Alternative Spirituality. RCCG Sunday School Manual.

MEMORY VERSE: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:31 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47:13-14 (KJV)

13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.

14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall attempt to highlight some of them and scripturally view what our perspectives should be as believers.

LESSON OUTLINES:

ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES

SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES

1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES

Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isaiah 47:13; Daniel 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like Aquarius, Pisces, etc., impacts your destiny. The crystal sphere is the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit, like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy, thus bringing good luck. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirits of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination,” “sorcery” and “spiritism” (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17:17).

Others include practices like palm reading, spiritual bathing, playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination, visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims, perfumes and cosmetics capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck, visiting false prophets, using charms, amulets, or talismans, etc. (Leviticus 19:26).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ungodly spiritual practices prevalent in their community.

2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES

Astrology, crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Genesis 1:14). To “worship the starry host” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:19). The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Daniel 1:20; 2:27).

Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead (James 1:5). Also, those who are dead either go to Heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits. Likewise, anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorised as witchcraft.

Witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behaviour (Galatians 5:19-21). All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations and open the one who practices them to demonic attacks. It is worshipping created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).

The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Psalms 119:105).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share any alternative spirituality they engaged in previously and its implications on their lives.

CONCLUSION: Every spirituality outside the will of Christ is false and demonic. It should not be embraced by true Christians.

QUESTIONS:

Mention three reasons believers should avoid any spirituality outside Christ.

Give two examples of alternative spiritual practices that people get involved in.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ. (2×5=10 marks).