HYPNOSIS AND CHRISTIANITY

Hypnosis and Christianity Hypnosis is a Greek word meaning “sleep”. Hypnosis is a meditation. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. THE RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF HYPNOSIS Since Hypnosis is magnified concentration connected to a belief system, then the Bible has some insight to what is accepted and not accepted. Deuteronomy 18: 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritualist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord… Leviticus 19:31 20: 6 says about the same thing. Even Adam fell into a deep sleep when God removed a rib in order to make woman.King David would play a harp until the King's countenance was altered.The anti-religious statements about hypnosis are made through ignorance. "The Bible Says....
", I've heard…" "They say…"Once again, the knowledge that people have about hypnosis comes from the movies and eighty percent of what ninety per cent of people know about the Bible is what they have been told. Hypnotists have no mind-controlling powers, we can't see into the future; we can’t cast spells or talk to the dead. One does not lose control of their mind but when one does participate in hypnosis, the mind uses more of its powers and the senses become keener and you become MORE AWARE, not less. The average person uses less than 10% of their mind power on a daily basis. The reason for this is because they are functioning most of the time with their physical consciousness, getting through the day, with random thoughts racing through their mind until they go to bed and drop off to sleep. By meditating, simply quieting that physical consciousness and relaxing, the mind automatically enters into an altered state, allowing the sub-consciousness to take over, which is where all the power lies. This is a time when you can re-program the mind, change habits but at least put it to good use, focusing on something positive. Also there is an irrefutable safeguard of hypnosis that would keep anyone from abusing the power: Any suggestions that would go against a person’s morals, wishes, principles, or desires would quickly and automatically be rejected. No one can make anyone do anything they do not wish to do through hypnosis. If the hypnotists gives a suggestion and the person absolutely does not want to accept that suggestion, then they will not do it nor act upon it. That is a fact and well proven to be so CONTRARY TO WHAT SOME BELIEVE. Every morning millions of Americans get up and go to work. Some use adding machines or computers or jackhammers to make a living. Some of us use hypnosis. That’s all. The truth is that everyone experiences some form of hypnosis everyday of the week. As a "born again" Christian, and an ordained minister since 1996 through the Ministers For Christ Assembly of Churches, if hypnosis was wrong, sinful, or mind control, I wouldn't be doing it. If it was mind control, then we would have 100% tithers and 100% attendances in our home church. There would never be any arguments or disagreements among anyone. If hypnosis was mind control or had supernatural powers to control peoples minds, then I would be making millions off of the local D.A.'s office pulling the truth out of everyone convicted of a crime who does not want to confess to their crime. Since it does not work that way, then it stands to reason why hypnotists are not commonly used in the court rooms every day. Now if someone wanted to tell the truth, to remember things in detail and if they were willing to release that info to the public, then yes, hypnosis might be used and even able to help under those circumstances. Face the facts. People are just people and no one has any human power over them other than themselves. People are easily influenced. The only power I claim to have is the fact that the Holy Spirit of God dwells within, and through His influence, His guidance and His unction's I am able to do what is called good. Without Him, life would not only be meaningless but I would be so helpless in my efforts to do good. I depend upon His love, His Word, His guidance and His instructions for all my life. Proverbs 3:5-6. So if you have doubts talk to me. Have your pastor call me. Many claim to have victory in Christ, yet they live in fear. Fear of the things they do not understand. We have victory through Christ over all things. By the way, I’ve hypnotized many ministers over the years and I don’t recall a single one of them ever questioning the morals of my hypnotherapy or having any doubts to what I do. Only those who have been grossly misinformed, ignorant of this subject have erred in saying that Hypnosis opens the doors to evil spirits. Then, they do not know the WORD of God. We know that light and darkness can not dwell together. Christ is the light so if you’re saved that means Christ lives with in you. If Christ lives in you then no demon or evil spirit can take up residence. The light of Christ drives out the darkness. While I do not associate my hypnotherapy with any religion, I do use in all my hypnosis the guidance of bringing the white light to come in and fill you up until it is overflowing to become your aura of protection which is spiritual if you believe it to be or not if you don’t associate it with anything. Either way, light over powers darkness and it is a cleansing and healing for some and others, it may not mean anything. I work with people from all walks of life and I use this light to drive out dark energy which can be another whole subject but it is for one’s good, in their best interest. I personally imagine this bright white beam of light coming down from the infinite sky as a beam of light coming from God, connecting me with God as it fills me up, cleansing my soul, giving me peace and love. I imagine this white light surrounding me so any and all negative energy bounces off and away. It keeps me positive and happy, feeling good. I have learned over the past 17 years, just how much this simple guided imagination has helped people in so many ways and the feedback is always very positive. (1 Cor 9:22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Romans 12: 1,2) Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. (v. 3-8) To be humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their respective stations. (v. 9-16) Exhortations to various duties. (v. 17-21) And to peaceable conduct towards all men, with forbearance and benevolence. Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. (Rom 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We are to meditate on God's Word. In other words, we are to become so focused on Him that we are able to tune everything else out and not be distracted by the outside world. This is self-hypnosis. (Gen 24:63) And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. (Josh 1:8 KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Psa 1:2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psa 63:6 ) When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. (Psa 77:12) I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. (Psa 119:15) I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. (Psa 119:23) Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. (Psa 119:48) My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. (Psa 119:78 ) Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. (Psa 119:148 ) Mine eyes Prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. (Psa 143:5) I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. (1 Tim 4:15) meditate upon these things; I’ve included an article from the Chaplain Paul G. Durbin, which I thought was very good and well written Excert From Hypnosis and Religious FaithKissing Frogs:Practical Uses of Hypnotherapy Chapter 13: Hypnosis and Religious Faith by Chaplain Paul G. DurbinDiretor of Pastoral Care. Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital. New Orleans, La. Boom Days For Devil Hypnosis A few years ago, I read an article titled "Boom Days For Devil Hypnosis." by Kathleen Dohney in Family Weekly: August 19, 1984. Hearing that title: what ideas, images, thoughts come to your mind? Think about that for a moment and read portions from that article. The day before she underwent surgery for removal of a facial tumor, Iris Crall made what she thought was an unusual request. "I told my anesthesiologist I needed to be in the right frame of mind and asked if my psychologist could come for a hypnosis session," recalls the 40 year old woman. To Crall's surprise, her anesthesiologist not only agreed but offered to help. The night before the operation Crall was relaxed under hypnosis by her psychologist. The next day, the anesthesiologist used hypnosis to supplement mild general anesthesia. Crall believes her relaxed positive state of mind, achieved through hypnosis speeded up her recovery. Increasing number of health-care professionals agree that hypnosis can be a great help. Hypnosis is a relaxed state in which the subconscious is more susceptible to suggestion. "Hypnosis can be a great help. Hypnosis is a relaxed state in which the subconscious is more susceptible to suggestion. Hypnosis is a name we give a perfectly normal process," explains Dr. Bernauer Newton. The AMA recognizes a place for hypnosis in medical treatment but the technique has its opponents. "Some conservative religious groups," says Hoffman, "consider hypnosis the work of the devil." When properly administered hypnosis is used in a supporting role in medical treatment, the vote of the health-care community is clear. Hypnosis can help. Though the article has what I consider a very negative title, it was a very positive article on Hypnosis. The only reference to the devil was in the last paragraph, "Some conservative religious groups consider hypnosis the work of the devil." Hypnosis is mistakenly viewed as mind control and demonic by many misinformed people. Recently, I received a physician consult to work with a woman for pain management. As I explained the process of relaxation, imagery, and hypnosis, I could see that she was very responsive. She said, "I am really looking forward to the experience, but I need to tell you that my daughter is a self-proclaimed born again Christian and she may say something negative to you about his. If so, do not pay any attention to her, for I am the one who is hurting and I want to do this." As I completed the induction, the phone rang. I told the patient, "Just allow the ringing of the phone and my answering it to add to your relaxation." I answered the phone, "This is Mrs. Doe's room. As she is in therapy, please call back in 30 minutes," and hung up the phone. When the procedure was completed, I walked out of the room and there was her daughter standing in front of the door with arms folded over her chest. She said, "What have you been doing to my mother?" I explained that I had thought her relaxation and self-hypnosis and pain reduction. She responded, "I am a born-again Christian." Before she could continue, I raised my hands and said, "Praise the Lord, so am I." She was speechless, so I continued, "I will bring you some information on hypnosis, but regardless of how you feel about hypnosis, your mother has found it very helpful in the reduction of pain." Though the title of this chapter is "Hypnosis and Religious Faith:", I will be dealing primarily with hypnosis and Judeo-Christian Faith. Whether you are a Christian or not, whether you are religious or not, many of your clients are religiously oriented people. The better you understand the client's religious history, the better you can relate to that person. History of Relationships Between Hypnosis and Religion It could be said that the first written record of the use of hypnosis is found in the Old Testament Book of Genesis 2:21-22, "So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon man, and while he slept took one of the ribs and closed up its place with flesh, and the rib which God took from man, He made woman and brought her to man." In this incident, God used hypnosis so that Adam felt no pain during the removal of his rib. Chaplain W. Leo Peacock makes a point with his interpretation of Matthew's account of Joseph's dream concerning taking Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:20-25) When Joseph discovered that Mary was expecting a child, he decided to break his engagement for he knew the child was not his. The story told of an "angel" or a "messenger" coming to Joseph in a dream. In this dream, the angel told Joseph to take Mary for his wife. Upon waking, Joseph did as the angel suggested. Peacock writes that this a clear description of an individual being given a post-hypnotic suggestion on which he immediately acts on as soon as he comes out of the hypnotic trance. Paul speaks of being in trance while he was praying in the temple (Acts 22:17). Peter "fell into a trance" and from that experience came to see that God loves all people who come to him (Acts 10:1-48). Though the book of Acts, there are a number of references to the apostles looking into the eyes or gazing into the eyes of a person which resulted in the person being healed (Acts 14:9-10). The practice of "laying on of hands" mentioned in the Bible, used some of the techniques of hypnosis. Over the centuries, hypnosis has had its ups and downs, but in recent years has become more acceptable. In spite of the successes of hypnosis, we still have those who question its usefulness and others who see it a tool of the devil. One of our missions is to convince those who doubt and enlighten those who oppose, so that people may live better lives. Religious Organizations Position on Hypnosis Hypnosis is neither anti-religious nor pro-religious. It can be used for good or bad depending on the hypnotist and the subject. Today most religious groups accept the proper use of hypnosis. Exceptions among Christian groups are Christian Science, Seventh-Day Adventist and some individuals of various churches. In recent years, the Seventh-Day Adventist have lessened their resistance by using relaxation and suggestion therapy. Though many in various churches opposed to hypnosis use the principles of hypnosis (including Christian Science and Seven-Day Adventists) in their healing service, they denounce hypnosis. The Roman Catholic Church has issued statements approving the use of hypnosis. In 1847, a decree from the Sacred Congregation of the Holy office states, "Having removed all misconception, foretelling of the future, explicit or implicit invocation of the devil, the use of animal magnetism (Hypnosis) is indeed merely an act of making use of physical media that are otherwise licit and hence it is not morally forbidden provided it does not tend toward an illicit end or toward anything depraved." The late Pope Pius gave his approval of hypnosis. He stated that the use of hypnosis by health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment is permitted. In 1956, in an address from the Vatican on hypnosis in child birth the Pope gives these guidelines: (1) Hypnotism is a serious matter, and not something to be dabbled in. (2) In its scientific use the precautions dictated by both science and morality are to be need. (3) Under the aspect of anaesthesia, it is governed by the same principles as other forms of anaesthesia. This is saying that the rules of good medicine apply to the use of hypnosis. Except for exceptions noted, no other Protestant Churches have any laws against the use of hypnotherapy. To the best of my knowledge, there has been no opposition to the use of hypnosis in the Jewish Faith when it is used for the benefit of mankind. Many of the Far Eastern Faiths: Buddhism, Yoga, Shintoism, and others approve the use of hypnosis and they often use hypnosis techniques in their worship. The Christian Church also uses many hypnotic techniques in their worship. The use of eye fixation on the candles, cross, and pulpit; the bowing of the head in prayer; and the closing of eyes in prayer. The Moslem religion has no opposition to hypnosis that I have been able to discover. For those who oppose hypnosis on religious ground, I remind them of the words of Jon Baptist Van Helmont, "Hypnosis is a universal agent...and is a paradox only to those who are disposed to ridicule everything, who ascribe to the influence of Satan all phemanema which they cannot explain." Some say that hypnosis places the soul in a passively receptive state and opens the door to morbid spiritual influences. If this is correct, then prayer, meditation, the process of going to sleep, and chemical anesthesia place the individual in a similar state to hypnosis. Jesus indicated by his teachings that we should help peoples live life to its fullest and relieve pain whenever possible. Hypnosis should not be condemned as anti-religious just because a few people misuse it. Some oppose hypnosis because it is used by the occult, but do we condemn prayer because prayer is used by the occult? Hypnosis is a very helpful tool of counseling. Without apology and when appropriate, hypnosis should be used for growth, health, overcoming unwanted habits and the benefit of people. In the years ahead, may those who discount hypnosis, come to see its value. May those who oppose hypnosis on religious grounds come to view it as a gift of God to help us attain the more abundant life. Jesus said, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to teach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18) Following this guidance and with the proper use of hypnosis; we can heal the brokenhearted, bring deliverance to those in captivity to pain, fear, and phobias; gave sight to the emotionally and spiritually blind, and set at liberty those who are bound by unwanted habits. As members of different denominations and religions, let us join hands in brotherhood to share the blessings of hypnosis with others. Taken from http://www.neurosemantics.com/