The process is very mysterious. A person walks around the yard carrying an apparatus and when it moves a particular way, the determination is that the water is beneath them. In certain cases, the dowser can predict the depth of the water. Is this real? Is it spiritual or just some physical thing that is not yet explained? The answers are mixed and it depends on whom you are asking.
It would be difficult to separate the influences of spiritual interpretation from the tradition of dowsing. Even the terms mentioned above would seem to indicate a spiritual inclination. Does the Bible address this issue? Well it does give strict warnings against the pagan practice of divination (see Hosea 4:12; Deut 18:9-10) and Hosea seems to speak of the use of divination rods that could be similar to that of a dowsing rod. The question that needs to be answered is, “Is water dowsing divination?” Again, the answers vary. Some say, “No.” and others would suggest that it is.
Why does it work? A committed naturalist may seek explanation along the lines of quantum mechanics, specifically a theory called the “entanglement theory” in which particles “communicate” at a subatomic level. This theory is thought to unlock the mystery of the dowser’s thoughts being a part of the process of finding the article being sought. Then you have those given to New Age thought that will plunge headlong into spiritual explanations for the phenomenon and even open themselves to the occult.
Water dowsing seems quite harmless and many Christians utilize this phenomenon for innocuous purposes like finding water lines or digging wells. Is it permissible for the believer to dowse for water or is it something to be avoided at all costs? This subject takes us to areas of controversy such as the use of meditation or hypnotism. Should the Christian avoid these practices as well? Why or why not?
Perhaps this is a good time to reflect on the true liberty of the Christian. Romans chapter 14 and 1 Corinthians chapter 8 deal with issues of controversy. Romans 14:5 says, of the decision to partake or abstain, “let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” This is good medicine here. The believer is ultimately free from the bondage of sin. Though we inevitably trifle with sin in the course of life (and I am in no way suggesting we should make light of it) we are truly free in Christ’s atonement for us. 1 Corinthians 8:4 says, “We know that an idol is nothing and that there is no other God but one.” The atonement of Christ will not be trumped by some kind of idol. Nevertheless, the Christian is admonished to take the weaker brother into consideration and not become a cause for his or her stumbling. With the principles mentioned in these passages in mind, let’s consider the following thoughts.
Why does dowsing work? We simply don’t know conclusively.
As a believer am I free to utilize this phenomenon? If you are persuaded that it is spiritual in nature, no you should avoid it. You would be violating your own conscience and the precepts found in Scripture that warn us away from engaging any spiritual activity other than the worship of God alone. If it seems to you a phenomenon that has physical explanations, I am not aware of any specific prohibition in Scripture for water dowsing.
One final note: I am only addressing the phenomenon of the water dowsing apparatus. It is my understanding that some dowsers in history were able to inquire of the divining rod to lead them to any number of different things such as buried treasure or to certain individuals. To utilize any tool in this way would be tantamount to inquiring of an Ouija Board and cannot be sanctioned for a Christian. Such a practice fits squarely with the Biblical definition of divination/sorcery and is nothing less than an aspect of the occult. Scripture strictly forbids this.
As for water dowsing, I can only echo what the Bible says, “Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”(Rom 14:13).
PR
Hi Pastor Rick,
ReplyDeleteThis is a question I've had in my mind as well. I can tell you of a time that I used it once in my life. I was working for a contractor who was a conservative Southern Baptist preacher. I'm also a Christian, and we had an irrigation job on some property where there were already lots of water, gas, and electric lines running up from his house down to his dock, all a foot or so underground. We were having a hard time knowing what was already where, so we said, "Why don't we try using copper wires etc.?" We had both known of construction workers who did it. We tried it and it worked for electric, water, and gas lines. So then I tried an experiment. I had him put his cell phone in his shirt pocket and hold the copper wires (L-shaped and loose to pivot in his fists) ready. Then I called his phone, and a split second before his phone range, the wires quickly pivoted and crossed. Because of this we decided that water dowsing may have to do with a person's electromagnetic field and maybe the earth's too.
On the other hand, if you look up information from the American Society of Dowsers, you see that they talk about "programming" your instrument to indicate yes and no to questions you give it, and to indicate to you where things are buried from a remote location. I have no doubt that is demonic.
Just thought I would add that information. I still think it's important to pray first before you use something you're not sure about.
You are spot on in your analysis. I agree with you. There is a big difference between reacting to a kind of electromagnetic field and conjuring up a spiritual connection.
DeleteThanks for the comment. I would have gotten back sooner, but couldn't manage certain controls on my iPhone.