Is it a sin to read books about Dream Interpretation?

[OperaGhost20]

I’ve had some dreams lately where I’ve desired to look up their meaning in a dream book, however I have not because I am not sure if it is sinful to do so or not. I know that dream interpretation is in the Bible but I’m not sure if modern books on the subject are occult or not. Thanks!

 

[LilyM]

Yes, dream interpretation is indeed in the scriptures.

Note, however, that Jacob, Joseph, Daniel (I think he too interpreted a dream?) and the other dream interpreters of scripture did NOT run off to consult nonsensical ‘dream interpretation’ books in order to do so. And note that when Pharoah DID consult his ‘experts’ in such matters - his wise men and magicians - they could offer him no guidance.

Instead the successful interpreters sought and received God’s guidance directly, relying on His wisdom alone and no ‘dream interpretation books’ or anything else so patently ridiculous.

In fact Joseph, in all humility, claimed no special power to interpret dreams at all - " ‘I cannot do it’, he said, 'but GOD will give Pharaoh the answer he desires" (Gen 41:16).

So if you wish, go to God in prayer and ask Him, if it be His will, to reveal the meaning of your dreams to you, if they indeed were messages from Him. Be aware that the vast majority of dreams assuredly are not, but merely the products of our own brain when at rest and repairing itself as it does in sleep.

Don’t waste your time consulting books that cannot possibly do what they claim - how can a dream about a particular thing mean the same thing to all dreamers after all?

Surely a dream about snakes, for example, would mean totally different things to someone who has been through the trauma of snakebite as opposed to a snakehandler or scientist who studies them and appreciates them, as opposed to someone who simply dreams about 'em because they have recently seen a movie like Anaconda or Snakes on a Plane.

For what it’s worth, yes I do think it’s a sin. It’s allowing man - the writers of these books - to usurp a role - spiritual guidance via dreams - which should be reserved to God alone.

 

[SalesianSDB]

I have a very close family member who has been in a vegetative state for over a year and a half now with no sign of it getting better and I have dreams where she is fine and well hugging me. I have a dream like this once a week.

Obviously, it is my subconscious telling me what I want most.

Have you seen the movie Inception? It explains that dreams are run by your subconscious. This is what Sigmond Freud said about dreams. He wrote the book on dreams. Literally! He wrote The Interpretation of Dreams, which I want to read. In it he basically says that dreams are how your subconscious tells you things because when you’re asleep you can’t block that stuff out. And I heard that Wes Craven used this book when writing A Nightmare on Elm Street…so you know it’s legit!

But that is pretty much what dreams are. I wouldn’t read the Egyptian books on dreams. Stick to Freud I think.

And some of it could be wishful thinking, like in my case.

Hope I helped.

 

[Gift_from_God]

Nah, just don’t buy into the whole mystical stuff.

 

[Gift_from_God]

I have a very close family member who has been in a vegetative state for over a year and a half now with no sign of it getting better and I have dreams where she is fine and well hugging me. I have a dream like this once a week.

Obviously, it is my subconscious telling me what I want most.

Have you seen the movie Inception? It explains that dreams are run by your subconscious. This is what Sigmond Freud said about dreams. He wrote the book on dreams. Literally! He wrote The Interpretation of Dreams, which I want to read. In it he basically says that dreams are how your subconscious tells you things because when you’re asleep you can’t block that stuff out. And I heard that Wes Craven used this book when writing A Nightmare on Elm Street…so you know it’s legit!

But that is pretty much what dreams are. I wouldn’t read the Egyptian books on dreams. Stick to Freud I think.

And some of it could be wishful thinking, like in my case.

Hope I helped.

I agree with the whole Freud thing. You know, I had a dream where I was in a subway that blew up and there was some monster outside waiting for me. I wonder what it means?

 

[Harry1941]

I’ve had some dreams lately where I’ve desired to look up their meaning in a dream book, however I have not because I am not sure if it is sinful to do so or not. I know that dream interpretation is in the Bible but I’m not sure if modern books on the subject are occult or not. Thanks!

When you disobey the Ten Commandments of God, that’s when you sin. Haven your dreams interreted is not a sin. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

Harry
Love and charity to all.

 

[AddictedToTruth]

I would say that simply reading a dream interpretation book for information is not necessarily sinful, however, I think it’s highly important to keep perspective in mind.

In Psychology there are several different theories of dreams. The most well known today falls under the psychological perspective of psycho-dynamic/ psychoanalysis. This perspective was developed by Sigmund Freud. The book you’re considering reading probably came out of this theory.

I would suggest researching dream theories to make sure you have a balanced perspective.

Note: Freud was a bright fellow, however, he had some pretty crazy theories. He was also an atheist and had, in my opinion, a very bleak outlook on the human person.

On a final note, if you do decide to read the book beware of the idea that “one dream interpretation fits all.” As LilyM mentioned:

   "Surely a dream about snakes, for example, would mean totally different things to   someone who has been through the trauma of snakebite as opposed to a snakehandler or scientist who studies them and appreciates them, as opposed to someone who simply dreams about 'em because they have recently seen a movie like Anaconda or Snakes on a Plane."

I would agree.

Take care, and keep us posted.

God Bless,

Truth Addict

 

[mcteague]

I’ve had some dreams lately where I’ve desired to look up their meaning in a dream book, however I have not because I am not sure if it is sinful to do so or not. I know that dream interpretation is in the Bible but I’m not sure if modern books on the subject are occult or not. Thanks!

The real question is where you got the idea that reading anything would be sinful?
Even if some writing might be morally objectionable, for example a pornographic novel, you can simply stop reading if it offends you. Why anyone would be afraid to read anything that is not expressly and obviously immoral is beyond me. Even if you were to pick up a dream interpretation book with an occult perspective, are you so mentally and morally weak that your faith will crumble at the slightest touch. If you do find things that challenge your faith, you can always pull back and read them in a detached accademic fashion, or as I said move on to a different book. I really do not understand this question or the thinking behind it.

 

[Bookcat]

I’ve had some dreams lately where I’ve desired to look up their meaning in a dream book, however I have not because I am not sure if it is sinful to do so or not. I know that dream interpretation is in the Bible but I’m not sure if modern books on the subject are occult or not. Thanks!

I would not on the one hand waste my time honestly for dreams are usually just the contents of the day …or past days…all mixed up and imagined anew…nothing special about them really…

There can be perhaps a legit thinking about dreams…like when you dream of an old friend…“I have not thought of him for years”…I really should get back in touch with him…(ordinary…not some mystical reason)…perhaps…but really I would suggest that there really is not too much of use here for such if anything…

But often “dream interpretation” books are occult…new age etc…(for example are engaging in divination) and such would be sinful to follow…and i would have nothing to do with them…

Yes God can give dreams…but such are more on the rare side…we find both sides in the Scriptures…occasions where God made use of them…and the warning that those who follow (ordinary) dreams …read Sirach 34 1-7 ewtn.com/ewtn/bible/search_bible.asp

 

[Bookcat]

I would not on the one hand waste my time honestly for dreams are usually just the contents of the day …or past days…all mixed up and imagined anew…nothing special about them really…

There can be perhaps a legit thinking about dreams…like when you dream of an old friend…“I have not thought of him for years”…I really should get back in touch with him…(ordinary…not some mystical reason)…perhaps…but really I would suggest that there really is not too much of use here for such if anything…

But often “dream interpretation” books are occult…new age etc…(for example are engaging in divination) and such would be sinful to follow…and i would have nothing to do with them…

Yes God can give dreams…but such are more on the rare side…we find both sides in the Scriptures…occasions where God made use of them…and the warning that those who follow (ordinary) dreams …read Sirach 34 1-7 ewtn.com/ewtn/bible/search_bible.asp

Opps…that link does not work…but you can just look it up in your Bible or here

ewtn.com/devotionals/biblesearch.asp