Question 90 – What about God, amulets, talismans, etc.?
Amulets and various talismans have been favored items in virtually all cultures and nations since ancient times. I believe many of you own a lucky charm. To objectively decide the role these objects play in relation to the Christian faith, it is essential to understand their purpose and origin. In other words, why do people use them, and what drives their search for such items?
For simplicity, these items can be divided into two basic categories: amulets and talismans. An amulet is an object believed to possess magical powers to protect the wearer from evil spirits and influences. A talisman, on the other hand, is an object believed to bring positive things to its wearer, such as luck, wealth, or health. It is not always easy to define which items fall into which group. To some, an amulet or talisman can be anything from a bird's feather, a stone, a picture, a ring, or a coin to relics of dead animals or even "harmless" lucky plush toys.
With this definition in mind and in our search for God's perspective, we must answer these questions: Where should we seek protection from evil spirits (or influences)? Where should we look for happiness and success? Who or what has the power to protect us? The answer of talismans and amulets is unequivocal—a piece of stone or souvenir holds a magical power capable of protecting us or attracting fortune our way. Consequently, these items, on a large scale, promote superstition and dependence on man-made objects which are, in themselves, lifeless.
This is in stark contrast to what the living God desires, who wishes to have a mutual and loving relationship with individuals. If we were to answer these same questions within the Christian context, we would find it is God alone whom we should look to for protection, fulfillment, and assurance. We ought to place our entire lives in His hands and rely solely on Him.
For this reason, the Bible clearly forbids the use of these objects and reliance on them. They are called idols and are an abomination to God. Additionally, one cannot ignore their role in various magical rituals and other occult practices, which are themselves in direct opposition to God's will.
Why do they seem to work?
Many people with personal experience with these objects ask how they can seemingly work. In addition to the simple placebo effect, there is a fundamental spiritual principle at play: when I turn to anything other than God, I open myself to a spiritual realm hostile to God. It is simple yet profound. Satan and his demons have exploited human superstitions since the dawn of time, enslaving many across generations using these objects.
When we place religious reverence and hope in lifeless objects, we partially withdraw from God's protection (as we seek it elsewhere) and grant spiritual forces the right to act in our lives.
It is important to note these objects often have a supplementary role, with the main issue being that they lead their bearers deeper into occultism and esoteric teachings. In this sense, one can consider them a stepping stone toward deeper spiritual bondage.
Are all these items truly bad?
What about a lucky teddy bear? Is that "magical" too? The answer is no. There is nothing inherently wrong with a plush teddy bear. However, if we start placing any spiritual hope in it (believing it will bring luck, a good grade, love, etc.), it becomes an idol. The problem often lies not in the object itself, but in our view of it. Many things are harmless on their own but can become idols if we invest them with trust and unhealthy expectations. In a broad sense, even a job or the internet can become an idol for us.
Yet, there are objects whose primary function is to have magical effects. All of these, without exception, are detestable to God. They are often closely linked with occultism, esotericism, or other religions, which reveals their anti-God nature. Examples include various statues of deities (be it Buddha or popular Egyptian souvenirs), dreamcatchers, magical stones, and so on. The purpose of these items directly contradicts the message of Christianity.
What about Christian crosses and "holy images"?
Especially in the majority Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches, many items similar to the previously mentioned objects are visible. These might include crosses worn around the neck, statues and images of saints, relics of saints, rosaries, holy water, or medallions such as "Miraculous Medals" associated with the Virgin Mary. Even some priests recommend prayers to holy images or other relics (though they argue they pray not to these objects but to whoever they represent). If you were to ask our Catholic or Orthodox friends about their opinion on these items, they would surely separate them strictly from the above-mentioned magical items, which they usually also reject. However, I disagree with their stance. Almost all of the items listed, in my opinion, serve the same idolatrous practice that God detests, akin to any other amulets and talismans (perhaps except crosses if they are merely symbols of belonging to God's people without depicting the crucified Lord Jesus). These people believe that God acts through such "holy" objects, enforcing His will or granting them some special power through blessings. This does not involve the God of Christianity but rather mere pagan superstitions. The true God acts directly and condemns any unhealthy dependence on and veneration of objects, as these replace Him.
Summation
All amulets and talismans (including those even labeled under Christianity) obscure and occupy a place in the human heart for which our loving God passionately yearns. Therefore, cast aside these trinkets and place your trust solely in Him. He alone has the power to give you much more.