The topic of visualization, a practice I am familiar with from the New Age, is becoming more important to understand since its use is spreading not just in the culture, but in the church. We find visualization in counseling, therapy, and on Bible apps (where the person is told to imagine themselves in the Bible’s setting and then see the biblical characters say or do something not in Scripture; the person is also asked how they are feeling in the setting).
One definition of visualization is
“the act of forming a picture in your mind of something you want to achieve, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen” From Cambridge Dictionary
There are different forms of visualization, and the one defined above is the most common in the New Age, also called Creative Visualization. It also goes under the name “Manifesting,” which is the belief that one can manifest an outcome through various methods such as picturing it as true (Vision Boards), affirming it as true (affirmations), speaking, writing, and/or declaring it as true. So, in effect, the concepts covered here apply to Vision Boards, Affirmations, and Manifesting.
What Visualization is Not
Visualization is not wanting or wishing something to be true, imagining what it would be like if it were true, or praying and asking for something in faith, in submission to God’s will. These are normal ways to deal with desires or requests.
Visualization also is not the use of visualizing for creativity or for focus. For example, trying to visualize what your living room would look like if you painted the walls green instead of beige is not Visualization. Nor is it Visualization to see yourself reaching the finish line in a race if you do it only to focus and feel confident. It might be called Visualization, but it is not what this article is about; it is just using the imagination to focus.
Visualization involves the will: the belief that something can be true/real or become true/real based on one’s ability to visualize, affirm and/or believe it (even if the person thinks that God is somehow involved or using prayer as an affirmation). Desiring, visualizing, affirming, and believing are usually linked.
There are many ways Visualization can be used. It is a part of Inner Healing (see links at end to articles) and may come under the labels of Guided Imagery, Guided Prayer, Imaginative Prayer, Guided Visualization, Guided Meditation, Somatic Visualization, Creative Visualization, Guided Mental Journey, and others. Often the term “visualization” and other terms are not used, so people are not aware of it and do not know they are being taught to do it. This article is written to help understand what it is and why it is not biblical.
What Visualization Is
The definition given earlier is the closest to describing what Visualization is. It is imagining or picturing a person, object, or event in the belief that doing so will make it real or make it happen. If somebody wants a new car or maybe a raise in salary, they are told to imagine it and then repeatedly affirm it through words, written or spoken, in the belief that it will come about by doing those methods. The person’s will is involved since they are doing something to bring into reality the object or situation they desire.
Another form of visualization, which is used in Christian counseling and therapy, is to imagine or think of a memory and then insert someone (usually Jesus) into the memory, or change the event in the memory, in the belief that it will change the outcome, or possibly even make the “new” memory truer than the original memory. This is done under the assumption that imagining it makes it real (in the past or present).
The client is told to see Jesus in the memory, and then hear what Jesus has to say about it, or what Jesus said to the client at the time even though this did not happen. Or one may be told to ask Jesus now what he wants to say about it. The imagined person (usually Jesus) or situation (such as Jesus speaking to the person in or about the past situation) is treated as though it is true.
Visualization is being used under many names in many counseling organizations, therapies, and some prayer ministries: Theophostic Prayer; the Immanuel Examen; the Immanuel Approach; Christian Internal Family Systems (IFS), a system based on pagan animism (see more in Addendum); Healing Care Ministries – Terry Wardle (Formational Prayer); Sozo; Elijah House, founded by John (d. 2018) and Paula Sandford (d. 2012); Leanne Payne (d. 2015), she also taught Listening Prayer; New Thought healing and counseling (not Christian but often appears to be); and others, a more detailed explanation, with examples, is needed.
A common technique is to recall a memory of a trauma or difficult event, and then to imagine Jesus being with you. Often the counselor will tell the client to ask Jesus what he wants to say to the client in the situation. Or the client is told to ask Jesus about it and listen for his answer. This scenario can be played out in many ways, and can continue with a lot of imagined activity and dialogue between the client and Jesus (I have watched many videos of sessions teaching and using these techniques).
In the Immanuel Approach, the client (or recipient) is told to recall a good memory first and that becomes an “anchor” for the person to go back to later. After that, a trauma is recalled and the method of imagining Jesus is used.
Before we get further into visualization, the meaning and use of imagination needs to be examined, along with two examples of its misuse.
Imagination
Imagination is defined in one source as “the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality” (Source).
Imagination is a neutral tool of the mind that can be used or misused. One idea used to support visualization is the belief that a Christian’s imagination is sanctified (this is taught by Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and others); therefore, imagination is assumed to be a godly tool to effect outcomes in prayer or in counseling.
While the mind (including the imagination) is in the process of sanctification, it is still subject to sin and deception in this lifetime. Many warnings in Scripture to Christians about being deceived are evidence that the minds of Christians are not completely sanctified. If the mind were sanctified, no Christian would be deceived. Moreover, the will is not yet sanctified; if it were, Christians would only desire what God wants for them and never sin.
Examples of Misuse of Imagination
Example, The Immanuel Approach
The Immanuel Approach site states this about imagination:
“Through the Spirit, the eyes of our imagination connect with the spiritual realm. Paul’s use of dianoia, translated as imagination, in Ephesians 1:16-18, suggests that dianoia/imagination, is the word used in scripture for that part of us that receives revelation; perhaps it is even the bridge between soul and spirit.”
The first problem is that there is an assumption that the imagination is sanctified and can “connect with the spiritual realm.
Secondly is the misuse of the word “dianoia.” This word is translated as “thoughts,” “mind,” or “understanding” in most translations. The King James has “imagination of their hearts” for Luke 1:51 but the meaning is the thoughts of the person. Distinctions between mind, heart, and imagination are not made in Scripture. Hebrew and Greek words translated as heart refer to the whole person: mind, soul, and will, and mind includes imagination.
Third, to say that “the eyes of our imagination connect with the spiritual realm,” misleads people into thinking they can use imagination (such as visualization) to “connect” with God. However, the true connection with God is first, a relationship established through faith in Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit. The regenerated person then has an ongoing connection with God which must be nurtured through prayer, study of Scripture, worship, submission to God, and Christian fellowship in the process called sanctification.
The term “the spiritual realm” is vague and implies that someone can make a spiritual connection with God through their will and use of imagination. This is a pagan method and is not found in God’s word. A “spiritual realm” includes fallen angels as well. There is no reason for a Christian to want a “connection to the spiritual realm” beyond prayer to God.
Another example is found in a PDF document used to train facilitators for the Immanuel Approach:
Excerpt – Ask the Lord, ‘What is in the way of my being able to perceive your presence, Lord?’ then notice and describe whatever comes into your awareness.”
When Jesus makes clear what is blocking them from connecting, have them describe it to Jesus and ask Him how this is keeping them from hearing from God or establishing an interactive connection.
“Now I want you to describe this to Jesus and ask Him why it’s blocking your interactive
connection and then what to do about it.” – End Excerpt (this PDF document was sent to me; however, there are dozens of such documents on the Immanuel Approach website that teach the methods being discussed here).
Example, IFS (Internal Family Systems)
Internal Family Systems, a pagan therapy founded by Richard Schwarz that Christians have attempted to “Christianize,” uses Visualization and Inner Healing for the “parts of the person.” IFS teaches that we have fragmented parts (Schwarz believes the parts are inherently good), each with its own interests, memories, fears and needs. This is similar to Buddhist-influenced psychology that posits that our feelings are independent of who we are but we can learn to control them; this was illustrated in the movie “Inside Out” (see CANA article on movie), which had input from the Dalai Lama. (Buddhism does not believe the self is real so it treats emotions as projections of a false self). See more information on Schwarz and IFS in Addendum.
From an IFS counselor about her experience of using IFS:
“I learned to slow down and stop trying to ‘fix’ my feelings. Instead, I began checking in with what my emotions were trying to say.
Now, when those internal battles arise, I pause.
I ask my parts with compassion:
‘What are you trying to do for me?’ ‘What are you afraid might happen if you stop?’ ‘What do you need from me right now?’
And I invite Jesus into that moment.
I imagine Him gently approaching the fearful or protective part of me. I let Him speak truth, comfort, and peace. I ask:
‘Jesus, what do You want this part to know?’
And I listen.” From “All Parts are Welcome: Christian Inner Healing & IFS Therapy” by Rebecca Muyres
“Inviting” Jesus and then asking him to answer questions is based on a false belief that we can make Jesus answer simply by asking questions in our imagination; or it is based on an expectation that Jesus will do this simply because we are asking. This is a manipulation of Jesus. It is not different from asking God for a new car and expecting it to appear. The principle is the same: it is a manipulation with the expectation that God or Jesus will respond according to the request.
These ideas about the imagination are given to seemingly support the practices of visualizing Jesus, guided visualizations used in reading Scripture, as well as visualized prayer or guided prayer. It is worth noting that Richard Schwarz, who inititally taught that the guides whom IFS clients can call on are archetypes, to stating that they are real spirits, including dead ancestors.
Because a technique is done for a good purpose (comfort or healing), is done with prayer, or names Jesus, does not make it okay or biblical. Much of the folk magic in countries where Christianity was taken includes prayers to Jesus and quotes from scripture in magical rituals. In fact, this use of imagination to produce a result is the principle of sorcery. This takes us to the next section on why Visualization is pagan.
Visualization is Pagan
Aside from the fact that Visualization as discussed in this article is a manipulation, there are at least three reasons why Visualization is pagan:
- It is not modeled in Scripture
- It is an occult practice
- It is a form of hypnosis
Not Modeled in Scripture
Since Visualization relies on the will and the belief that one’s will can brings things into reality, this actually describes an occult technique, also widely used in New Age and New Thought healing. Exerting the will over a person to have that person do or say something is manipulation. Manipulation is never from God but it is ubiquitous in the occult and the New Age.
No example or teaching for Visualization can be found in Scripture. To imagine or visualize Jesus in a past event and then to listen for what he supposedly would say in that event is manipulation. Nor is it real since it is coming from the imagination; it is an artificial pretend Jesus (or possibly a fallen angel). One cannot expect the imagined Jesus to be Jesus, since the real Jesus cannot be manipulated.
An Occult Practice
Visualization is a recognized technique used in healing from New Thought (a component of the New Age), but essentially it is an occult technique since it is an attempt to exert power over somebody through the will. Sorcery works on the same principle with the added belief that one has the power to manipulate or control. In occult magic (sorcery), one’s will works with imagination. The will is described by one occultist as
“…the deliberate, organized direction of intent toward a goal. Without good execution of will, magic is not successful. Will works in equal partnership with IMAGINATION, the faculty that creates the goal” (article by Luxe Ferre in Occult World).
The same author explains:
“At the heart of sorcery lies the conviction that circumstances can be changed…The sorcerer’s worldview begins elsewhere. Behind visible events may lie invisible causes, hidden relationships, spiritual agencies or forces that can be approached, redirected or opposed.”
While the occultist may call on forces or spirits and/or use magical tools to do magic, it is not that different from the technique that assumes (falsely) that Jesus will appear and speak if one visualizes him. Sorcery is strongly condemned by God in Scripture and is equated with rebellion.
In the New Age, I participated in many exercises and teachings that involved the use of the imagination for spiritual purposes, including remembering past lives through past life regression (reincarnation); meeting a spirit guide; healing self and others; envisioning supposed light for protection or healing; contacting the dead; and more. I had “real” experiences with these Visualization techniques, some quite vivid.
A Form of Hypnosis
These practices of visualization usually lead to an altered state of mind which can come about simply by the power of suggestion. It is a from of hypnosis (see CANA article on Hypnosis). From videos I have seen of the Immanuel Approach in counseling, it appears that the client does get into such a state. This can be done by the facilitator or even by the recipient him/herself. (Many unbiblical techniques, even with the prayers, along with heavy doses of visualization, can be viewed in videos of the Immanuel Approach, such as here and here and here).
It is recognized that methods using Visualization can bring on this altered state:
“Guided Imagery promotes an altered state of awareness. It is a means by which a person can communicate with their subconscious, or unconscious, mind” (This site endorses these practices; I am not recommending it.
Another article on hypnosis and Visualization states:
“The brain’s limited ability to distinguish between actual experiences and vivid imagination enables hypnosis and visualization to serve as effective tools for mental rehearsal.”
The above site is run by a hypnotherapist who believes in reincarnation, and who claims to have remembered past lives under a past life regression session. She offers this regression along with other therapies she thinks are beneficial. In the New Age, I went through a past life regression session in order to “remember” past lives and a Guided Visualization in which I met my spirit guide (those are only two of the numerous times that I practiced or was guided into Visualizations).
It is significant that the hynotherapist states that the mind can find it difficult to distinguish between real experiences and “vivid imagination.” This is why there can be false memories (also see here and here) and why memory is often not reliable (see also here). Even the Christian’s mind and imagination are still suffering from man’s fall into sin and are not yet fully sanctified (redeemed) as explained earlier. So are there dangers? If so, what are they?
The Dangers
Visualization is dangerous for the following reasons:
- The recipient may come up with someone they think is Jesus but who is actually just an imagined or pretend Jesus from their own imagination; but the person will think it is Jesus and take advice, direction, and/or false comfort from that.
- The recipient, if not a Christian (and there may be many who think they are but actually are not), may actually engage with a fallen angel disguised as Jesus (spirit guides operate this way, appearing perhaps as good angels, the dead, aliens, historical figures, etc., and/or supposedly as Jesus).
- What if the memory is from a time when the person was not a believer? Are they to imagine Jesus anyway? I am not saying Jesus was not there, but it is artificial and manipulative to imagine Jesus and allegedly engage with him in such a circumstance.
- The visualization may lead the participant to a state of hypnosis.
- The recipient may continue this kind of method when alone, increasing the chances of deception or even demonic guidance.
- Good advice might be given inadvertently or from the counselor’s belief in Christ, but this advice can be given without Visualization. If good advice is given, then it lends a false credibility to the Visualization.
- The participant (client, recipient) might feel better after the Visualization. This can happen even with a false Jesus and/or a pagan method because of one’s expectations, belief in the therapy, and/or the power of suggestion. There are many factors that explain how a false or dangerous method can produce what is viewed as a good result.
- The participant may think they have resolved the issue when it is actually a false healing.
- Visualization involving Jesus is a form of manipulation. Putting Jesus in a situation and then “hearing” him speak when one does not know if he would have spoken or what he would have said is, in effect, attempting to exert your will over Jesus to make him act or say something that, as far as you know, he did not. In truth, Jesus acts according to his will and at the time he desires to do so.
- Visualization undermines the sufficiency of Scripture and of biblical prayer, and provides support for the belief that one can manipulate Jesus using these techniques.
Summary Warning
The more I learn about the visualization techniques used in therapies and prayer ministries, the more deeply disturbing it becomes. Visualization cannot make things real; this idea is viewed as valid only in the New Age and in other pagan systems. Yet the techniques discussed here are based on an assumption that Visualization will summon Jesus and be able to manipulate him to speak (the words “summon” and “manipulate” are not used by counselors but the terms fit the methods).
If one really thinks about what is happening during Visualization, it cannot be validated by biblical principles. The fact that it often is hypnotic and is a manipulation of past events and of Jesus are reasons enough to avoid it. It should never be used in any Christian setting.
Further Resources
Inner Healing Warnings
Inner Healing and its Dangers by Dawn Hill
From Got Questions
Critique of Inner Healing and Visualization by Gary Gilley
“What’s Wrong With Inner Healing?” Podcast and transcript from the Berean Call
Misuse of Scripture (these Scriptures might be misused to support interacting with Jesus through Visualization or an Imagined Dialogue)
Regarding the verse in John 10, “my sheep hear my voice,”read this by Greg Koukl (go to section “My sheep hear my voice”)
A 3-part series on “Does God Whisper” and the misuse of Scripture, by Greg Koukl
“Getting the ‘still, small voice’ in 1 Kings 19 wrong,” by Chad Bird
“Should Christians Expect to Hear a Still, Small Voice” from God? By R. Scott Clark
Addendum on IFS
Richard Schwarz, founder of IFS (Internal Family Systems), appears to hold New Age nondual views with strong Buddhist influence. This information shows how dangerous IFS is (and there can be no Christian form of this):
“IFS founder Dr. Richard Schwartz once said, ‘IFS helps people become bodhisattvas of their psyches.’
Over years of guiding clients, he noticed that what IFS calls Self resembled what spiritual traditions refer to as Buddha Nature, Christ Consciousness, or Divine Essence…’It seemed I had inadvertently come across a simple way to achieve what many traditions called becoming awakened…’” Quoted in “Awakening Archetypes and Healing Guides”
The IFS article continues discussing how archetypes are “inner guides:”
“In IFS, archetypes often arise as manifestations of Self-energy — inner guides that appear when parts are overwhelmed or cut off from connection. These guides bridge the gap between wounded parts and the healing field of Self.”
Since then, Schwarz now teaches that these guides are external and can be called on:
- “During IFS sessions, many of my clients have encountered the active presence of loving guides and ancestor spirits that bring them verifiable information and aid, often unexplainable by conventional science.
- Shamanic practices and psychedelic journeys can be an effective way to engage these guides to help us unburden our parts and invite the energy of Self to emerge.
- Traumas and burdens can be passed across generations and throughout entire societies—but can be restored to balance with collective practices.
- Eight guided exercises and practices to help you access and engage these life-expanding dimensions of Self.” From IFS site
This is spirit contact, an outcome of visualization, which opens the door to such experiences.
Schwarz embraces the esoteric. He writes:
“Though they used different words, all the esoteric traditions within the major religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam – emphasized their same core belief: we are sparks of the eternal flame, manifestations of the absolute ground of being. It turns out that the divine within – what the Christians call the soul or Christ Consciousness, Buddhists call Buddha Nature, the Hindus Atman, the Taoists Tao, the Sufis the Beloved, the Quakers the Inner Light – often doesn’t take years of meditative practice to access because it exists in all of us, just below the surface of our extreme parts. Once they agree to separate from us, we suddenly have access to who we really are.”
I could not, sadly, find any good critiques of IFS online, but here is a brief secular caution.
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