The Ghosts in the Machine

Recently I interpreted a dream for someone and during the process the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “It’s the ghosts in the machine.” I had heard that phrase before in my life but honestly never quite understood what it meant. So I did some research and found out that The Ghost in the Machine is a book that came out in 1967 by Arthur Koestler. It is in the philosophy and psychiatry genre. The premise for the book is called dualism or mind-body relationship. Koestler tries to explain that the mind of a person is not an “independent non-material entity”. There are numerous references and meanings to the expression “ghosts in the machine.”

One of the concepts I found in my research set forth that the “ghost” is the soul and the “machine” is the body. From what I can gather in philosophy and psychology, mankind is trying to figure out the correlation between the mind and the body. Some question whether a soul really exists or if our consciousness is just a result of our human brain and its perception of reality. We know as believers that we live in a body and possess a soul but we are actually all spirits. The world is still trying to understand how it all works, but when you study the Bible and are enlightened by the Holy Spirit you will have revelation knowledge and understanding on how it all works.

Technology

I also found in my research that the ghosts in the machine can refer to spirits in a computer. I found this idea quite interesting. So, in other words, people may launch a program application and it may do something very strange or unusual. Anyone that does a lot of work on computers understands that at times the technology seems to have a mind of its own. If you examine our world today, you will quickly find that science is developing robots and computers that can think and reason. I mean these androids can actually hold an intelligent conversation with a human. Science and technology is making leaps and bounds in how we live and what we are capable of experiencing.

Spheres of Influence

So the dream that I interpreted had some thought-provoking symbolism in it. One of the symbols was a suspicious scientific organization. I discerned that this organization in this particular dream represented principalities and powers operating through technology and science. In other words, I believe that dark spirits can influence those who design and produce game applications, computer software, movies and so on. After all the Bible says we battle not with flesh and blood but principalities and powers in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) Perhaps one could even say that there are “ghosts” or spiritual hosts of wickedness operating through the “machine” or the human body. These ghosts or demons could also influence the development of our modern day technology by sparking ideas within the human mind. You don’t have to look far to see the obsession with the satanic in the movie industry or the influence of the dark side in various video games and books.

The Occult

The word occult has its roots in the Latin word occultus meaning hidden, secret, black magic or (difficult to see). The enemy uses the occult and occult practices because he can easily hide his agenda within seemingly harmless activities such as books, games, and television shows.

For example, let’s take a closer look at the latest cultural phenomenon known as Pokémon GO. This is a downloadable application that both children and adults are participating in with astonishing numbers. Multitudes of people, believers and non-believers, are playing this “game.” But what is the origin of Pokémon?

Pokémon was born out of the Japanese culture and specifically Eastern Mysticism. “The term “mysticism” has Ancient Greek origins with various historically determined meanings. Derived from the Greek, meaning “to conceal.” (Wikipedia) Pokémon means “pocket monster,” and these creatures or spirits invoke psychic powers that bring fear and confusion. Synonyms for monster are ghost, demon, imp and devil. There is a character in the game called the “flying demon.” As a side note, the distributors of Pokémon are the Wizards of the Coast.

The object of the game is to collect these monsters and demons, train them, and have them fight against other Pokémon owners. The idea is to collect as many creatures as possible to become a Master. Just so you get an idea of what these characters are really like, take a look at some of their names and powers associated with them: Haunter can hypnotize, eat a person’s dreams and drain their energy, Abra reads minds, Kadabra emits negative energy that harms others, Gastly induces sleep, Gengar laughs at people’s fears.

The psychic type of Pokémon is among the strongest in the game. The people playing the game are taught to use these creatures to do their bidding by invoking colored energy cards, fights and commands. Occult concepts used in the game are as follows: magical stones, teleportation, ghosts, all seeing eye, psychic power and using spirits to achieve results in the real world. The elements of earth, wind, fire and water are all occult symbols. This is the very foundation for sorcery, demonology, and witchcraft; all of which the Bible expressly forbids. “No one among you is to make his son or daughter pass through the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery.” (Deuteronomy 18:10)

Practicing Discernment

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) It amazes me how many Christians I know that have poor discernment. We are instructed to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) We should know the Word of God and study it for ourselves. Do not rely on your pastor alone to teach you Scripture.

In 1 Kings 3, Solomon who was David’s son was now king. He was fairly young (a child) according to this passage. He had a dream where the Lord appeared to him and asked him what he wanted. Solomon requested that the Lord give to his servant an understanding heart to judge the people. Solomon asked to be able to discern between good and evil; this request pleased the Lord and He added riches and more to the king.

I would encourage each one of you reading this article to ask the Lord for discernment.

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you. So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasure, Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2)

Now more than ever we need keen discernment and the knowledge of God; with that comes revelation knowledge and strategies to overcome and expose the hidden agenda of the enemy.