{
  "id": "dict_001101",
  "term": "Contact with dead",
  "slug": "contact-with-dead",
  "letter": "C",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Attempts to communicate with the dead are forbidden in Scripture. God’s people are directed to seek the Lord rather than mediums, spiritists, or necromancy.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "In the Bible, seeking contact with the dead is treated as a forbidden occult practice, often associated with mediums and spiritists. Scripture consistently directs God’s people to seek guidance from the Lord instead of attempting communication with the dead. Difficult passages may raise interpretive questions, but the overall biblical prohibition is clear.",
  "description_academic_full": "“Contact with the dead” refers to attempts to seek guidance, revelation, or communication from deceased persons through mediums, spiritists, or related practices. Scripture explicitly forbids such practices and treats them as contrary to trust in the Lord and submission to his revealed will. While some passages—especially narratives involving unusual events—require careful interpretation and should not be used to normalize forbidden practices, the main biblical teaching is plain: God’s people must not pursue the dead for knowledge, help, or spiritual direction, but must seek the living God instead.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "Attempts to communicate with the dead are forbidden in Scripture. God’s people are directed to seek the Lord rather than mediums, spiritists, or necromancy.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/contact-with-dead/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/contact-with-dead.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}