Trust Only in God

The superstitious use of talismans and other items believed to possess magical powers is prohibited in various biblical passages. Rather than relying on these false and deceptive securities, Christians are called to place their trust in God’s loving providence.

Catholicism does permit the appropriate use of images, medals and other material faith expressions but never under the belief that these items in themselves possess any type of power. Rather, these items can help the believer to stay focused on God’s presence in their lives and to trust in that presence through regular acts of faith. Thus, any power associated with such expressions of faith always and only belongs to God and not to the objects themselves.

Those who have mistakenly fallen into the use of superstitious or magical items are encouraged to recognize their erroneous misplaced trust, seek forgiveness, and renew their loving dependence and faith in God alone.