The Dangers of Hypnosis
Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
A publication of Logos Communication Consortium, Inc.
P.O. BOX 173 - Oak Creek, WI 53154
© 1994, David L. Brown -- Must be reproduced in its entirety. May not be reproduced for
resale.
Introduction
How to Guard Your Hearts
Satan's Counterfeit
How Do People Make Their Minds Vulnerable to
Satanic Control?
What is Hypnosis?
The History of Hypnosis
Why is Hypnotism Dangerous?
Miscellaneous Notes Related to
Hypnotism and Those Who Practiced It
Recommended Reading
Footnotes
"At the heart of every problem is a problem of the heart." I still remember
that phrase. It came from a sermon that I heard Dr. Warren Wiersbe preach many years ago
when he pastored a Baptist Church in Covington Kentucky. I believe that he was right
because the Bible says in Proverbs 4:23, (KJV) Keep[5341] thy heart[3820]
with all diligence[4929]; for out of it are the issues[8444] of life[2416]. The numbers in
the brackets are Strongs numbers.
You do not have to be a theologian to see that your heart is important according to
this verse, so let's examine the verse closely.
We are told to "keep" our heart.
The word translated "keep" is the Hebrew word that means to guard, to protect
or preserve.
We are told to diligently keep our heart.
The word "diligence" is actually another word that means to guard or protect.
It means to hedge about, to pay close attention to or watch carefully. In other words
protect
your heart doubly. Make it your priority to protect your heart.
But why?
The heart is the control center of your being.
The Hebrew word for heart is "LEB" (pronounced labe). The Strongs number is
3820. The Greek counterpart is "KARDIA" (2588). When we think of the heart, we
think of the internal organ that pumps blood through our bodies. But that is not the
primary way the word is used in the Bible. Zodhiates says in his Hebrew Lexicon, that the
main use of the word heart refers to "the totality of man's inner or immaterial
mature." I venture to speculate that this explanation is not a lot of help. So let me
try a different angle. The heart is the seat of your intellect, feelings and will. It is
"almost a synonym for mind." 2 Chr 9:23 And all
the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had
put in his heart.
With this in view, back to Proverbs 4:23. The phrase "issues of
life" is a difficult one to translate, but it refers to the heart being the control
center or source of our lives. What happens if the control center malfunctions in a
machine? There are major problems. The same thing happens when the control center
malfunctions in a human being. Since the heart is the control center of life, it would be
wise for us to guard our hearts carefully.
Don't allow anything or anyone to control your mind except the Lord through His
Holy Spirit and the Bible.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV) --
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful
for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
The Word of God is to control your mind. We can see that from 2 Timothy 3:16
(KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The word of God is to be used to bring our thinking under God's control. Look at 2
Corinthians 10:4-5. It says,
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling
down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ;
Further, The Holy Spirit is to be allowed to control our minds. Ephesians 5:18
verifies this when it says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be
filled with the Spirit;" When the Holy Spirit controls the believers life, the Fruit
of The Holy Spirit is obvious in the that person's life (Galatians 5:22-23).
To the degree that the Fruit of the Spirit is obvious in the believers life, to that same
degree that person is Biblically spiritual.
Satan has a counterfeit spirituality that he is offering as a substitute for Biblical
spirituality. Just as a Christian must open up his or her heart (mind) to the control of
the Holy Spirit in order to be Biblically Spiritual, so a person must open up their heart
(mind) to the control of the unholy spirits if they are to be "spiritual."
Spiritual in this sense means devoted to and controlled by a higher power other the the
Lord God Almighty. Ananias is an illustration of being controlled by unholy spirits. Acts
5:3 (KJV)
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost,
and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Ananias did what Ephesians 4:27 calls giving place to the devil.
"Neither give place to the devil." He allowed Satan to control his heart.
Nobel scientist Sir John Eccles said of the human mind that it was "a machine that
a ghost can operate."1 Millions of people are opening up
their minds to "ghosts" (unholy spirits) through altered states of
consciousness. So what is an altered state of consciousness? According to John Ankerberg
and John Weldon, it is "the deliberate cultivation of abnormal states of
consciousness (states not normally experienced apart from a specific technique or program
to develop them). In fact, "altered states may involve a large variety of subjects --
everything from hypnosis and other trance states to possession states (as mediumism and
shaminism) to altered states that are characteristically pathological (as in kundalini
arousal and shaminism), to direct visualization and imagery, lucid dreaming, drug-induced
states of consciousness, meditation and bio-feedback-induced consciousness, and many
others."2
So what's wrong with that? First, "as a person enters or is in an Altered State of
Consciousness, he often experiences fear of losing his grip on reality and losing his
self-control."3 Why, because he does. Many bizarre things
can and do happen when a person is in an Altered State of Consciousness (ASC). That's why
the Bible warns that we are not to be under the power of anyone except Him.
To be sure, millions laud the benefits of ASC. Many "proponents claim that altered
states allegedly produce a 'higher' state of consciousness or 'being' including dramatic
spiritualistic (occultic) revelations, psychic powers, personality alterations, and a
'positive' reconstructing of the participant's worldview along Eastern/occultic
lines."4 But, ASC's are not all they are cracked up to
be. In fact, "many cases of temporary and permanent insanity, spirit contact, occult
transformation and spirit possession have resulted."5 In
fact, ASC's can and often do open a person to contact with demon entities.
So why, when I am talking with handling the past biblically, do I bring up the issue of
Altered States of Consciousness? Probably the most common means
counselors use in uncovering the past apart from psychoanalysis is hypnotism.
Hypnotism brings a person into an ASC. Let's take a closer look at hypnotism.
"Hypnosis, mental state of heightened suggestibility, characterized by trance-like
sleep. The basis of hypnosis is the fixation of the subjects attention upon a gradually
narrowing source of stimulation, until he is attendant upon only the directions of the
hypnotist. This is variously achieved by repetition of instructions in a low, level voice,
or having the subject fix his gaze upon a light in an otherwise dark room. The subject
remembers nothing of what he did during the hypnotic period. Certain effects may be
suggested to continue after the subject returns to consciousness; these are called
post-hypnotic suggestions."6
You do not have to go very far back in researching hypnotism to see that it is
associated with the occult. According to Dr. Cathy Burns, Ph.D. hypnotists themselves
referred to hypnotism as seances as recently as 24 years ago.7
In fact, historically hypnosis has been viewed as part of the occult. Prevention magazine
carried an article by Kerry Pechter that made that very clear. The article said,
"like alchemy and astrology, the practice of hypnosis once belonged to the world of
the occult."8 Another author went on to say,
"Witchdoctors, Sufi practitioners, shamans, Hindus, Buddhists, and yogis have
practiced hypnosis..."9 In India, Hindu conjurers call
it Jar-phook according to an old book I have. It says, "The Jar-phook of Upper India
[is] a system of treatment practiced by the Indian conjurors, or Jadoo-walla, by stroking
and breathing on the limbs or body."10 But you don't
have to go across the ocean to find hypnosis associated with the occult. In fact,
"ritual hypnosis and dance were integral elements of shaman's communication with the
spirits..."11 among the American Indians. A shaman is a
medicine man. Both Sitting Bull (Tatankaya Iyotake) and Big Foot of the Sioux used
hypnotism.
An honest researcher cannot deny the occult connection of hypnotism. Since that is
true, Christians should not have anything to do with the practice. And upon what basis do
I say this? Deuteronomy 18:10-12 for one --
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass
through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter,
or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a
necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of
these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Note the two emphasized words, "enchanter" and "charmer".
According to cult/occult researcher Dave Hunt the ancient practice of enchanting and
charming involved "exactly what has recently become acceptable in medicine and
psychiatry [known] as hypnosis. I believe this both from the ancient usage of this word
and from occult traditions.12 In light of this, hypnotism is
unacceptable for believers to participate in.
Hypnotism is dangerous for a number of reasons not the least being that it opens the
mind to believe almost anything. As one researcher put it,
"hypnotic induction...consists of a system of verbal and nonverbal manipulation to
lead a person into a heightened state of suggestibility -- more simply, a condition in
which one will believe almost anything."13
That statement should alarm you because in essence it is saying that a person who is
hypnotized can be told a lie and believe it. But does this really happen? The answer is
yes. Bernard Diamond, a professor of law and clinical professor of psychiatry wrote in an
article for the California Law Review that people who underwent hypnotism would
"graft onto their memories fantasies or suggestions deliberately or unwittingly
communicated by the hypnotist and that after hypnosis the subject cannot differentiate
between a true recollection and a fantasy or a suggested detail."14
The second reason that hypnosis is dangerous because the mind loses its ability to
distinguish between fact and fantasy (truth and error). That can be dangerous because if
you can be easily deceived, Satan can and does take advantage of the opportunity. Let me
give you one example. Over a five year period, in the late 70's and early 80's, a massive
study was done of more than 6,000 people who had undergone hypnosis. It was discovered
that one-fifth of those people who had been hypnotized said that they had lived previous
lives on other planets! That is bizarre to say the least! But let me tell you about some
other experiments. According to one of Peter Francuch experiments "The person [who
was hypnotized] was able very precisely to describe in minute detail what was happening in
another friend's house 300 miles away. At the same time, the person was able to describe
exactly what was happening a month ago, a year ago, and ten years ago in the same
place..."15
One might ask, "How is that possible?" My answer is by demonic contact! One
New Age author puts it this way -- "Hypnosis can be an open door to psychic
experiences of many kinds, and in an emotionally unstable, insecure, or neurotic person
the possibility of obsession or psychic invasion of one kind or another is always
present..."16 It only takes a brief look at Acts
16:16-18 to discover the source of psychic powers.
Hypnosis is dangerous. At the least, it hinders one's ability to discern the difference
between real memories and suggested/engrafted memories. Even more dangerous is the fact
that hypnosis opens the "heart's door" (mind) to demonic invasion. If you have
not been hypnotized, don't be. If you have been hypnotized I suggest that you
renounce your association with the practice by praying --
Dear Lord,
I come to you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. I confess that I have participated in
Hypnotism. I ask your forgiveness and renounce hypnotism as contrary to the Bible which
warns me not to be brought under any power other than yours (I Corinthians
6:12). I
identify myself as a child of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has been redeemed
by His (Christ's) precious blood. Amen
Frederick Mesmer (c. 1733-1815), a German physician. One of the earliest exponents of
hypnotism, his treatments by hypnotism known as mesmerism and popularly believed to be
based upon electricity and magnetism, attracted a cultish and fashionable clientele in
Paris. His practice was denounced by a royal commission. Hypnotism was used by
Charcot,
Janet, and Freud in the study and treatment of hysteria. It proved impractical because not
everyone is capable of hypnosis and effects are frequently temporary. Hypnotism has found
its greatest use as an adjunct to medicine in relieving or diminishing pain as in
childbirth or dentistry, especially when use of an anesthetic is dangerous or impractical.
Hypnosis in medicine was approved by the American Medical Association in 1958. (The
University One-Volume Encyclopedia; 1967; Franklin Dunham; p.391)
Jean Martin Charcot, 1825-93, French neurologist. He was a pioneer in the use of
hypnotic methods of treating hysteria, and influenced Freud with his belief that some
diseases have their origin in the emotions. (The University One-Volume Encyclopedia;1967;
Franklin Dunham; p.158)
Pierre Janet, 1859-1947, French neurologist and psychologist. Working independently of
Freud and using hypnosis, he made important studies of the origins of hysteria.(The
University One-Volume Encyclopedia;1967; Franklin Dunham; p.421)
Sigmund Freud, 1856-1939, Austrian psychologist, b. Marovia. Formulating his early
theories from observation of hysterics under hypnosis, he developed the science and method
of treatment of neurosis known as psychoanalysis.(The University One-Volume
Encyclopedia;1967; Franklin Dunham; p.310)
Braidism -- The theories concerning the phenomena attending artificial induced sleep
set forth by Dr. James Braid (1842) (A Scottish surgeon, 1795-1860, noted for research in
mesmerism, which he named hypnotism), developed by him from mesmerism. (Funk and Wagnalls
New Standard Dictionary; Copyright 1913; p.324)
Electrobiology -- Mesmerism
Mesmerism -- Originally, the doctrine or theory, as propounded and exemplified by Franz
Mesmer (1733-1815), that one person can produce in another an abnormal condition
resembling sleep, with or without somnambulism, during which the mind of the subject
remains passively subject to the will of the operator. (Funk and Wagnalls New Standard
Dictionary; Copyright 1913; p.1557)
Artificial Somnambulism --Artificial somnambulism an old name used for hypnotism. This
is not to be confused with natural or spontaneous somnambulism which is "the act of
walking and performing other positive actions during sleep" (Funk and Wagnalls New
Standard Dictionary; Copyright 1913; p.2319). In simple terms, sleep walking.
Neurohypnotism -- Nervous sleep induced by hypnotic action (Funk and Wagnalls New
Standard Dictionary; Copyright 1913; p.1669).
Hypnosis, Electrobiology, Mesmerism, Braidism, Somnambulism, Jar-phook, Neurohypnotism
are all names that are related to hypnotism.
- Hypnosis: Cure or Curse?
- Dr. Cathy Burns; 16 pages;
Sharing
212 - H E. 7th St.
Mt Carmel, PA. 17851-2211
-
- Hypnosis and the Christian
- Martin and Deidre Bobgan; 61 Pages; Bethany House Publishers
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55438
- America: The Sorcerer's New Apprentice; by Dave Hunt; Harvest House; p 19
- Can You Trust Your Doctor?; by John Weldon & John Ankerberg; Wolgemut
& Hyatt Publishers; p 147
- Frontiers of Consciousness; by John White; Avon; p16
- The Facts on Holistic Health and The New Medicine; Ankerberg/Weldon;
Harvest House Publishers; p 9
- ibid
- The University One-Volume Encyclopedia; 1967 - Franklin Dunham; p 421
- Hypnosis: Cure or Curse; 1993 Sharing publication; p 4
- Prevention; July 1985, Vol 37, No. 7; Article -- When I snap my fingers,
you will be free of pain; by Kerry Pechter
- Hypnosis and The Christian; by Martin & Deidre Bogan; Bethany House; p
13.
- Mesmerism and Hypnotism; July 1890, p 244)
- History of The Occult; by T. Wynne Griffon; Mallard Press; p 33
- Hypnosis And The Christian; by Martin & Deidre Bogan; Bethany House; p
50
- Ibid, p17
- California Law Review, march 1980; Article: Inherent Problems in the Use
of Pretrial Hypnosis on a Prospective Witness; by Bernard L. Diamond; p 314
- Principles of Spiritual Hypnosis; by Peter Francuch; Spiritual Advisor
Press, 1981; 924
- Many Lives, Many Loves by Gina Cerminara; Wm Morrow and Company, 1963; p
83
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"Neither
is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved."