Is Trying to Contact a Dead Relative a Sin?

The Short Answer

Yes, deliberate attempts to contact a dead relative through mediums, séances, necromancy or similar spiritual practices fall within behaviour Scripture warns against. God’s people are directed to seek Him for guidance rather than attempting to obtain messages from the dead.

The Bible treats Saul’s consultation of the medium at Endor as part of his unfaithfulness. First Chronicles 10:13-14 specifically remembers his decision to consult a familiar spirit in the account of his downfall.

Grief itself is not sinful. Missing someone, speaking about them or even talking aloud while visiting a grave can arise from sorrow. The biblical boundary concerns seeking supernatural contact and guidance.

What the Main Passages Establish

The main passages for Is Trying to Contact a Dead Relative a Sin? are Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. They should be read for the claims they actually make rather than used to fill gaps Scripture leaves open.

Questions about the dead often carry grief as well as theology. A careful answer can state what Scripture supports, identify where Christian traditions differ and leave uncertain details with God.

Related study: What Does the Bible Say About Talking to the Dead?.

Study This Question in More Depth

For a complete study connected with Is Trying to Contact a Dead Relative a Sin?, What Happens When You Die? What the Bible Really Says About Death, Heaven, Hell and the Afterlife (available to our members also) works through the biblical teaching on death, heaven and the afterlife in one focused guide.

The Extra Study below looks more closely at the passages behind Is Trying to Contact a Dead Relative a Sin?, the limits of what they establish and how Christians can respond faithfully when grief or unusual experiences raise further questions.