My dear friend, my response in a word is “YES”, we should be very concerned. Our response as Christians is to pray for these families and if possible, to point those involved in such things to the Word of God, which is the only true and reliable source of truth for our world. This Santeria which you mention is a form of spiritism and is a mixture of various ancient, non-Christian mixed with a few so-called Christian beliefs. This, like sorceries, witchcraft, and all other forms of seeking power and information from powers and sources other than God is altogether sinful. Such things are doors to demonic forces, I believe, and we are well warned against these things in Scripture.

Though their origins go back to ancient times, such demonic practices seem to be all too prevalent in our world today, and I believe that Satan tries to disguise them many times to appear to be harmless and even good. But I say that these things must be avoided altogether by Christians. Unfortunately, those in the world who are yet in the flesh fall easy prey to the demonic forces behind these things, and such things if employed never lead to good for anyone, but rather ultimately to death (Proverbs 14:12; Romans 6:23). Now, why do I believe the forces behind such practices are demonic? Acts 16:16-20 gives us a real-life account of the demonic forces behind a certain woman in Macedonia who was possessed by demons which allowed her to practice divination. As she met the Apostle Paul in the marketplace, she seemed to be trying to ally herself (including the demonic power within her) with Paul’s Gospel ministry so that she appeared to the world to be accepting of the Gospel. How subtle are the designs of Satan! But her motives were false and were being controlled and directed by a demon, a spirit not of the Lord. Paul cast out this demon in verse 18 in the name of Jesus Christ, and this is clear proof that her power of divination was not of God.

The Bible clearly teaches us not to seek powers or sources of information aside from God and His Word. Isaiah 8:19 reads: “And when they say to you, Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter, should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”  Thus, we can see that all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, mediums, planning by horoscope and palm reading, and even games and toys like Ouija boards and 8-balls are demonic in nature. The desire to pursue such things is not of the Spirit of God but of the flesh and thus of the devil. Galatians 5:19-21 reads as follows: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Note that sorceries are listed among all the evil things which are only ever appealing to the flesh, and the things which appeal to the flesh only lead to judgment and death. Leviticus 20:27 says: “’A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.'”

My dear friend, in our present fallen world, the Christian is often confronted by unseen demonic forces as clearly described in Ephesians 6:10-18. The devil and his demons are the forces behind those wicked tools and practices which you describe in your question. The best defense for the Christian against the wiles of the devil is to read and obey the Word of God. It is from the Bible, and not from Satan, that we have the truth and the words of life. And it is the Lord and Him only who gives us the power to resist the devil and his deceptions.

Thank you, my dear friend, for being willing to seek God’s guidance as you encounter such satanic deceptions among relatives, friends, or even in the local church if such be the case. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10.)  And if there be any reading this paper who have not as yet believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, God is calling you to come to repentance and choose the words of truth and life. A day of great judgment is coming upon the wicked of this earth (Acts 17:30,31), but you can be saved from judgment and made fit for heaven if you will but believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (John 3:16; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8,9).  (SF)  (743.1)