Modern Spiritualism: A Subject of Prophecy and a Sign of the Times

As we draw closer to the secong coming of Christ, the line between good and evil becomes blurred as evil masquerades as good, disguised in popular entertainment, communication and innocent pleasures. Since the early days of witchcraft, modern spiritualism now offers lighter options including so called harmless psychics, Wicca organizations and the ever famous Magic-8 ball and Ouija board. Spiritualism offers power, knowledge, reuniting with deceased loved ones and the thrill of the unknown. It has offered hope to those in despair and strength to the weak. But the questions we must ask are - has it fulfilled, if any, of these promises? Are we being decieved or are we selling stock options in our soul to the Prince of Darkness himself? In the Bible we find the solemn warning that in the last days, evil influences will be let loose upon the world; false pretensions will be urged upon the midst of men' and deceptions, based up by preternatural sugns and wonders, will develop to such a degree of strength, that if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect. Is it possible that Spiritualism may be the very development of evil, against which this warning is directed? Cover photography by Paul Spremulli


About the Author
Uriah Smith was a church leader, in addition to being a teacher, writer, editor, poet, hymn writer, inventor, and engraver. Uriah Smith in 1863, when the General Conference was organized, was elected its first secretary. This was a position that he subsequently held five different times. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1874. With the founding of Battle Creek College in 1874, Elder Smith became the Bible teacher, a position he held for the next eight years, the last two of which he was also chairman of the board. Uriah also served as General Conference treasurer from 1876-1877.