Last updated: 2026-05-01
Is Fortune Telling a Sin?
Quick Answer
Yes, fortune telling is considered high in Christianity.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated:
Yes, fortune telling is considered high in Christianity. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 — There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination This is a high matter in Christianity with clear guidance for believers.
What Christianity Teaches About Fortune Telling
Christianity considers Fortune Telling to be a sin — a subject of guidance in the biblical tradition.
Wondering what other faiths teach?
Christian Denominations: How They Differ on Fortune Telling
Catholic Church
Divination is sinful. It violates the First Commandment by seeking knowledge apart from God.
Catechism 2115-2117
Protestant Churches
Clearly forbidden in scripture. Christians should trust God's providence.
Biblical prohibition on divination
Eastern Orthodox
Fortune telling opens the door to demonic influence and is strictly forbidden.
Orthodox teaching on the occult
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Biblical References
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 — There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination
- Leviticus 19:31 — Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists
- Acts 16:16-18 — Paul casts out a spirit of divination
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination | Deuteronomy 18:10-12 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists | Leviticus 19:31 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| Paul casts out a spirit of divination | Acts 16:16-18 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
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All 3 major faith traditions examined here — Christianity, Islam, Judaism — consider Fortune Telling sinful, each arriving at this position through independent scriptural and theological analysis. This kind of cross-traditional consensus on a moral question is notable and suggests that Fortune Telling touches on a principle shared across the Abrahamic tradition.
From the Christianity perspective, this question is primarily addressed through 3 key biblical passages: Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Leviticus 19:31, and Acts 16:16-18. These texts have been studied and debated by scholars across centuries, with interpretations shaped by denominational traditions, historical context, and the evolution of moral philosophy within each faith community.
In the broader historical context, debates around Fortune Telling have evolved as societies have modernized. What was once addressed primarily through local religious authority has become a question examined in light of globalized communication, shifting cultural norms, and the individual's relationship to institutional religion. In Christianity, Fortune Telling is classified as high, which carries specific implications for how believers are counselled and how the topic is treated in religious education and community life. Contemporary scholars in Christianity continue to engage with this question, balancing fidelity to biblical sources with the lived realities of modern believers.
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IsItASin.org provides informational summaries of religious teachings from multiple faith traditions. This is not religious counsel, spiritual direction, or a substitute for guidance from a qualified religious leader in your community. Scriptural interpretations vary by denomination and individual congregation. If you are experiencing moral distress or spiritual crisis, we encourage you to speak with a trusted faith leader, counselor, or chaplain.