The Media and Divination


The Media and Divination

Means of communication such as the television, news papers, magazines and radio (the mass media) were designed to be at the service of information, of culture, of entertainment; however, ever more frequently, they have become channels for messages which are both dangerous and deviating for the souls, minds and consciences of those who, aware of it or not, are their targets.

Padre Gabriel Amorth describes the causes and effects of this phenomenon to help us discern.

In Italy, 12 million people resort to clairvoyants, fortune tellers, and other such instruments of the devil. Most recently, the arrest of Wanna Marchi made headlines in Italy when it was revealed that she had extorted millions from viewers (on a private TV for such people who sell charms, potions, consult the cards and spirits, etc., editor's note). And where do most people first turn to in a paper or magazine, if not the horoscopes? And too many spend too much time and money on trying their luck at lotto, the pools, quiz shows and the like, to the point, for some, of not working while they wait for the lucky strike.

Why do so many make use of this million-dollar "business"?

If a lot are attracted by the idea of earning easy money, many others want to know about their future, or wish to influence other's lives. And for this, many have recourse to the occult, led by the desire to speak to the deceased, or out of curiosity or superstition. The mass media give plenty of space to this type of research, and it cannot be denied that behind it is superstition, and that many are obsessive about it.

If we look deeper into the matter of divination and occultism in particular, we find that the true cause is lack of faith. Man has turned away from God and the means which bring him closer to God (prayer, sacraments, priests), and turned instead to the esoteric world. Yet the Bible warns against sorcerers and augurs at least 30 times. In Deuteronomy we read: "When you come into the land God gives you, you must not fall into the habit of imitating the detestable practices of the natives. There must never be anyone among you who makes his son or daughter pass through fire, who practices divination, who is soothsayer, augur or sorcerer, who uses charms, consults ghosts or spirits, or calls up the dead. For the man who does these things is detestable to God" (Dt 18:9-12).

Too many think they can get away with statements such as: "I believe in God, but I don't go to church." But the Gospel says:

"It is not those who say to me: 'Lord, Lord', who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven" (Mt 7:21).

The media, which could influence and educate people to positive values, have chosen to be channels for these negative actions, to the detriment of man.