A growing paranoia among Christians today centers on witchcraft—and it’s not new. We’ve been here before. Ancient Romans feared witchcraft and “foreign” influences on their virtue and honor, just as Christians have throughout history – they removed women from positions of power in their religion too. When Rome and Christianity merged, they blamed women’s fleshly nature for the problems in the church – something that we’ve just started unlearning in the past decades. Today, concerns about tarot cards, crystals, horoscopes, and even Harry Potter arise in a landscape of moral and political panic. Many Christians find themselves caught between enjoying magical narratives in the media and condemning them in real life, creating tension between faith, culture, and fear.

But what does Scripture say about these things? What does it mean to engage with the supernatural faithfully? Spoiler: Witch hunts and paranoia over magical practices do not reflect the “biblical worldview” Jesus called us into. A closer look at history and Scripture reveals a more grounded and compassionate path—one that casts out fear, not people.

Pharmakeia: Beyond Simple Witchcraft

When we dig into the New Testament, the Greek word often translated as “witchcraft” is pharmakeia—a fascinating term laden with meaning. Contrary to common assumptions, pharmakeia didn’t originally refer to “witchcraft” as we think of it today. Instead, it encompassed the use of herbs, drugs, and substances—many of which were psychoactive—to induce altered states of consciousness. For context, alcohol would have been in this category as it was always produced from plants. This practice was deeply embedded in ancient Greek and Hellenistic culture, particularly in the mystery religions that sought divine connection through these substances. However, these psychedelic practices are found all over the world throughout history.

The mystery religions were integral to ancient life. From Dionysus to Osiris, cults across the ancient world used intoxicants to facilitate spiritual experiences. Figures like Socrates, Alexander the Great, and Marcus Aurelius were participants and profoundly influenced by these practices, all three most likely engaging with argot (LSD) in an all-night group ceremony and who-knows-what-else, all centered around Dionysus’ tragedy.

For the paleo-Christians, the practices, worldview, and the inter-connected political/religious system were what was rejected and also what their alternative provided an answer for. The pharmakeia practices were not viewed as evil but rather as pathways to engage with the supernatural. We know such substances were common in the world that Jesus grew up in.

First Century Wine Was Not Our Wine

In ancient times, wine was far more than just a fermented beverage; it was almost always a concoction infused with various herbs, spices, and even psychoactive substances, designed to enhance its effects and serve multiple purposes. The uncut wine of the time is on record of killing people after two drinks. The Middle East, particularly Israel, was renowned for its production and export of these diverse wine-based drinks, which included mixtures that could stimulate, initiate, or intoxicate. This region was not only a center for viticulture and cultures but also a hub of culinary and medicinal expertise, where local artisans and experts created recipes for various elixirs documented in detailed receipt books and engaged on the trading routes that intersected there.

Beyond wine, people engaged in practices such as eating, smoking, and inhaling vapors, all of which contributed to the rich tapestry of sensory experiences in social and ritualistic contexts. The kykeon was the Greek barley version of this used in the Eleusinian mysteries with Dionysus. The White Lily of Egpyt is a psychedelic and was sacred to Egypt’s mythology and practices – it also can be deadly. Even if not deadly, many of these substances were so powerful that they needed to be watered down for normal consumption. This reflects why pharmakeion was also used for poisons in the Greek.

A drinking game hosted by Alexander the Great with uncut wine that killed everyone serves as a cautionary tale of the potential dangers of these intoxicating mixtures, while the miracle at the Wedding at Cana that produced over 100 gallons of “good wine” (John 2) illustrates the profound significance of wine in communal celebrations. Brian C. Muraresku’s The Immortality Key delves into the historical context of these practices, showing that wine and its derivatives were often intertwined with spiritual rituals, enhancing human connections and transcending ordinary experiences. Thus, the role of wine in ancient societies reflects not only its popularity but also its multifaceted nature as a vehicle for both social interaction and spiritual exploration.

The modern interpretation of pharmakeia often dismisses it as simply “sorcery,” yet it reflects a broader issue: our obsessive reliance on substances to medicate our pain and anxieties. Today, we see this manifest in a pharmaceutical culture that prioritizes quick fixes over holistic healing. In this light, the warning against pharmakeia becomes a caution against the compulsive need to rely on chemicals to “fix” everything. Instead, we must return to the Genesis 2 blessing, where God declares every plant and herb on earth as good, not just one. Just as alcohol was a pharmakeia, moderation, self-awareness, and self-control matter or things can get out of control. I’ve known people who’ve fried their brains and think we all will know more soon.

The Ancient Use of Psychedelics in Religious Contexts

Historical evidence suggests that early Christians and pre-Jesus Jews did, in fact, engage with psychedelics as part of their spiritual practices. This reality is reshaping our understanding of Scripture. Scholars like Brian Muraresku, in The Immortality Key, argue from the evidence that these substances were integral to ancient religious life and were utilized for transformative spiritual experiences. It’s kind of a done discussion already and more research is coming out. Brian ends with a solid case that, at least, Christianity even started with such practices in hand. This would imply, then, and hold yourselves for this, that Jesus was the one who trained them. It would imply that writers like Paul and John also did. The paleo-Christian communities likely incorporated their local psychedelics and practices, possibly in secret, around this new movement as they sought to communicate with God and understand the mysteries of faith.

…Take a second if you need for a lithium or stiff drink, just not both. That’s some dangerous pharmakeia. Trust me 😉

While Paul warned against pharmakeia, his admonitions were not blanket condemnations of all substances but specific critiques of their misuse. His Jewish understanding of the blessing we have of all plants and herbs still stood. He urged believers to pursue wisdom and moderation, urging them to find their identity in Christ rather than in substances. This perspective is crucial: Christianity is not about abandoning the body’s natural gifts but rather understanding its rightful place in the life of faith. Nor does it say to go bat-crap-crazy with things, like alcohol *cough*.

Fear and Witch Hunts: A Sinful Legacy

History shows us that fear becomes a destructive force when wielded by those in power. American church history has shown that Christians have been comfortable in power for a while – it’s been detrimental to their Gospel. The burning of “witches” remains a painful chapter in Christian history—one that illustrates how misunderstanding and fear can lead to violence. Many Christians look at “witchcraft” from 2000 years of assumptions – as they do their own Bible. The acts committed in the name of self-righteousness and at the expense of another are fundamentally anti-Christ. Jesus ate with sinners then hung on a cross and prayed for people’s forgiveness. Jesus came to set captives free, not to create new ones by scapegoating others for practices we don’t understand. That was what “even the Gentiles” did.

It’s ironic: Christians have long had a fascination with magic, whether through amulets, charms, or rituals. Early Christian communities even utilized objects like spirit bowls, or incantation bowls, inscribed with invocations against demons and spirits. These are found all over Iraq and Iran covering the centuries around the Gospels. Incantation bowls, often made of clay, were commonly buried upside down in the foundations of homes or around graves – there are 1000’s of these that have been found. These bowls typically contained inscriptions in Aramaic or Hebrew, invoking protective spirits or invoking blessings, effectively serving as a barrier against evil influences.

Examples of Early Christian Magic

Another fascinating example is the Evil Eye, a belief that originated in various ancient cultures, including those that influenced early Christianity. The Evil Eye amulet, often depicted as a blue eye, was believed to protect against malevolent glares that could cause harm or misfortune. The first Christians adopted variations of this amulet, integrating it into their spiritual practices as a way to safeguard their homes and loved ones.

Additionally, the figure of Lilith in Jewish folklore often symbolizes a form of female empowerment intertwined with themes of danger and seduction. In some interpretations, she is seen as a demon who threatens infants and pregnant women. Early Christian communities referenced Lilith in various texts, where she was associated with dark magic and considered a figure to ward against through specific prayers and rituals. The protective measures against Lilith often included charms and incantations that were inscribed or spoken during childbirth to ensure the safety of mothers and their children.

Today, Christians still use “magic.” It’s just Jesus-based and to the point of codependent and immature religious consumerism….that got away from me, I’m sorry. It’s just the pharmakeia Paul warned about and I’m getting tired of Christians posting anti-witch stuff and deleting their Facebook friends as some spiritual act of loyalty to God.

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (and Embracing Mystery)

John reminds us, “Perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18). The same author who warns against spiritual forces also tells us we are secure in Christ—so secure that we can engage with diverse beliefs without fear. If Jesus is greater than all spiritual forces, why do we act as if He’s not when it comes to witchcraft? Why do we resist doing what He did and so are forced to blame the people instead? Why do we become uptight about zodiac signs or crystals or cards when Jesus is so much greater? Can we grow up in love yet (Ephesians 4)?

Here’s a challenge if this is rubbing someone wrong: Check the witchcraft of our own heart first. Fear often reveals something unresolved within us and the things we can’t trust God with. Have some faith here and test this as the Bereans: Here’s a link to start off with: Google.com (just check your sources). Instead of reacting defensively, we should approach these matters with love, curiosity, and faith. Sit with your “witchy” friends. Laugh with them. Ask questions. You may discover more common ground than you think—and perhaps even grow in your faith along the way. I did.

The Great Secret: Psychedelics and the Shift in Theology

The use of psychedelics isn’t merely a new-age trend; it’s an ancient practice that predates Christianity. From Native American rituals to ancient Chinese medicine, mind-altering substances have historically played a role in human spirituality. Figures like Aldous Huxley in 1970 helped reintroduce these practices to the Western world, challenging the stigma surrounding them. Brian calls humans’ psychedelic involvement the longest-kept secret in history – it’s not anymore. Today, psychedelic therapy all over the world is gaining recognition for its potential to heal trauma and mental illness, prompting a reevaluation of old assumptions. That’s great – it also means fourfold more people will wreck lives with it, at least for awhile.

Paul’s warnings about pharmakeia ring true 2000 years later and on the beginnings of what some are calling a global “psychedelic wave”: Substances can help, just as a healthy diet and coffee, but they can also destroy when we are out of control of ourselves. The challenge lies in discerning their proper place within a faithful life if they are done.

Self-awareness and self-control would be vital and a social context where authenticity and connection are central. Christianity is not about rejecting substances we don’t understand outright but rather rejecting our own selfish and manic relationship with them. It’s about understanding their role in the broader narrative of healing and redemption. Similarly, it’s not about rejecting holidays that were already Christianized, like Halloween. Given the changing societal and political landscape, including legality questions, pastors may want to get a head start on getting over this…like, right now.

This will influence theology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and, most significantly, people forever. Pandora’s box wasn’t just opened – it’s being actively researched and on the internet. Get ready and gird your loins.

Conclusion: Embracing Mystery and Healing

Christianity is not about paranoia or fear—it’s about love, freedom, and faith. If we genuinely believe in the gospel, we should not be afraid to engage with magic, witchcraft, or psychedelics. Is not that to the Gates of Hell that His Church will go? So, relax. Embrace your own “good witchiness.” The kingdom of God isn’t threatened by crystals, tarot cards, Augustus, the Gates of Hell, or pharmakeia. Instead, it is fear that is threatening it. As the Gospel reminds us, fear doesn’t come from God.

Let’s lay down our fears and embrace love, finally, discovering that even the most unconventional paths can lead us closer to truth. Perhaps it’s time for an open conversation with that witchy friend of yours—it could lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of faith.

Also, Christians, don’t worry – you are “allowed” to celebrate Halloween. As with everything, just be aware of yourself and be like Christ. Do it in Truth and Love. I don’t think He’s turning over in His grave over you wearing a witch hat and going to a party. He may even join you.