What is the reasoning for Christians putting scripture on stakes? Is this a spiritual warfare tactic or a form of witchcraft?
The other day, I saw a post that read, “leaving to put borders on our property. Praise God.” Looking at this Christian’s profile, I noticed that this individual believes in “scripture stakes.” So, what are scripture stakes? Is this a tactic used in spiritual warfare or something else?
What some Christians believe regarding scripture stakes.
Christians who put scripture on stakes believe that the words of the Bible are powerful and can be used to ward off evil spirits. Using scriptures on stakes for spiritual warfare is a practice found in some charismatic or Pentecostal Christian traditions. Believers often base this approach on the power of God’s spoken or written Word, viewing it as a weapon against spiritual forces. The idea is that by writing scriptures on stakes and placing them in specific locations, one can claim that area for God and establish a form of spiritual protection. They often reference the following Bible passages to support this belief:
- Deuteronomy 6:9-10: “Write them on the doorposts of your house and your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.”
- Joshua 24:19-20: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
- Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
- Ephesians 6:10-18: This passage speaks about the spiritual battle Christians are engaged in and the spiritual armor of God, which includes the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Using scriptures on stakes may be a practical application of God’s Word as a spiritual weapon.
- Joshua 1:3: “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.” Someone might use this verse to support claiming the land for God.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: This passage talks about the “weapons of our warfare” being spiritual and having divine power “to destroy strongholds.”
- Isaiah 54:2: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” While initially addressing Israel, some Christians may interpret this metaphorically for spiritual expansion or claiming spiritual territory.
- Luke 19:13: “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” is used by many to “occupy territory.” The phrase “occupy till I come” in Greek means to set up a business, to do business, and so forth.
These passages convey the teaching that we should keep the words of the Bible in our hearts and minds and that they have the power to protect us from evil. Christians who put scripture on stakes believe that this is a physical way of keeping the words of the Bible close to them and that it can help to ward off evil spirits.
These “stakes in the ground” was extensively discussed in the book, “What Are The Stakes?: God Markers On The Land (Spiritual Warfare)” by Steve Hemphill, published in 2017. Many cite this work as a reason for putting stakes around geographical areas.
It is important to note that not all Christians believe in putting scripture on stakes. Some people think it is a superstitious practice with no basis in the Bible. Others believe it is a harmless way to express their faith and may even have positive psychological effects. This practice may be more common among charismatic or Pentecostal groups that emphasize spiritual warfare and the active use of faith actions. Mainline Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic traditions typically do not practice this specific form of spiritual warfare.
Does witchcraft or any other occult practice employ writing spells on items and placing them around homes and properties to protect them?
Yes, witchcraft and other occult practices employ writing spells on items and placing them around homes and properties to protect them. Writing spells on items and placing them around geographical areas is known as amulet or talisman magic. Amulets and talismans are objects believed to have magical properties that protect the wearer or holder from harm. People often inscribe spells or symbols on them, thinking they possess power.
Items used as amulets or talismans include:
- Stones: Certain stones, such as amethyst, jasper, and obsidian, are believed to have protective properties.
- Herbs: Herbs, such as basil, rosemary, and lavender, are also believed to have protective properties.
- Crystals: Crystals, such as quartz, agate, and amber, are also believed to have protective properties.
- Pentacle: The pentacle is a five-pointed star often used as an amulet or talisman. The wearer believes that they have protection from evil.
Strategic placement of amulets and talismans occurs around the home or property, such as above doorways, windows, or fireplace mantels. They are also sometimes worn as jewelry or carried in a pocket.
The belief in the power of amulets and talismans is widespread and can be found in many different cultures worldwide. Some cultures believe that amulets and talismans possess such great force that they can actively ward off death.
Final thoughts
When you compare the practice of Scripture stakes in the ground done by some Christians to amulets or talismans used by witches and occult practitioners, one can see that ideals other than God have crept into the church. Christians are to put away witchcraft and other occult practices. Christians may see this as harmless rituals, but this leaves the mind open to more destructive ideologies outside of God’s Will.
