming wiser consumers of media, but that takes a long-term, intensive process of coaching. They would also benefit from more integration of Scriptural perspectives into their decision-making--that is, they need to operate on the basis of a biblical worldview.

"But that takes years to develop, immense effort, and close cooperation between church and home," he continued. "Youth ministries need to address the supernatural more frequently as well as customize their ministry to each student."

In the meantime? If your teen is obsessed with supernatural themes, dare to find out why and explain why the Bible warns against the occult and witchcraft. 

A wise man once said: "The Bible repeatedly warns us against doing anything that might open the door to demonic influence over us. One of the ways they gain entrance into our lives is through occult practices--even those that seem amusing or harmless."  Billy Graham

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places" Ephesians 6:12

HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!!

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