Astrology & Psychic Phenomena is a worthy read indeed. Not just for the information it contains, but because of its premise, and because of the current rise in quasi-supernaturalism which is growing in the Church through the influence of the New Apostolic Reformation.

If you are not familiar with that last appellation – the NAR is a movement which started to rise in the 1980’s within Charismatic circles. It’s foundational concept is that early in the Church, apostles and prophets as the leaders of the Church were suppressed. Now, in a new movement of God, apostles and prophets are being restored to their proper place of authority. Geivett and Pivic in their important book state: “The biggest innovation of NAR is the belief that apostles, working together with prophets, must take over governance of the church—taking the reins from the pastors, elders, and denominational leaders—so that God’s end-time plans can be fulfilled and Christ can return. Churches that do not submit to the authority of these present-day apostles and prophets will sit on the sidelines as mere spectators.” ^{Geivett, R. Douglas; Pivec, Holly. A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement (p. 14). Lexham Press. Kindle Edition.}

Accompanying this move, indeed, inherent in it – is a rise of interest in supernaturalism of all sorts. Healings, miracles, supposed words of knowledge and prophecies are modeled, taught and proliferate at a staggering rate. There is even within the move a sanctifying of sorts of psychic phenomena and abilities. These are seen as spiritual gifts which some use for evil (like witches with the black arts) but which Christians can reappropriate for good. So there are even versions of so-called Christian Tarot cards and other devices and methods to tap into the supernatural. In essence, spiritual gifts in the Church begin to function like the Star Wars universe. There is “the Force” and we can all just tap into the pipeline and harness its power for good, even as some bad people have done for evil.

I digress. As deserving as all of this is, I need to get back to the book at hand.

There have always been branches of the Church which have been preoccupied with supernatural things. Don’t get me wrong, Christianity is a supernatural wonder. The Old Testament accounts of prophets and miracles. The incarnation. Jesus’ miracles. The new birth. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. The giving of the Holy Spirit. These are truly supernatural realities.

Where things go awry can be seen in two main streams. First, as already mentioned, a preoccupation with the supernatural that goes beyond the teaching of Scripture. Second, is a sort of superstitious folklore which grows out of the preoccupation. So Christians can be found treating their Bibles more like good luck charms – putting them under their kid’s pillow to impart some sort of spiritual benefit. Indiscriminately anointing objects with oil. And an over fascination with angels and demons. So much so in the latter case, that whole ministries are devoted to dealing with it all. Take for instance Isaiah Saldivar and his “Demon Slayer Podcast.” On his podcast he often hosts any number of NAR leaders who seem to be taking on demons like Dr. Strange of comic book fame. It would be hilarious if so many people weren’t taken in by it and real harm being done.

Enter the book which is the subject of this post.

Andre Kole and Terry Holley are two committed Christians, who have worked professionally as illusionists, magicians and mentalists. Kole, has collaborated with David Copperfield in helping his craft some of his most famous illusions. And what they argue in their book is that no one with their particular skillset and experience, have applied themselves to examining the supposed miraculous supernatural powers of the modern day prophets and apostles.

Their critique is devastating. Pivic’s interview with Holley on this is very useful. You can find it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/1Cgk6-QhhC8?si=deRPEXAWr9ixmT2h

What ends up happening is that by virtue of their Biblical analysis, their research on the paranormal, astrology, psychic phenomena etc., the superstitious side of Christianity starts to get dismantled.

Are there demons and evil spirits? You bet. Is the vast majority of what we see attributed to them real? Most probably not. Are angels real? Yes. Does the Bible instruct us to be consciously seeking interaction with them? No. Are the most often reported manifestations of prophecies, words of knowledge and quasi-miracles more likely the product of theatrical magicians and illusionists? Probably so.

The Holy Spirit wasn’t given to perform parlor tricks – but to point us to and conform us to – the image of Christ. And on the flip side – the devil and his minions probably aren’t interested in performing parlor tricks either. That is the domain of modern-day hucksters in the name of Christ. It is an abomination.

As Christians we recognize, experience and interact with the supernatural. But not everything that appears supernatural is. And when we are diverted from the core teaching and purpose of Scripture and Scriptural revelation – sidetracked by superstition – no matter how dressed up in Christianese – we’re in trouble.

Kole and Holley will help divest you of unhealthy assignations of the supernatural while looking to the Bible’s actual teachings on a host of what we may have been led to believe were spirits in action. Good and bad. Their’s is a grounding book. It will help you cast aside distracting nonsense. It will help you deconstruct vestiges of Christianized superstition. It is well worth the read.

With the (genuine) Apostle John “I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.” There is tons more to say on this topic. But it will have to wait future opportunities.