PEOPLE WHO PLAY WITH SATANIC RITUALS AND IMAGERY EVEN THEATRICALLY ARE EVIL DOERS

PEOPLE WHO PLAY WITH SATANIC RITUALS AND IMAGERY EVEN THEATRICALLY ARE EVIL DOERS by Josimar Salum

   Let us touch on an important biblical truth here—the use of Satanic or occult imagery, even theatrically, is not neutral. From a biblical standpoint, such imagery is inherently sinful, regardless of intent. 

   Let us deal with this having the Scriptures as the foundation:

1. Imagery and Symbolism Matter in Scripture

The Bible consistently treats symbols and associations with spiritual forces as serious matters:

• Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV):

“There shall not be found among you anyone who…practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens… For whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.”

– Even mimicking these practices invites judgment.

• Ephesians 5:11: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

– We are told not just to avoid participation, but to actively oppose it.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV):

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

– Not just evil itself, but even the appearance of it is condemned.

2. The Danger of Theatrical Evil

   Even if Black Sabbath. Queen, Madonna, Ivete Sangalo and other similars artists didn’t practice Satanism, by using Satanic and occult symbols as entertainment, they:

• Glorified and normalized evil imagery,

• Blurred the lines between art and demonic influence,

• Possibly desensitized audiences to true spiritual danger.

   According to 2 Corinthians 11:14, “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

   So when evil is packaged in music or aesthetics, it can still serve Satanic purposes, even unintentionally.

3. Jesus’ View: Neutrality Doesn’t Exist

• Matthew 12:30: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

– There is no such thing as spiritually neutral territory. Using Satanic imagery, even in jest or art, aligns with the wrong side, biblically speaking.

   We must discern that using Satanic imagery is not harmless theater—it is, in itself, a form of spiritual compromise. 

   Whether or these artists  believed in Satanism, their use of such symbols aligns with what the Bible defines as “the works of darkness.”

   But this raises a question: How believers should respond to music or media that includes occult, demonic, or Satanic themes, backed with clear Scripture.

1. Avoid All Occult and Dark Influences

   God commands His people to stay far away from anything related to the occult or darkness—even in appearance or entertainment.

• Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV):

“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens… For whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.”

→ Occult practices are an abomination—not to be imitated or entertained.

• Ephesians 5:11: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

→ Don’t tolerate it—confront and expose it.

2. Guard Your Heart and Mind

   Music and media powerfully influence your thoughts and spirit. Scripture warns us to guard our inner life.

• Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

• Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure… if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

→ Media filled with occult themes pollutes the mind and leads the heart away from God.

3. Reject Anything That Glorifies Evil

   Even if something is just “art” or “theatrical,” if it glorifies sin, it should be rejected.

• Romans 12:9: “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

• Psalm 101:3: “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”

→ This is a clear call to remove ungodly influences from our view.

4. Come Out and Be Separate

   Believers are called to live differently—to be holy and set apart.

• 2 Corinthians 6:14–17: “What fellowship has light with darkness?… ‘Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them,’ says the Lord, ‘and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.’”

• 1 Peter 1:16: “Be holy, for I am holy.”

→ Holiness requires leaving behind things—even popular ones—that align with spiritual darkness.

5. Destroy and Renounce What Is Ungodly

   When early believers repented from occult involvement, they didn’t just stop—they destroyed the sources of evil influence.

• Acts 19:18–19: “Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.”

→ If music, books, or other media contain Satanic themes, Scripture gives a pattern: confess, renounce, and destroy them.

6. Fill the Void with What Honors God

   Once we remove the darkness, we fill that space with light.

• Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

• Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

→ Replace dark music with worship, Scripture-filled music, and godly teaching that renews the mind.

   God doesn’t call us to legalism—but to purity, truth, and discernment. We must ask:

   “Does this glorify Christ—or does it glorify darkness?” And then have the courage to act on the answer. 

   #ASONE