What Does the Bible Say About Goosebumps? Is it Demonic Spirits?

[JesusYeshuaisLord]

Hello,

Does anyone know if the bible mentions anything about chills and goosebumps? Is it a positive thing or not? Are they from God or not?

I am looking for opinions based on biblical passages and not based on human experience unless of course supported by scripture.

I've read a believer write once, when talking about a secular song: 'I wouldn't listen to that song if it gives me chills down my spine' and then the person referred to the possibility that it'd be demonic spirits.
Considering that these sensations are common with being cold and I am pretty sure anxiety, which also can happen during a fight or flight response (which happens when we are scared or threatened), is it safe to assume that chills and goosebumps could be a response to evil or demonic spirits and forces? Could it be the signal that something is not right?
These sensations can also happen in a positive setting though (i think) listening to song we like, reading a poem or a heart warming story...

But what does the bible says about it?

Here is my experience and why I am asking the question:
I went to a Celine Dion concert last year. After the concert I started listening more to her songs which often gives me chills because her voice is so powerful and beautiful. I then saw couple of her posts and realised how she became an idol in my sight, which I repented of.
I've noticed that most of the secular songs that I listened to would give me chills too (I do love music and beautiful voices! which could be why). Now every time I get those chills I feel uncomfortable and as if something is just on me so I skip the songs. That feeling of electricity through my body last for a while if I haven't welcomed the 'experience'. It might be an emotional response that reminds me of how I idolised Celine Dion and her songs and maybe this is telling me that this is where I want to run far away from.

Some 'christian' songs give me chills too, some songs do rely a lot on triggering emotional responses and I feel uncomfortable listening to them too now. Most of the songs that I enjoy but don't give me chills are older songs from the Gaither vocal band and such.
All the modern christian songs usually just get me all overwhelmed and teary and all that.
I would like to worship the Lord in truth and not have purely flesh satisfying experiences. I'd like to have a balanced approach to worship, I want to be conscious of what I sing to the Lord. I want to worship with emotion but also with my mind.
Now I am troubled that I've might have opened the doors to demonic spirits by previously welcoming these sensations...

Now, I've read this article: What Happens in the Brain When Music Causes Chills? | Smart News | Smithsonian
It sounds like (apart from when we are cold) chills and goosebumps come about when people make an emotional connection to the thing that causes the sensations.
If they are based on spontanious emotions and not careful thoughts, should christians be cautious about chills and goosebumps provoked by songs or films or writings, etc...?

 

[Sam91]

Why Does Music Give You Chills?

I didn't know that people get chills listening to music. I get emotional reactions but nothing like what you do. Apparently about 50% of people do get chills

 

[eleos1954]

Hello,

Does anyone know if the bible mentions anything about chills and goosebumps? Is it a positive thing or not? Are they from God or not?

I am looking for opinions based on biblical passages and not based on human experience unless of course supported by scripture.

I've read a believer write once, when talking about a secular song: 'I wouldn't listen to that song if it gives me chills down my spine' and then the person referred to the possibility that it'd be demonic spirits.
Considering that these sensations are common with being cold and I am pretty sure anxiety, which also can happen during a fight or flight response (which happens when we are scared or threatened), is it safe to assume that chills and goosebumps could be a response to evil or demonic spirits and forces? Could it be the signal that something is not right?
These sensations can also happen in a positive setting though (i think) listening to song we like, reading a poem or a heart warming story...

But what does the bible says about it?

Here is my experience and why I am asking the question:
I went to a Celine Dion concert last year. After the concert I started listening more to her songs which often gives me chills because her voice is so powerful and beautiful. I then saw couple of her posts and realised how she became an idol in my sight, which I repented of.
I've noticed that most of the secular songs that I listened to would give me chills too (I do love music and beautiful voices! which could be why). Now every time I get those chills I feel uncomfortable and as if something is just on me so I skip the songs. That feeling of electricity through my body last for a while if I haven't welcomed the 'experience'. It might be an emotional response that reminds me of how I idolised Celine Dion and her songs and maybe this is telling me that this is where I want to run far away from.

Some 'christian' songs give me chills too, some songs do rely a lot on triggering emotional responses and I feel uncomfortable listening to them too now. Most of the songs that I enjoy but don't give me chills are older songs from the Gaither vocal band and such.
All the modern christian songs usually just get me all overwhelmed and teary and all that.
I would like to worship the Lord in truth and not have purely flesh satisfying experiences. I'd like to have a balanced approach to worship, I want to be conscious of what I sing to the Lord. I want to worship with emotion but also with my mind.
Now I am troubled that I've might have opened the doors to demonic spirits by previously welcoming these sensations...

Now, I've read this article: What Happens in the Brain When Music Causes Chills? | Smart News | Smithsonian
It sounds like (apart from when we are cold) chills and goosebumps come about when people make an emotional connection to the thing that causes the sensations.
If they are based on spontanious emotions and not careful thoughts, should christians be cautious about chills and goosebumps provoked by songs or films or writings, etc...?

It's a reaction to something seen or experienced and/or a thought, so I suppose it could be both or either. If what one is thinking, looking at or doing is not for the glory of God then likely it's coming from somewhere else. What someone sees or does effects the mind .. thinking process.

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

[JesusYeshuaisLord]

Why Does Music Give You Chills?

I didn't know that people get chills listening to music. I get emotional reactions but nothing like what you do. Apparently about 50% of people do get chills

haha yeah and I was surprised to know that some people don't get them! you do learn something everyday!

 

[Seadish]

Good question I think it could be either listen to the spirit and personally I research literally everything, from the Word to worship there are so many "worship teams" who write songs that simply deceiving

 

[ChicanaRose]

It sounds like (apart from when we are cold) chills and goosebumps come about when people make an emotional connection to the thing that causes the sensations.
If they are based on spontanious emotions and not careful thoughts, should christians be cautious about chills and goosebumps provoked by songs or films or writings, etc...?

Interesting discussion. We all possess some level of intuition, so chills and goosebumps could be a sign that something is wrong. This could be true of music, film, writings, objects, or a person.

Pray about it first. The Bible does not specifically speak on chills and goosebumps, but it does speak on spiritual discernment:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. " (1 John 4:1)

 

[public hermit]

After the concert I started listening more to her songs which often gives me chills because her voice is so powerful and beautiful.

I get chills from music, all the time. I think, in relation to music, it is a physical response to something beautiful, as you state. It might come from a sense of awe. When I was a child, my parents came back from Jerusalem and were showing pictures and I would get chills thinking, "Oh, Jesus walked there."

I don't know that as a Christian you need to be concerned that you "have opened the doors to demonic spirits by previously welcoming these sensations." Christ is sovereign and nothing can take you out of his hand (John 10:28).

My opinion-these sensations are morally and spiritually neutral. What is not neutral is what you decide to focus on that gives you the sensations. And, it seems you already have a grasp of that.

Thanks for such an interesting topic!

 

[newlifeyhwh]

Does anyone know if the bible mentions anything about chills and goosebumps? Is it a positive thing or not? Are they from God or not?

I am looking for opinions based on biblical passages and not based on human experience unless of course supported by scripture.

I've read a believer write once, when talking about a secular song: 'I wouldn't listen to that song if it gives me chills down my spine' and then the person referred to the possibility that it'd be demonic spirits.
Considering that these sensations are common with being cold and I am pretty sure anxiety, which also can happen during a fight or flight response (which happens when we are scared or threatened), is it safe to assume that chills and goosebumps could be a response to evil or demonic spirits and forces? Could it be the signal that something is not right?
These sensations can also happen in a positive setting though (i think) listening to song we like, reading a poem or a heart warming story...

But what does the bible says about it?

Here is my experience and why I am asking the question:
I went to a Celine Dion concert last year. After the concert I started listening more to her songs which often gives me chills because her voice is so powerful and beautiful. I then saw couple of her posts and realised how she became an idol in my sight, which I repented of.
I've noticed that most of the secular songs that I listened to would give me chills too (I do love music and beautiful voices! which could be why). Now every time I get those chills I feel uncomfortable and as if something is just on me so I skip the songs. That feeling of electricity through my body last for a while if I haven't welcomed the 'experience'. It might be an emotional response that reminds me of how I idolised Celine Dion and her songs and maybe this is telling me that this is where I want to run far away from.

Some 'christian' songs give me chills too, some songs do rely a lot on triggering emotional responses and I feel uncomfortable listening to them too now. Most of the songs that I enjoy but don't give me chills are older songs from the Gaither vocal band and such.
All the modern christian songs usually just get me all overwhelmed and teary and all that.
I would like to worship the Lord in truth and not have purely flesh satisfying experiences. I'd like to have a balanced approach to worship, I want to be conscious of what I sing to the Lord. I want to worship with emotion but also with my mind.
Now I am troubled that I've might have opened the doors to demonic spirits by previously welcoming these sensations...

Now, I've read this article: What Happens in the Brain When Music Causes Chills? | Smart News | Smithsonian
It sounds like (apart from when we are cold) chills and goosebumps come about when people make an emotional connection to the thing that causes the sensations.
If they are based on spontanious emotions and not careful thoughts, should christians be cautious about chills and goosebumps provoked by songs or films or writings, etc...?[/QUOTE]

 

[newlifeyhwh]

Does anyone know if the bible mentions anything about chills and goosebumps? Is it a positive thing or not? Are they from God or not?

I am looking for opinions based on biblical passages and not based on human experience unless of course supported by scripture.

I've read a believer write once, when talking about a secular song: 'I wouldn't listen to that song if it gives me chills down my spine' and then the person referred to the possibility that it'd be demonic spirits.
Considering that these sensations are common with being cold and I am pretty sure anxiety, which also can happen during a fight or flight response (which happens when we are scared or threatened), is it safe to assume that chills and goosebumps could be a response to evil or demonic spirits and forces? Could it be the signal that something is not right?
These sensations can also happen in a positive setting though (i think) listening to song we like, reading a poem or a heart warming story...

But what does the bible says about it?

Here is my experience and why I am asking the question:
I went to a Celine Dion concert last year. After the concert I started listening more to her songs which often gives me chills because her voice is so powerful and beautiful. I then saw couple of her posts and realised how she became an idol in my sight, which I repented of.
I've noticed that most of the secular songs that I listened to would give me chills too (I do love music and beautiful voices! which could be why). Now every time I get those chills I feel uncomfortable and as if something is just on me so I skip the songs. That feeling of electricity through my body last for a while if I haven't welcomed the 'experience'. It might be an emotional response that reminds me of how I idolised Celine Dion and her songs and maybe this is telling me that this is where I want to run far away from.

Some 'christian' songs give me chills too, some songs do rely a lot on triggering emotional responses and I feel uncomfortable listening to them too now. Most of the songs that I enjoy but don't give me chills are older songs from the Gaither vocal band and such.
All the modern christian songs usually just get me all overwhelmed and teary and all that.
I would like to worship the Lord in truth and not have purely flesh satisfying experiences. I'd like to have a balanced approach to worship, I want to be conscious of what I sing to the Lord. I want to worship with emotion but also with my mind.
Now I am troubled that I've might have opened the doors to demonic spirits by previously welcoming these sensations...

Now, I've read this article: What Happens in the Brain When Music Causes Chills? | Smart News | Smithsonian
It sounds like (apart from when we are cold) chills and goosebumps come about when people make an emotional connection to the thing that causes the sensations.
If they are based on spontanious emotions and not careful thoughts, should christians be cautious about chills and goosebumps provoked by songs or films or writings, etc...?

[/QUOTE]

 

[Matthew 10:34]

Hey OP. I've been having heaving thoughts on something similar that seems to come back around when my faith grows stronger. I seem to get chills specifically when I feel a heavy presence or know that I'm being tempted and immediately pray that any evil in or around me leave in the name of our savior/the holy spirit that we are baptized with. Also I notice it specifically when I'm viewing something I know offends god in me (usually lustful attempts at temptation we are forced to deal with today). I sadly have no specific verses to back up my thoughts on this but I feel it may be right in my heart. I know, as it is written, that if God lives within me and I am baptized in the holy spirit that I cannot be possessed with evil spirits as, however they can and will always try to afflict me since I am coming in strong to faith again and they obviously aren't for that at all. Therefore it is my current hypothesis that these chills are in fact evil spirits coming and going (not within and without but near and afflicting.

 

[Matthew 10:34]

Also another hypothesis to the fact of some not getting chills. When the bibal talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I believe it says that no one shall have all but they will be revealed, those that have been given. This may in fact be a product of the gift of discerning spirits which even some being baptized may not have. I'll pray more on this and hold hope I may be correct but again I don't feel great about preaching on anything that isn't specifically scripture.

 

[tturt]

I would pray to God and say if this is you, I want it. But if it isn't you, I dont want anything to do with it.

It does cause me to recall ourr physical senses can have spiritual purposes such as:
-Isaiah 6:1-10, sight (vision) and heard
-Peter saw, heard, and felt an angel. Acts 12:7
-I Kings 19:7, Elijah saw and ate the food (food usually has a smell).
-Ezekiel wrote, "So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth" (Ezek. 3:1-3). John received a scroll from an angel. He wrote, "It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour" (Rev. 10:8-10).including Isaiah 6:1-2; Acts 12:7; I Kings 19:7; Ezek 3:1-3; Rev 10:8-10.

Whatever Yahweh does, He has a purpose. He moves the way He wants. God's supernatural isn't limited.

 

[Kevinw05]

Hello,

Does anyone know if the bible mentions anything about chills and goosebumps? Is it a positive thing or not? Are they from God or not?

I am looking for opinions based on biblical passages and not based on human experience unless of course supported by scripture.

I've read a believer write once, when talking about a secular song: 'I wouldn't listen to that song if it gives me chills down my spine' and then the person referred to the possibility that it'd be demonic spirits.
Considering that these sensations are common with being cold and I am pretty sure anxiety, which also can happen during a fight or flight response (which happens when we are scared or threatened), is it safe to assume that chills and goosebumps could be a response to evil or demonic spirits and forces? Could it be the signal that something is not right?
These sensations can also happen in a positive setting though (i think) listening to song we like, reading a poem or a heart warming story...

But what does the bible says about it?

Here is my experience and why I am asking the question:
I went to a Celine Dion concert last year. After the concert I started listening more to her songs which often gives me chills because her voice is so powerful and beautiful. I then saw couple of her posts and realised how she became an idol in my sight, which I repented of.
I've noticed that most of the secular songs that I listened to would give me chills too (I do love music and beautiful voices! which could be why). Now every time I get those chills I feel uncomfortable and as if something is just on me so I skip the songs. That feeling of electricity through my body last for a while if I haven't welcomed the 'experience'. It might be an emotional response that reminds me of how I idolised Celine Dion and her songs and maybe this is telling me that this is where I want to run far away from.

Some 'christian' songs give me chills too, some songs do rely a lot on triggering emotional responses and I feel uncomfortable listening to them too now. Most of the songs that I enjoy but don't give me chills are older songs from the Gaither vocal band and such.
All the modern christian songs usually just get me all overwhelmed and teary and all that.
I would like to worship the Lord in truth and not have purely flesh satisfying experiences. I'd like to have a balanced approach to worship, I want to be conscious of what I sing to the Lord. I want to worship with emotion but also with my mind.
Now I am troubled that I've might have opened the doors to demonic spirits by previously welcoming these sensations...

Now, I've read this article: What Happens in the Brain When Music Causes Chills? | Smart News | Smithsonian
It sounds like (apart from when we are cold) chills and goosebumps come about when people make an emotional connection to the thing that causes the sensations.
If they are based on spontanious emotions and not careful thoughts, should christians be cautious about chills and goosebumps provoked by songs or films or writings, etc...?

Everything is from God and the feelings of goosebumps can be both good and bad depending on the type. If you get them when you are afraid then they are bad because they scare you. But if you get them while experiencing a pleasure such as listening to music and they make you feel good then they are good but if have them for no reason and don't feel anything good or bad along with the experience of just feeling them then they mean nothing.

 

[Bob Crowley]

I don't think I'd be too worried by "Chills and goosebumps" when listening to beautiful music or a powerful song. As far as I'm concerned that's just a physiological and / or emotional reaction.

I would be concerned if you started getting "chills and goosebumps" during specifically spiritual activities. To take an extreme example, if someone starting talking about the "two witnesses" in Revelation 11, and you started getting these sensations, then I'd be concerned. You'd probably find you were in the early stages of being set up to believe you were one of the witnesses.

Sound ridiculous? Way back when I was a still new Christian, I copped that particular deception. Fortunately I had enough sense to get it checked out, but I know that at least one Christian involved in a local creationist ministry started to believe it, and he went right over the top with it, to the point where it basically wrecked his ministry.

If you want a comprehensive list of the counterfeits in the spiritual sense, there's a link here. It's written in slightly old fashioned language, and comes from a book "War on the Saints" by Jesse Penn-Lewis, written in response to the spiritual counterfeits that followed hard on the heels of the Welsh revival of 1912, as Satan tried to counterfeit the real working of God. You can bet your bottom dollar that if we get another revival, the same things will happen, especially if a lot of people with no spiritual experience become Christians, and suddenly start to realise the spiritual world is quite real.

War On The Saints - True Vs. Counterfeit Chart

But just listening to music - I don't think so.

 

[Within Reason]

Hello,

Does anyone know if the bible mentions anything about chills and goosebumps? ...

Can be several things, but a specific example is in Job:

Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
Job 4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
​

See also: