Vampires, werewolves, and ghosts are Halloween staples that have been part of our mythology for years and flow generously out of the woodwork during October. While the folktale versions are but imaginative fiction, every powerful myth has a foundation. These fantastical creatures originated in early European imagination, and even before, but have gained a strong foothold even in modern society as evidenced by the passionate following of movies such as the Twilight series and the continued reading of books as old as Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
To resonate, myths and stories must have a concrete basis and serve the purpose of personal instruction. And these stories do indeed contain spiritual parallels we must guard against. When it comes to supernatural creatures of this type, the Bible doesn’t say much. While angels, demons, and spirits are in adequate supply, you won’t find vampires lurking in the shadows of the Old Testament, nor howling werewolves prowling the hills of Judea.
But does evidence of these famed creatures exist in the real world? Yes. And we should shun these vile creatures like any other evil.
I Feel Drained
Beware. Vampire-like spirits residing in some people will sap your strength and attempt to drain the blood of Jesus from your life. Look at the societal attack on Christianity in today’s world. Have you spent an hour with a person whose world viewpoint and personality left you more tired than a hard day at work? They leave you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually drained.
While the Bible doesn’t mention vampires explicitly, Proverbs 30:14 speaks of people whose teeth are like swords and fangs are like knives. Though metaphorical, describing the destructive nature of certain individuals rather than literal blood-drinking creatures, it certainly conjures vampire-like imagery. Further, the Bible strictly prohibits the consumption of blood, as seen in Leviticus 17:10-14, emphasizing that life is in the blood, and it is sacred. It’s an easy transition to see those sapping your life as lapping thirstily at your source.
Who Are You Really?
Next, we have werewolves. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention any hairy humans transforming under the full moon, we do have the story of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:33). He was turned into a beast, living like an animal until he acknowledged God. So, if you ever feel a sudden urge to howl at the moon, remember Nebuchadnezzar and think twice—God might be waiting for your acknowledgment!
Kidding aside, guard against the werewolf, which according to fable was a shapeshifter. Those friendly to your face may behind your back morph into an enemy rending you apart with words hardened by tooth and claw. This bitter lesson was re-emphasized recently by a person I had known for years and thought I could trust. And I know I’m not the only one to experience this. Also, I’ve had people who embraced me and told me every Sunday how much they loved me. But now, in my absence, they have fallen silent. Their love was not real but only vain empty words. Shapes viewed with natural eyes are sometimes false. Be vigilant.
The Bible uses the imagery of wolves to describe dangerous or deceitful people. For instance, Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). Similarly, Paul warns the early church about fierce wolves that will not spare the flock (Acts 20:29).
The Most Boo-tiful Thing
Finally, ghosts. The Bible talks about spirits, but not the spooky “boo!” types. We know ghosts were active in the minds of the early Jews, evidenced by the story of King Saul consulting the medium of Endor to summon the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28). However, the Bible generally portrays the dead as being in a state of rest, awaiting resurrection, rather than wandering the earth as disembodied spirits.
Further, scripture records that the disciples initially thought they saw a ghost when Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:26). Jesus’ appearance after His resurrection (Luke 24:37) could also be seen as a divine ghost moment.
But the terrific news is that there is a real Ghost who is Holy, a third person of the Godhead who comforts and guides us instead of scaring off our socks—One who nurtures, instructs, and protects. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2.
Meta-for-Real
While the Bible does not support the existence of vampires, werewolves, or ghosts as depicted in popular culture, it does use similar imagery to convey moral and spiritual lessons. These mythical beings are metaphors for deeper truths about human nature and the spiritual realm. And the realm of the spirit is far more real than the realm of the physical by which we are often fooled.
Father, in Jesus’ name, we ask for discernment against spiritual evils that would attempt us harm. We thank You for Your indwelling Spirit which is more powerful than all others. We thank You that You are a wall of fire around us and that You have dispatched Your angels to encamp around us. We thank you for wisdom and protection against all wickedness. Amen.