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.
There is a lot of confusion about the word meditation, some arises from misuse of the Bible to promote unbiblical practices. See this quote that was posted on X […]
The article, “Mysticism and the Clarity of God’s Word,” by Marcia Montenegro is found in the Theology for Life online journal (from Servants of Grace). Short link for article: https://tinyurl.com/mtzzhmhb […]
This article gives an overview of the background and teachings of the Contemplative movement, also known as Contemplative Spirituality, the Spiritual Disciplines, Spiritual Formation, and mysticism.
Many New Age concepts have mainstreamed by being presented as self-improvement instruction taught in business seminars, universities, government, and prisons. Due to their use of neutral language and disguise of spiritual concepts as scientfic, these have multiplied and spread far beyond their original audiences.
These programs are fueled by testimonials, clever marketing, and promises of success. One example is the Silva Method, also known as Silva Mind Control, Silva Dynamics, and similar names. Behind the glitz of media and success stories lurks a New Age and occult spirituality that can bring spiritual, emotional, and/or mental damage due to the belief system at its heart.
Noted writer Richard Foster recommends a prayer from a book by his mentor, Agnes Sanford, on his Renovare site. This prayer displays in part the very disturbing views of Sanford and demonstrates the deception Foster is in for recommeding the prayer and the book, and for admiring Sanford. See why this prayer technique is not a Christian prayer.
If anything, the Christian faith is one that deals with reality. It does not deny reality or try to conjure up a false one to get a result. Those concepts belong to the New Age and the occult. Methods such as Visualization, Guided Prayer, Guided Imagery, and Affirmations are done as part of relaxation exercises, contemplative practices, and are found on many Bible and Christian apps.
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.
Article “The New Age Embraces Shamanism” published in the Christian Research Journal.
(An edited, modified version of this article appeared in the Spring, 2007 issue of Midwest Christian Outreach Journal) What do Oprah Winfrey, the Unity Church/Unity School of Christianity, Chicken […]