Is it OK for Christians to Believe in Ghosts?

A ghost is described as an apparition of a dead person that is believed to appear or become manifest to the living, typically as a nebulous image. It has been a longtime debate of whether ghosts are real or not because some people claim that they can see ghosts while others say that these can just be visual hallucinations. Which is which? I think we should consult the most reliable book for this, the Bible. Is it OK for Christians to Believe in Ghosts?

*Do you believe that ghosts are real? Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Yes, ghosts are real, but they are not supposed to be considered as angels or our dead loved ones because they are known to be fallen angels that try to deceive us in doing evil things. It was even written in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

*Can ghosts really talk to the living or can it cause us harm? “When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.” (Psalm 146:4)

It is written in the Bible as explained above that once a person dies and they still have unfinished business to deal with, they do become ghosts and haunt the places and people they know until such time they finally settle their unfinished business.

*Do our dead loved ones really become angels when they die? “What is man that You [Lord] are mindful of him, and the son of man, that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5)

God’s angels are heavenly beings, not spirits of dead humans. Angels have existed before humans were created. So do not believe that your guardian angels are your loved ones because from the beginning of your life, you were already assigned an angel to guide you throughout your lifetime.

Is it OK for Christians to Drink?

Drinking alcoholic beverages is one of the most loved past time of people these days. Some people use it for socializing, others for catching up with friends, while others drink solo especially when they have problems and wanted to think. Since I don’t actually drink (whether you believe me or not), I can’t understand what people get from drinking and getting drunk. Some of my friends say they enjoy and gain more confidence when they are drunk while others confess that they tend to forget all their problems with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Now, as a Christian, I wonder if it is ok for Christians to drink.

Yes, Christians are allowed to drink alcohol as long as they responsible enough and do not abuse it. There is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol but if you do something bad after getting drunk, then that is where sin comes in. it is not a sin to drink but you must have limitations and must be careful not to encourage the misuse and abuse of alcohol drinking and use it for sinful acts.

*What does alcohol do to our body? Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter, 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more. (Prov. 31:6-7).

Even the Bible says that it is ok for Christians to drink and that drinking helps your worries and problems drift away.

*Is there any other use for alcohol drinking? No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments (1 Tim. 5:23).

It says here that drinking alcohol does not go to waste because it can also cure other ailments. As long as we use it properly and not abusively, we could also categorize alcohol as medicinal since the ancient people did not have medicines like what we have to day they used alcohol and it as claimed to be curative.

*Did the Bible say that drinking is not a sin? The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds. (Matt. 11:19)

See, even Jesus was said to have been drinking along with sinners in the Bible. It only shows that even Jesus knows how to hang out with the people who consumed alcohol and even consumed it himself.

It is not a sin to drink as long as you become responsible for yourself when you get drunk.

Is It OK For Christians To Engage In Same Sex Marriage?

It has become a very big issue in the society in this modern day world on whether they would allow same sex marriage to be legalized. In other countries, people of the third sex, gays and lesbians, are allowed to marry homosexuals. But in other countries, it has been highly prohibited and it was even judged by others as immoral, especially by other religious groups. Now the question here is that, is it ok for Christians to engage in same sex marriage?

*What does the Bible say about sexuality and marriage? And the LORD God said, ‘It is

not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:18-25)

Starting from the first book of the Old Testament, it was already reiterated that a man is only intended for a woman and vice versa. Gay or lesbians were not mentioned. There was only a man and a woman. The purpose of this is for them to produce offspring in order to become stewards of the Earth.  Sexual intimacy between a man and a woman is the normal method of male/female bonding (emotionally and physically) because it corresponds to the design of our bodies and because it is the normal means by which offspring are created. If God had intended the human race to be fulfilled through both heterosexual and homosexual marriage, He would have designed our bodies to allow reproduction through both means and made both means of sexual intercourse healthy and natural.  Can both men or both women have babies after having sex?

*What is the punishment for people who engage in same sex relationships? ) “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

It was written. Homosexuality is highly forbidden. It was said in this passage that they cannot enter the Kingdom of God, thus making their acts unjust and unrighteous. This indicates that homosexual passions and acts are unnatural, shameful, contrary to sound doctrine and deny entrance to the Kingdom of God.

Is It OK For Christians To Masturbate?

Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one’s own genitals for sexual arousal or other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm. This is the definition of masturbation from Wiki. It is considered malicious when you speak of the word in public but many are wondering what the Bible has to say for this kind of sexual activity. Do you perform this kind of act? Do you think it is ok for Christians to masturbate since they are not performing this with somebody else but himself?

I’ve been asked this question by a lot of people and I can’t seem to give them a clear answer. Maybe this article will somehow explain the morality of masturbation, if it is indeed moral to perform. I consider this as a complicated issue since it does not lend to a clear black and white answer.

*What makes masturbation wrong?  Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”  But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.  The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.  The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.  Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:1-5

Concerning the life of married people, they are not allowed to have sex with other people aside from their spouse. And since it is their duty to perform sexual activities with their spouse, I believe that it is important for them to refrain from masturbating. This could be form of an insult on their husband or wife because it could mean that they have not fulfilled their duties to their spouse in terms of sexual pleasure.

*What is the difference between men and women in terms of masturbation? But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1: 14-15

There is actually no difference between men and women performing masturbation because the act is still the same, the only difference probably is the guilt feeling between men and women. Ladies are guiltier performing this compared to men. I’ve met women who feel more shame about masturbation than they do about having an adulterous affair. It’s like desperation and having no choice.

*What are you thinking when you masturbate? But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman [or man] with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28

Sexual fantasies are totally wrong. Even if masturbation is not immoral, the sexual fantasies that go with it is. You cannot masturbate without thinking of something sensual or looking at some malicious view right? This is where immorality sets in.

Is It OK For Christians To Get A Divorce?

Marriage is a sacred thing and it can only be celebrated by two individuals who truly love each other and are willing to spend the rest of their lives with each other. Now, if marriage fails, some couples solve it by getting divorced while others just separate. Since their marriage is blessed by the church and is made in the presence of God, do you think it is ok for Christians to get a divorce when their marriage fails and they’re no longer happy? Let’s look at the views that we have gathered.

Divorce is very rampant these days compared to decades ago. It has become a very real problem in the evangelical Christian circles since many couples wanted to end their marriage in a legal basis. The attempts to deal with this issue have been given Biblical basis by religious leaders in order to discourage couples to file for divorce.

*What does marriage signify? “He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4-6)

The divine standard rule for marriage is simply to commit your whole life to your spouse and no one else. Even if divorce was somehow permitted based on some scriptures in the Old Testament, it was very clear that it was not God’s ideal for them to do so.

*What happens if you get a divorce? “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery” (Luke 16:18).

“And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery” (Mark 10:12).

Adultery is one of the mortal sins that is being prohibited by the Ten Commandments of God. This only shows the responsibility of each other to take care and love one another no matter how hard their married life has become because they have vowed to be together till death do they part in from of the people and in the eyes of God.

However, the dilemma here is whether a man or a woman should stay married even they are already unhappy living together or one is being abused (physically, emotionally) by the other. I say we are only humans and we commit sins, and we do not know what lies ahead even in our married life. So if they wish to stop their marriage, I think we should just respect their decision as a couple because we do not live on their behalf. They of all people should know whether it is still worth it to stay or not.

Is It OK For Christians To Get A Tattoo?

Getting a tattoo is very common among the millenials these days. Some say it’s a form of self-expression while others say it is their way of using their creativity in terms of art. Since the Bible says that our body is considered to be a temple of God and it is owned by God and we are just borrowing it in our lifetime, before you got yourself a tattoo, did you ever wonder if it is ok for Christians to get a tattoo?

A lot of verses in the Bible have their own argument on this. Probably the first one that you will see that mentioned something about our skin is Leviticus 19:28 which say: “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.”

 *What is wrong with getting a tattoo? “And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead. 17 and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:16-17

Others would probably argue on what connection a tattoo has with the mark of the beast. As you can see it, it was not specified whether the mark of the beast is a tattoo or not but biblical experts say it could be in any form and it could most likely be a tattoo. The mark of the devil is one of the signs given to us that leads to the end of the world and the final return of Jesus on earth. Whether or not it is a physical mark has been debated, but it goes without saying that we are not to receive that mark.

*Do you have a tattoo yourself? “You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or soothsaying. 27 You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads, nor harm the edges of your beard. 28You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord. 29 ‘Do not profane your daughter by making her a harlot, so that the land may not fall to harlotry, and the land become full of lewdness. 30 You shall keep My sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:26-30)

In my own opinion, as a Christian, it would be safe if you do not get yourself a tattoo in line with the words in the Bible. I think we should not make any marks on our body since we are taught in the Bible that our body is the temple of God and we should take care of it as long as we live. But since it wasn’t directly said in the Bible that a tattoo is a mark from the devil, others probably have their own reasons on getting a tattoo.

Is It OK For Christians To Marry A Muslim?

The world is inhabited by individuals with different views and opinions especially in religious beliefs and probably the Muslims and Christians are two of the most opposing religious groups in the world in terms of this. What is bad for the Christians may be good for the Muslims or what is acceptable in Islam may be inacceptable for the Christian faith.

In terms of love, is there such thing as religious differences? Is there such thing as prohibited love in people who are destined to meet and fall in love but are stopped because of the difference in their religious beliefs and practices? Say for instance, is it ok for Christians to marry a Muslim?

*Can a Christian marry a Muslim without converting in religion? Ephesians 5:25: “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.

In order to avoid ostracism from their religious group, both Muslims and Christians are usually pressured to convert to another’s faith. I believe that this is not necessary but it is going to create a conflict. If they really love one another, one is definitely willing to sacrifice wholeheartedly to win the heart of his or her love. But for those who do not want to let go of their religious beliefs and practices, there is a new guideline discussed by the Christian-Muslim forum which reinforces the need for religious leaders to accept inter-marriages and warn that no one should ever feel forced to convert.

*What are the conflicts when a Christian marries a Muslim? But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses'” (Matthew 18:16).

In Islam, men are allowed to marry Christians and Jews, the ones they call “people of the book”. But Muslim women are not allowed to marry outside their faith. This is the sacrifice that they must give. They must be loyal to their family and their faith. Many of the more conservative or evangelical Christian denominations, meanwhile, insist spouses convert or promise to bring their children up as Christians so when they marry a Muslim and convert, they create conflict with their families.

*Is it OK for Muslim men to have two or more wives after marrying a Christian? You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:17)

In the Bible, the book that Christians used to guide their faith in God, it is written as one of the Ten Commandments that one should not covet. To covet means to take in Hebrews. Now since Muslim men are allowed to marry more than one woman as long as he is capable of providing for them and their children, Christian women on the other hand are guided by the commandment of offering their life and be a wife to only one man. This also creates conflict between the two religion unless the woman converts into a Muslim herself.

Is It OK For Christians To Practice Cremation?

Cremation is the way of handling dead bodies by means of combustion, vaporization and oxidation of cadavers to basic chemical compounds, such as gases, ashes and mineral fragments retaining the appearance of dry bone. It is one way of preserving our dead family members and this creates an issue form some Christians. They would like to know if it is ok for Christians to practice cremation since it does not go with the principle that the flesh must come back to dust after the body dies.

Over the years it has been a growing debate on what to do with a dead body, whether it is best to bury it or to cremate. A lot of factors may affect the decision of the family and these include the wealth of the entire family, the status of the individual, the climate of the country, health, sanitation aesthetics and religious beliefs and practices. These factors contribute to the choices that each individual and family will make with respect to the question of whether it is ok for Christians to practice cremation.

*What are the views about cremation seen in the Bible? “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)

It is pretty clear how the Bible stands on what we should do to our body when death and morality is already the topic. It must return to dust so it speaks. Jesus further illustrated a perspective towards the disposal of the body when he spoke to one who would follow Him: Luke 9:59-60 says, “He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” It was explained here that the disposal of the dead body is of low priority and what is important for Jesus is for you to follow him. If the Bible renders a low priority to this issue then it would seem that the method of disposal may be left to individual taste and, perhaps, other societal and environmental dictates.

*How will the body be raised? “But someone may ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?’ …When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else…So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15: 35, 42-44)

It is clearly stated here that the body is actually not that important in life after death because it will already be destroyed. It will either slowly decay or it will burn rapidly but either way, God will still give you a new body in Heaven, a body that is glorious and incorruptible.

Is It OK For Christians To Smoke?

Smoking is considered a bad habit even in our present world. It is highly addictive and it can cause harm to your health and well-being. However, even if a lot of reminds and a lot of health issues are already being exposed to the public in order for them to quit or prevent from smoking, still, many individuals can’t seem to get the hint. A lot of health ads are campaigning against smoking, but what do you think is the Bible’s view about this? Do you think it is ok for Christians to smoke?

*What are the rules governing the law about smoking? Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1)

There is no direct law about smoking in the Bible but there is a verse which states there that we should abide by the law. There are certain countries which prohibit cigarette smoking while there are those that allow. In most countries, you’re not allowed to buy and smoke cigarettes until you’re 18. Given that the Bible makes it clear that Christians are to obey their local laws, the first thing we can say is that if you are a Christian under the age of 18, you shouldn’t be smoking.

*What does the Bible say about getting addicted to smoking? I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

There are people who just smoke occasionally while there are those who have gone crazy because of the addiction to smoking. Many Christians believe that smoking is highly addictive but some of them smoke anyway. This creates conflict with apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 6:12 which says that you should not be mastered by anything. It only means that you shouldn’t be controlled by addiction.

*Why do people get addicted to smoking? Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:32-33)

It is well said in the Bible that people tend to be pressured to please their peers and it becomes a cycle. One that is being influenced by smoking can then influence another and so on.

The Bible never directly mentions smoking. There are principles, however, that definitely apply to smoking and these are explained in the Bible verses mentioned above.

Is It OK For Christians To Swear?

Our language is what we use in order to communicate with other people. It is important for us to communicate in order for us to convey a message or to be understood. But there is a very common issue that e deal with every day regarding the use of the language. People are wondering if it is ok for Christians to swear or to speak bad words.
I am a Christian but one of the problems I face every day is my foul mouth. I really can’t stop myself from swearing especially when I get mad or I’m pissed into something. It just comes out of my mouth especially when I’m arguing with someone and I am trying to prove a strong point. What should I do to avoid it?

*Is it Ok for anybody to swear to let people know that they are mad? I tell you on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words will you be justified and by your words will you be condemned. (Matthew 12:16)

This Bible verse only proves to show that it is not ok for you to cuss. It simple teaches us to be careful with the words that we use because words are powerful and it can make or break a nation. Our words are so powerful that it can be a basis for our judgment. The Bible says that you’re gonna be having to give an account for every careless word that you speak so you must carefully chose your words.

*What is wrong with using foul language? Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

You might say that they are just the same as speaking since you are using words. But the difference with swearing is that the intention of the language that you use is probably offensive or hurtful to hear. The Bible’s standard for our speech is that it be the kind of loving speech that builds up and gives grace and not to hurt the feelings of the one you are talking to. So talk is corrupting when it doesn’t build up, when it doesn’t give grace. I think what the Bible does is it puts foul language; it puts cuss words into the category of words that never build up.
I guess that explains your question of whether it is ok for Christians to swear or not. Why don’t we just use our language in making others feel good instead? So it is definitely not ok for you to cuss.