As occult practices surge among young people and New Age spiritualities move into the mainstream, the Evangelical Alliance has published a much-needed guide to help Christians understand, engage with, and minister to those immersed in witchcraft, says former New Ager, Laura Maxwell
The Evangelical Alliance (EA) has published an urgently needed guide to help Christians understand and respond to those immersed in Witchcraft and New Age spiritualities. Authored by Katherine Brown, Spiritual Curiosity is a helpful and timely guide to a topic Christians cannot ignore.
We know that occult practices are rising alarmingly, especially among young people. Just last week The Times reported on the growth of attendance at Spiritualist churches.
The EA’s report also notes the rise of local psychic nights, celebrities discussing manifesting while admitting to being witches, and people identifying as “spiritual not religious.”
Christians need to know there are demonic‑empowered New Age practices behind astrology, crystals, divination, energy healing, meditation, mindfulness, spirit guides and ghosts, tarot, visualization, wellness therapies, and yoga. The report is clear that scripture warns of such forms of paganism and witchcraft. Christians should neither withdraw in fear, nor dismiss such practises as harmless.
Importantly, conversion must not be presented to seekers as simply adding Jesus to their spiritual toolkit. As this report makes clear, “You can’t hold Christ in one hand and New Age practices in the other.” Many new converts burn their witchcraft books, echoing Acts 19. It’s not Jesus plus Tarot – it’s Jesus is the only way!
The booklet contains the story of Jessica, a witch, who demanded her so called spirit guides reveal themselves “in the name of Jesus Christ.” This exposed their true demonic identity. She also witnessed demonic manifestations from her tarot cards and a crystal shot across the room. Jessica repented, asking God to remove her spiritual abilities, echoing Acts 16, where Paul commanded a spirit of divination to leave a fortune-teller. You can read her story in full here.
WitchTok and similar platforms create both pastoral challenges and evangelistic opportunities. Seekers are drawn into these dangerous counterfeits that never satisfy. A standout section of the report explains how they unknowingly access demonic spirits and powers, citing Ephesians 6:12 and Deuteronomy 18.
It’s clear that some churches are ill-equipped to minister in this area. I know of converts, aware they needed deliverance from demons, who have been surprised at how churches were unsure of how to help; or seemed uncomfortable addressing the issue.
There are two weaknesses within the booklet. Firstly, it contains the suggestion that seekers can experience God through trying Christian practices such as prayer. As an ex‑New Ager, I’d argue traditional apologetics remain crucial, and that means emphasising biblical reliability and historical evidence for Jesus. Without this, seekers might try various Christian spiritual disciplines while retaining false views of Jesus. Alleged spirit guides or ghosts say He is a reincarnated pagan god, ascended master or alien. We need to be much clearer that the ‘New Age’ version of Jesus, or ‘Christ Consciousness’ are false christs. New Agers may regard Jesus as your subjective truth unless a scriptural view is properly defended.
Secondly, the booklet doesn’t address the fact that many Christians are still engaging in New Age practises. Over the past 30 years I’ve encountered Christians worldwide who, after hearing testimonies like mine, have confessed practising New Age or channelling ‘spirits or aliens’. Like me, they are shocked that pastors rarely warn against syncretism—blending New Age with Christian faith. 1 Timothy 4:1 warns in end-times some will heed deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.
Despite these limitations, the booklet offers an invaluable introduction to a topic that can feel overwhelming. Reading it alone or in small groups will prove worthwhile. It’s extremely timely, especially with few similar resources available.
I identified with many of the the testimonies cited. Like most former New Agers and Witches, I faced terrifying assaults around conversion, from demons mimicking dead relatives or spirit guides. They also lied about scripture and Christ’s divinity. Even “Satan masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
My mother’s conversion involved similar attack. Churches failed to help, tragically leading to psychiatric incarceration and her suicide in 1996. I’ve heard such outcomes repeatedly over 30 years. It’s not rare.
The EA’s call for churches to facilitate deliverance resonates deeply with me. Pastoral inactivity allows attacks to continue for new converts and dabbling Christians alike. The Church’s response has tragically been minimal and decades late. This booklet is therefore essential.
Throughout the Bible, believers repeatedly encountered practitioners of demonic spiritualities. Our calling remains the same, to pray, introduce them to our loving Saviour and free them from demons.
This unique booklet is a beacon, shining much needed light on issues typically neglected by the Church.
Spiritual Curiosity by Katherine Brown (Evangelical Alliance) is available to read here.
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