Dear Bree:

It would not be prudent, I think, to consider this person a "best buddy" or to hang around together with him in a normal friendship, but it might be possible to be an "acquaintance" of his -- a classroom friend. By that I mean that you may be friendly with him as a fellow classmate and even have coffee after class perhaps, or have lunch together at school, etc. But it is probably not wise to develop a closer friendship where you come to each other's house, go out on the town together, and do those sorts of things that regular friends (beyond the classroom) might do. A "simple friend" or what I call an "acquaintance friend" or "classroom friend" may be okay. But, a lot depends upon the strength of your faith and also on what God wants you to do. Remember, however, to never underestimate the devil's motivation to try to corrupt you.

The primary reason the Bible and common wisdom recommends caution in associating with people like satanists, witches, new agers, and others with a worldview inconsistent with Christianity is that we need to guard our own faith from possible influences that might damage or corrupt our faith.

In addition, there can be a risk in having a friend who is a satanist or witch in that if you should have a falling out with them they might resort of revenge magick (casting spells or curses). I have had several clients who have had this experience.

So, my advice is that if you feel like your acquaintance with this person can be an example of Christ to him, perhaps influencing him with subtlety toward Truth, AND that your acquaintance will not damage your own faith or corrupt it in any way, then "classroom friendship" is probably not a problem (as long as he knows you are Christian). There is not, however, any basis for a true friendship in the normal sense of the word since the worldviews of the two of you are so inconsistent with each other (regular friendships are usually based on common interests and beliefs).

God bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary