Does the Bible say anything about Voodoo? How should Christians view Voodoo?

what does the bible say?

Scripture speaks clearly against many practices associated with Voodoo. It condemns worship of any god other than the one true God (Exodus 20:3), as well as practices like divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). The Bible teaches that there is only one mediator between God and humans, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5), contrary to Voodoo's use of spirits and ancestors as intermediaries. God's Word warns against syncretism—the mixing of true faith with other religious practices (2 Kings 17:33–34). Instead, believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and to find their hope and healing in Christ alone (1 Peter 2:24).

from the old testament

Exodus 20:3: "You shall have no other gods before me." This foundational commandment opposes Voodoo's polytheistic nature and worship of spirits.Deuteronomy 18:10–12: "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD." This explicitly forbids many practices associated with Voodoo.

from the new testament

Acts 19:18–19: "Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all." This account shows early Christians rejecting occult practices, which would include those similar to Voodoo.Galatians 5:19–21: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Paul lists sorcery, which could include Voodoo practices, among sinful behaviors incompatible with God's kingdom.Revelation 21:8: "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." This verse warns of judgment for those who practice sorcery and idolatry, elements often present in Voodoo.

implications for today

The clear biblical stance against idolatry, sorcery, and consulting spirits provides a framework for believers to evaluate and respond to Voodoo and similar practices. This doesn't mean Christians should fear or disrespect those who practice Voodoo, but rather approach them with love and compassion while firmly grounded in biblical truth. It's vital for believers to recognize the spiritual dangers associated with Voodoo practices and to rely on God's power and protection. At the same time, Christians are called to share the hope found in Christ, offering those involved in Voodoo a path to true spiritual freedom and a relationship with the living God.