Deuteronomy 18: Don’t follow false prophets.

Synopsis:

We are reminded that the Levites weren’t given an inheritance so it’s up to everyone else to tithe to pay for their upkeep. We are also given a list of magical people and magical activities that are not allowed. For the record the following activities are not allowed: encouraging the worship of other gods, passing your children through fire, or people who use divination, observer of times, enchanter, or witches, charmers, consulter of spirits, wizard or necromancer. Additionally, a prophet will rise among you but don’t follow prophets that don’t actually speak for this God. How will you know if they speak for THIS God? Their prophecies will come true. (Though this clearly contradicts Deuteronomy 13).

In other words:

Don’t use magic. Don’t follow other gods and don’t follow false prophets.

Favorite bit:

The list of activities that are forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-11)

Most hypocritical bit:

(Deuteronomy 18:21-22) It is clear that they want people to follow their prophets and not others – so this isn’t a prohibition against magical thinking (which I would like as a Humanist), but only against forms that disagree with their particular teachings. It’s hypocritical.

Moral Lesson Learned:

Magical thinking and fortune tellers can’t be trusted (Deuteronomy 18)