Ghosts, the witch of Endor, and demonic impersonation of the dead

Mike's view: the soul goes to heaven or hell at death; the dead do not wander as ghosts. The one biblical exception is the Witch of Endor episode (1 Samuel 28) where Samuel appears — Mike believes even the witch was shocked, suggesting demons normally impersonate the dead when she attempts contact. God uniquely brought the real Samuel to rebuke Saul; this is the exception, not the norm. The Old Testament consistently forbids contacting the dead (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:11) and rebukes even pagan nations for it (not just Israel), indicating this transcends the Mosaic law. Paul's statement that behind idols are demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-20) extends to demonic impersonation of deceased people/saints. Catholic prayers to the dead (appeals to saints) are similarly problematic. Mike believes people who think they are contacting dead relatives or past-life memories are contacting demons who exploit knowledge about the deceased and human grief.