The belief that familiar spirits in the Bible (including Isaiah 29), always refers to witchcraft or evil spirits is not a modern Protestant view. Nor is it a modern view. Mormonism believes that Isaiah 29 is a prophecy of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. But please read Isaiah again carefully. This particular passage of scripture is a prediction of the destruction of Ariel, the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be as a captive, humbled to the dust. Her voice shall come from the earth as that of the spirit-charmers or necromancers (Isa 8:19) An appropriate retribution for Jerusalem, which consulted necromancers. There is nothing positive being said in these verses. The Book of Mormon's use of the term "Familiar Spirits" written in 2 Nephi 26:15-17 holds no support. Christianity and Judaism both are in agreement as to the correct translation and meaning of this scripture.
