Scripture repeatedly addresses what it calls “high places,” elevated locations where false gods were openly worshiped. Israel’s leaders learned through repeated failure that allowing false worship to stand always produced disorder among the people. King Josiah went further, eliminating centers of false worship throughout Judah and restoring covenant faithfulness. These forces are described as principalities that seek to influence regions, cultures and systems that reject God’s authority. Allowing false worship in a governing space grants spiritual access, whether or not that access is acknowledged.