convincing parents that watching John Edwards is wrong QUESTION from anon July 26, 2001 First, some background information. If you don't know already, John Edwards is this medium who claims to speak to the deceased (and offers messages for loved ones). These messages are no more than the generic so-and-so died from such-and-such illness, and is ok. This message was directed for you! I've watched a few episodes to try and see how I could counter my parents arguements.
Also, my parents used to be Catholic (my mom until she was 6, when her parents divorced, and my dad until he met my mom). We also don't have a Catholic Cathecism (and the last one I borrowed from a neighbor got sent back the moment it entered the house!), so I really can't use those for references. I have also read (on ewtn.com) that the 1st commandment forbids it. That's fine for me, but not my parents, who I know without a doubt (I've always lost at these arguments before..) will say but John Edwards is[question seems to be cut off here]
My parents seem to swoon over John Edwards (especially my mom, who's trying to get me to watch the show). When they're watching the show, If I even attempt to utter one syllable, I get yelled at! It's almost like they worship it or something... This evening, I think I heard something that I really didn't want to hear. They were watching it, and my mom says something like, Quick! Get a pen! (I suppose to jot a number down for a reading?)... Add on to the fact that my other neighbor's mom, just recently, d[question seems to be cut off here]
Any biblical references against these sort of things? Also, my mom sees this psycic to tell her the future. Any biblical references against that too? If all else fails, I'll be praying intently...

ANSWER by Mr. Troy Martz on July 20, 2001 Dear Anon:
Thank you for your courage -- continue to resist these attempts to lure you into the occult. And do not doubt, the work of mediums/pychics (better called necromancers=conjurers of the dead) is very anti-Christian and against the clear commands of God.
For example:
Deuteronomy 18:9-12: When you come into the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you, you shall not learn to imitate the abominations of the peoples there. Let there not be found among you anyone who immolates his son or daughter in the fire, nor a fortune-teller, soothsayer, charmer, diviner, or caster of spells, nor one who consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead. Anyone who does such things is an abomination to the LORD, and because of such abominations the LORD, your God, is driving these nations out of your way.

Please refer to the Spiritual Warfare Q&A; on this site. There you will find great advice regarding these matters in addition to Prayers and other resources to deal with these issues. See especially Bro. Iganitus' answer to Ghost-Lost Souls or Demonic?.
Finally, don't wait until all else fails -- pray intently and always.
Pax Christi, Troy Martz
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