I haven’t picked on Billy Graham in a while

Since Halloween is only a couple weeks away, I’ll focus on this question:

My mother died recently, and although I know she’s in heaven, I worry about whether she’s happy, if she still has health problems and things like that. I’ve heard of someone who says she can communicate with people who’ve died, but my daughter says to stay away from this. What would you say? — L.E.

I personally would say don’t be stupid. The body had the health problems. The body is dead. There are no health problems past that point, or emotions either. Gone is gone. Your daughter is right to guide you away from a quack claiming to have ties on “the other side.” The only reason to claim such a thing is to take advantage of sad, gullible people like L.E. who miss their loved ones and are willing to throw money away on the hope that a soul has found some peace.

Billy Graham isn’t content to leave his answer that pat and sensible, of course.

One reason is because many who claim to have occult powers actually are frauds; they’re only interested in your money. But others are in league with demonic spiritual powers that are opposed to God, which could cause you serious spiritual harm.

This bothers me for a number of reasons. One, no proof. Two, no such thing. Three, why add to the fears? Four, why would anyone in their right mind believe that and want others to believe that?

The Bible commands us to stay away from any type of occult activity, including sorcery, the casting of spells, and spiritism. The Bible warns, “Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:12).

It’s funny that he adds spiritism into the list. A lot of religious people believe wholeheartedly in the existence of angels and saints and claim to see or interact with them on a regular basis, praying to them all the time for intercessions and aid. How is that any different? At least spiritists teach their crap for free. Those “how to talk with the angels” dopes I saw earlier this month weren’t giving all their knowledge away.

But the other reason I urge you not to go down this path is because you don’t need to. If your mother knew Christ, she is safely in heaven, and all the struggles and pains she had on earth are over — forever. In heaven, the Bible says, God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

That sounds like the kind of thing you say to make people happy – not because it’s a verifiable truth, but because people who come to hear that crap are hoping it’s true. The end of life is a sad occasion for those left living and I think Graham and his ilk are no better than mediums when they parrot quotes about happiness in heaven. They are no better than mediums with their promotion of false hopes and “I know she’s looking down on you right now” pronouncements. They are no better.