Five Things You Should Know About the
Kabala
By Ryne
1.) What the Kabala is.
In short, the Kabala is a form of Jewish mysticism and
occultism that consists of two parts: a practical side and a
dogmatic side. The practical side of the Kabala is
"concerned with an intimate study of the Pentateuch; a
research based upon the theory that every sentence, word and
letter were given by Divine Inspiration and that no jot or
tittle (the Yod, the smallest Hebrew letter) must be
neglected." (Westcott, 7) This might sound like an argument
for biblical inspiration that would be found in a local
church today, but don’t let it fool you. These people take
the idea of divine inspiration a step farther than most.
Their ‘divine’ words are actually hidden words found using
various methods in order to find mystical and mysterious
meanings that unlock steps to an understanding of God.
The dogmatic side is more concerned with tying the various
aspects of the practical Kabala together into a consistent
system and explaining the Kabalistic view of the universe,
God, man, and just about anything else that might be
effected by the things just listed. Reincarnation is taught
here, as well as a system of multiple worlds just to name a
few.
2.) When Kabala was created and made
popular:
The Kabala is said by some to be created around the year 500
B.C. The Kabala itself says that its secrets were revealed
to Adam directly from God, but this is doubtful. It would
make sense that many of the teachings that the Kabala
embraces sound very Babylonian. The Kabala was made
especially popular during the medieval age when the Jewish
people were heavily persecuted. Because of the persecution,
many tried to find ways to relieve the pain and sorrow
through mystical and supernatural help.
The search for higher truth and for a knowledge of God led
many to the Kabala. In modern days, this search has begun
again with a new and disturbing fascination with the occult.
Many are getting involved with the Kabala once again for the
experiences it offers. These experiences are much like drug
trips and Eastern Meditation. They involve the use of demons
as spirit guides and other kinds of dangerous activities.
3.) Who embraces Kabala?
There is a large division among the Jewish people today over
the Kabala. The Orthodox Jews disallow its use while much of
the Hasidic (Ultra Orthodox) community accepts it. Some
accept the dogmatic side but not the practical. Some
dedicate their entire lives to it, only to die not knowing
if they will be reincarnated once again or if they will pass
on to a higher realm. I personally would never want to base
my life on any belief that leaves me uncertain of eternity,
especially if eternity can only be gained by a certain
amount of works or accomplishment.
4.) How Kabala is used.
The Kabala is used in various ways depending on the intent
of the user and his/her devotion. Some students of the
Kabala just use it as another tool to interpret the Tanakh
while others use it to create spells and read the stars.
Either way, the Kabala is always used for personal gain and
enlightenment, perhaps equated with a spiritual high. The
Kabala looks intriguing and interesting on paper, but in its
use it is no different than the oldest forms of witchcraft
and mysticism combined into one deadly art. It is used in
hopes of illumination, but it only actually binds its users
in delusion and an addiction to constantly find higher
planes of understanding and conscience that don’t exist. The
Tanakh, or Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 clearly
warns against witchcraft of any kind. The Kabala can be used
to bring about some of the most potent sorceries. Even Tarot
cards can be easily related to the Kabala.
5.) Why Kabala so appealing.
People are searching. They want something more, something
beyond simple answers. The Kabala offers secret knowledge
and a lifelong pursuit toward truth. Who wouldn’t want to
know truth? But it goes beyond just basic truth and offers a
false knowledge of God, of Jehovah Himself, one not revealed
in the Bible. It is a very attractive system on the
outside, but within is a pursuit with no actual culmination.
One must always go one step further, always say one more
prayer and always do one more thing. The Kabala is so
cryptic and mystical that it eventually becomes ethereal
fluff that is blown away. It appeals to some, but does it
guarantee eternal salvation? The answer is, No!
Works studied and cited:
An Introduction to the Study of the Kabalah, by William Wynn
Wescott
"Kabbalah" - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (accessed
January 26, 2007)
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2 Tim 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
KJV
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