What is Visualization? It is being used in many counseling and prayer ministries as a Christian practice but it is not biblical. Visualization is a pagan technique used in the occult and in the New Age. Read the article to see why Visualization is not in harmony with God’s word or with the character of Jesus, and why it can be dangerous.
Some may have noticed that suddenly there are people in the evangelical church calling themselves “Spiritual Directors.” This has come about mostly in the last 10 years (this is written […]
The Ignatian Prayer of Examen is spreading through churches like a virus. Is the Examen a good practice? See whether there is a sound biblical basis for it.
What this adds up to is mysticism, and a mystical view is a natural result of contemplative practices that apparently have captivated Mackie. Mysticism is not a matter of transcending logic or thought; it is actually contra logic and thought. This is why all contemplative teachings downgrade the mind . It is always found in esoteric teachings that there is something profound beyond words and reason that one can experience – a hidden or secret experience and/or wisdom. This is exactly how I thought for over 20 years.
Mackie is planting not only the idea that gaining perception of “another reality” or a “super reality” is positive, but he is offering the means for it through the contemplative practices, which will alter perceptions over time.
NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is the art of using language, observation, and certain hypnotherapy techniques to “read” a person and plant suggestions in the person’s mind to get him/her to be open to an idea or ideas. In short, it is a form of hypnosis. NLP, co-founded by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, is used in self-help programs, sales and leadership training for businesses and government agencies, and personal coaching.
What is the Immanuel Prayer and what is the Immanuel Approach? Both are gaining ground in the church. Before using these methods, one should learn the origins of these and understand the pagan techniques of the Immannuel Approach, including Visualization and Inner Healing.
What is Hypnosis? Hypnotists perform on stage and increasingly now, in schools. Many people get hypnotized to stop smoking or some other bad habit. Hypnotherapy is used in counseling […]