We recently finished up a 9-part series of a personal testimony from a man who came through horrific abuse, the occult, and New Age. After sincerely wanting the truth and nothing else – and seeking God’s face – God showed him the way of truth and salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Read “Out of the Darkness” Testimony Series
In his testimony, he mentioned a few things he was either involved in or topics he warned the church against. Some are listed below – along with their forms that have permeated the church today. We are going to give a brief definition of each, along with resources that give us information on these and some of their dangers to not only believers, but all people who engage in these activities.
Reiki Healing
What is it?
“The technique consists of placing the hands on the recipient and then activating the energy to flow through the practitioner into the recipient. One practitioner describes the experience in the following way: ‘When doing it, I become a channel through which this force, this juice of the universe, comes pouring from my palms into the body of the person I am touching, sometimes lightly, almost imperceptibly, sometimes in famished sucking drafts. I get it even as I’m giving it. It surrounds the two of us, patient and practitioner.'” (source)
Is it in the church? Yes, as Reiki itself. And it is inviting demons into lives and churches.
Excellent articles:
- Energy Healing: Reiki and Therapeutic Touch – Entertaining Devils Unaware
- Reiki: Healing With the Force
Transcendental Meditation
What is it?
“Transcendental meditation (or TM) is a technique for achieving inner peace and spiritual renewal by focusing on a mantra repeated silently. As the mind “settles,” the practitioner is able to “transcend” thought and enter a silent state of bliss and tranquility. The practice of transcendental meditation has its roots in Hinduism.”(source)
Is it in the church? Yes, as Contemplative Spirituality or the New Spirituality.
Definition of Contemplative Spirituality: “A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but is often wrapped in Christian terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all).” (source)
Contemplative spirituality comes in many forms and methods: centering/contemplative prayer, listening prayer, breath prayers, mantras, etc.
“The purpose of contemplative prayer is to enter an altered state of consciousness in order to find one’s true self, thus finding God. This true self relates to the belief that man is basically good. Proponents of contemplative prayer teach that all human beings have a divine center and that all, not just born again believers, should practice contemplative prayer.” (source)
What is wrong with this altered state of consciousness? It opens the pathway or door for the supernatural to enter in – both good and bad. It is inviting demons. This altered state of consciousness is the same state that is achieved in transcendental meditation – it’s called the Alpha State.
Excellent articles:
- Alpha – The Altered State of Consciousness
- Mantra Meditation
- Playing a Dangerous Game
- NEW BOOKLET TRACT Provides Irrefutable Evidence: A Serious Look at Richard Foster’s “School” of Contemplative Prayer
Yoga
Some people think it’s just stretching exercises, but when you dig deeper, you find it is much more. Its postures and mantras were developed as a part of Hindu worship.
“Certain postures, such as the lotus position, are taken to activate the psychic energy centers [the chakras]. And specific breathing exercises are practiced to infuse the soul with cosmic energy floating in the air. A guru might have students gaze at a single object, such as a candle, to develop and focus concentration. The guru might have them chant a mantra to clear their minds and become one with the object in front of them. The goal is to achieve increasingly higher meditative states until reaching oneness with the cosmic consciousness.” (source)
It is said that the power behind yoga is kundalini. So what is kundalini?
“The kundalini power is the dynamic power in us. When the dynamic power and the spiritual knowledge go hand in hand, the perfect harmony of the Universal Consciousness dawns and the conscious evolution of the human soul reaches the transcendental Self [godhood].” (source)
Is it in the church? Yes, as “Christian” yoga. And it is dangerous indeed.
Excellent articles on “Christian yoga”:
- What Links Breath Prayer, “Practicing the Presence”, and Yoga?
- Does Your Pastor Know That Yoga and Christianity Are Not Compatible?
- Yoga Is A Pagan Ritual. Maybe Christians Should Find a Different Workout Routine
- A Hindu Yogi Speaks: “There is no Christian Yoga”
We believe in the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Scriptures. Jesus said, “Thy Word is truth.” And so we not only believe it, we also base our worldview upon it.
Regina S says
Thank you for this series and please thank your friend for being open and honest about his experience. How scary and heartbreaking for all he went through! Praise the Lord for the blood of Jesus.
I appreciate the resources you supplied also. Have a blessed weekend!
The Editors says
Thank you!! We will let him know.