Famous Spiritists
Celebrities and the Occult
We don't want to ever put ourselves in the position of becoming too enamored with celebrities and other well-known individual. Sometimes we discover that although they are popular individuals with people we know and even the rest of the general public, they may support views quite contrary to the Word of God.
One such individual was Katherine Kubler Ross, the renowned psychologist who wrote the book, "On Death and Dying: the Four Stages of Grief". Ross was a brilliant researcher and writer. Most people don't realize that in writing her book, she worked with many chaplains and ministers in the Chicago area as she interacted with terminal patients and made her observations. Nevertheless, Ross was deeply involved in Spiritism, the world of the occult.
Kubler Ross was a friend of Dora Kunz, the co-founder of Therapeutic Touch and at one point, offered her some spiritual advice. Ross advised Kunz that she should contact a medium and attempt to connect with a spiritual source to help her gain additional insight when using Therapeutic Touch with her clients. According to Kunz, she took Ross's advice. She writes, that at the seance she attended, she was introduced to a spirit named "George". George was to become her spirit guide and befriend her for life. In return for this relationship, "George" aided Kunz in many of her client sessions.
Other celebrities have been fans of the occult as well: writer James Fennimore Cooper, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writer of many early science fiction books, Thomas Alva Edison the inventor, Mary Todd Lincoln, Nancy Reagan and Madonna. Spiritism is very popular among the elite celebrities of past days and today.
As Christians, we must be careful of who we let influence our lives. Some individuals who are constantly in the spotlight are often involved in practices that oppose Christ. Imagine the impact that their writings or lyrics have had on untold thousands of people. Some of that impact has paranormal fallout and has affected people negatively in a spiritual sense. We must be careful to watch the things we read, the music we hear and the movies we watch. Many media choices may be popular, but like the apostle Paul wrote, "Not all things are expedient".
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Bottom Line of Alternative Medicine
The High Cost of Alternative Medicine
$47 billion dollars were spent this last year of alternative medicine. In fact, more people went t to alternative therapist than their own medical doctors. Why is alternative care growing so rapidly. The primary reason is the bottom line -- money. The average office visit costs in excess of $100 while specialist visits can cost as much as twice this amount. 41 million people in this country have no health insurance and the lower costs of alternative therapy affords them an attractive choice.
Individuals are not the only one's wanting to save money on health costs. Hospitals and clinics are needing to trim their budgets as well. With angioplasty costing upwards of $18,000 and heart by-pass surgeries nearing $100,000, low cost therapies seem like a reasonable option. Some health care providers find them as effective for treating chronic conditions such as migraines and lower back pain and less expensive than drug therapy or surgery.
Insurance companies are jumping on the band wagon of alternative care as well. Even with rising deductibles and higher co-pays, they are spending much more money to provide their clients with medical care. An increasing number of insurers are providing coverage for non-traditional treatment.
Right now, our country is facing a dilemma in health care. both the U. S. Congress and the Senate are frantically attempting to draft a health care bill that they hope will solve our nation's health care crisis. In response to the challenge of cutting costs, Congress has formed the Office of Alternative Medicine to encourage the research, development and use of alternative medicine.
The bottom line is that our entire medical system has become engulfed in a financial crisis and has bowed to the god of alternative medicine hoping that it will fix our problems. Our job as Christians is to inform and educate our families, friends, health care professionals and congressional representatives and senators about the ineffectiveness of alternative care as well as the spiritual dangers associated with it. As Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid".
The High Cost of Alternative Medicine
$47 billion dollars were spent this last year of alternative medicine. In fact, more people went t to alternative therapist than their own medical doctors. Why is alternative care growing so rapidly. The primary reason is the bottom line -- money. The average office visit costs in excess of $100 while specialist visits can cost as much as twice this amount. 41 million people in this country have no health insurance and the lower costs of alternative therapy affords them an attractive choice.
Individuals are not the only one's wanting to save money on health costs. Hospitals and clinics are needing to trim their budgets as well. With angioplasty costing upwards of $18,000 and heart by-pass surgeries nearing $100,000, low cost therapies seem like a reasonable option. Some health care providers find them as effective for treating chronic conditions such as migraines and lower back pain and less expensive than drug therapy or surgery.
Insurance companies are jumping on the band wagon of alternative care as well. Even with rising deductibles and higher co-pays, they are spending much more money to provide their clients with medical care. An increasing number of insurers are providing coverage for non-traditional treatment.
Right now, our country is facing a dilemma in health care. both the U. S. Congress and the Senate are frantically attempting to draft a health care bill that they hope will solve our nation's health care crisis. In response to the challenge of cutting costs, Congress has formed the Office of Alternative Medicine to encourage the research, development and use of alternative medicine.
The bottom line is that our entire medical system has become engulfed in a financial crisis and has bowed to the god of alternative medicine hoping that it will fix our problems. Our job as Christians is to inform and educate our families, friends, health care professionals and congressional representatives and senators about the ineffectiveness of alternative care as well as the spiritual dangers associated with it. As Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid".
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
False Religion
Hinduism's Lies
To summarize the major tenets of Hinduism, we must understand some of its key elements. First, Hinduism is polytheistic and worships a pantheon of millions of gods and goddesses. These gods unite in a higher expression of religious essence called Brahma. Brahma consists of a universal force made up of a mysterious all pervasive energy called prana. In a large number of sects of Hinduism, Brahma incarnates itself in a triad of gods consisting of Shiva, Vishnu and Krishna.
The all-encompassing doctrine of Hinduism is reincarnation that rests on the teaching of karma. Karma is a belief that states that the next reincarnate state is dependent on the individual's goodness in the present life. Hinduism incorporates a belief in spirits, called devas, and exalted humans called avatars. These spirits interact with humanity and may possess the worshiper's body to manifest themselves. The most visible expression of Hindu worship is the practice of Yoga. Yoga is a mind-body exercise that facilitates the connection between the spirit world and the worshiper. Hinduism is syncretistic and is composed of hundreds of religions that merged across the Indian subcontinent.
Hinduism shares many ties with alternative medicine. Both believe in universal life energy that is an impersonal expression of all living things. The therapist directs this energy, or prana, into the patient's chakras to evoke healing. Both Hinduism and alternative practices believe in contacting incorporeal spirits for guidance. Many alternative therapies practice yoga as a means for connecting with the pranaic universe. By clearing the mind though meditation, and the ascetic manipulation of the body, they open their spirits to channel Hindu gods and goddesses. Just as Hinduism is incorporates numerous religions, alternative therapies also incorporate whatever religious views suits its needs.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Attack on the Church
Healing Touch and the Church
The standard teaching of the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry is that the contemporary Christian church has lost its original focus on healing and needs to reclaim it. There is, it could be argued, some validity to this assessment, though there has been a renewed focus on healing in many Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches since the early 1970s in particular, sparked by books reflecting various denominational perspectives.
Healing has long been a focus in churches reflecting Pentecostal or charismatic traditions. There is also a rich historic tradition of books on healing by missionaries and ministers such as Andrew Murray (1828–1917), author of Divine Healing, and Christian and Missionary Alliance founder A. B. Simpson (1843–1919), author of The Gospel of Healing. The parish nurse movement is one of the most visible and recent expressions of a holistic healing focus influencing churches of all denominations.
If this rich historic and contemporary tradition is the case, why, then, does a practice such as Healing Touch appeal to so many within the church? How is it possible that a practice so clearly rooted in Western occultism and esotericism, Eastern metaphysical beliefs, and even spiritism, can be considered compatible with a Christian worldview or even be allowed in a church in the first place?
True biblical healing on any level really is a “power encounter.” The power encountered is God. In many cases, however, there is a lack of discernment or recognition of other powers or of spiritual realms of existence that are considered “off-limits” to Christians. There is power in these realms too, though power of a different nature. Angels, including fallen ones, really do exist, but are not ours to invoke, conjure, or channel. The consequences for accessing angels, and for attempting to access deceased humans as well, can be quite severe, as Saul found out when he attempted to channel Samuel’s spirit through a medium (see 1 Sam. 28:3–19). God forbids it (see also Lev. 19:31 and Deut. 18:9–14).
A pastor from Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada, who wrote about introducing Therapeutic Touch in his church immediately after the communion service, noted that some of the congregants who remained at the altar to receive the laying-on of hands experienced “tingling, heat,” and “seeing light.” Physical sensations such as these may be legitimate responses to the traditional Christian experience of the laying-on of hands and prayer, but the focus of true Christian healing is not on feelings and experiences but on God, who bids us to come to Him in our brokenness.
The greatest need of the church in relation to a renewed and restored focus on healing is to let our philosophies of healing and our practices of healing be fully informed by the Scriptures and by the God of history who desires to teach us to heal and to be healed only through His power. That is both our heritage and our hope.
Healing Touch and the Church
The standard teaching of the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry is that the contemporary Christian church has lost its original focus on healing and needs to reclaim it. There is, it could be argued, some validity to this assessment, though there has been a renewed focus on healing in many Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches since the early 1970s in particular, sparked by books reflecting various denominational perspectives.
Healing has long been a focus in churches reflecting Pentecostal or charismatic traditions. There is also a rich historic tradition of books on healing by missionaries and ministers such as Andrew Murray (1828–1917), author of Divine Healing, and Christian and Missionary Alliance founder A. B. Simpson (1843–1919), author of The Gospel of Healing. The parish nurse movement is one of the most visible and recent expressions of a holistic healing focus influencing churches of all denominations.
If this rich historic and contemporary tradition is the case, why, then, does a practice such as Healing Touch appeal to so many within the church? How is it possible that a practice so clearly rooted in Western occultism and esotericism, Eastern metaphysical beliefs, and even spiritism, can be considered compatible with a Christian worldview or even be allowed in a church in the first place?
True biblical healing on any level really is a “power encounter.” The power encountered is God. In many cases, however, there is a lack of discernment or recognition of other powers or of spiritual realms of existence that are considered “off-limits” to Christians. There is power in these realms too, though power of a different nature. Angels, including fallen ones, really do exist, but are not ours to invoke, conjure, or channel. The consequences for accessing angels, and for attempting to access deceased humans as well, can be quite severe, as Saul found out when he attempted to channel Samuel’s spirit through a medium (see 1 Sam. 28:3–19). God forbids it (see also Lev. 19:31 and Deut. 18:9–14).
A pastor from Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada, who wrote about introducing Therapeutic Touch in his church immediately after the communion service, noted that some of the congregants who remained at the altar to receive the laying-on of hands experienced “tingling, heat,” and “seeing light.” Physical sensations such as these may be legitimate responses to the traditional Christian experience of the laying-on of hands and prayer, but the focus of true Christian healing is not on feelings and experiences but on God, who bids us to come to Him in our brokenness.
The greatest need of the church in relation to a renewed and restored focus on healing is to let our philosophies of healing and our practices of healing be fully informed by the Scriptures and by the God of history who desires to teach us to heal and to be healed only through His power. That is both our heritage and our hope.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Involved with the Occult?
A Personal Testimony
Unfortunately, it is all too easy to get involved with the occult. Some involvements seem simple and harmless, others are more direct and dangerous. An incident happened to me when I was a teenager that was purely unintentional and yet opened a doorway to the occult that I never dreamed could happen. My pastor knew that I was a very committed Christian and thought that I should be aware of a trend that was sweeping the country at that time. It was the craze that had been introduced by the new movie called, "The Exorcist". My pastor thought I should read the book so I would be aware of what was happening spiritually in our society and also with my friends.
With my pastor's recommendation, I purchased the book and read it from cover to cover. As a result, I was never so scared in my life. I began having night terrors, couldn't sleep without a light on in my room all night long and disturbed my entire family with my sense of paranoia about the occult. Finally, it became so disturbing, that my parents called a respected friend to come and pray for me and pray over our house to rid it of any Satanic oppression. He also shared some keep passages of scripture with me. It took weeks of battle against the attack of the enemy, but eventually my fears calmed and I returned to a more normal existence. Nevertheless, I continued to have residual Satanically themed nightmares for years and continued to stand on God's Word against them. All of this was the result of reading a book that my pastor suggested. It was completely innocent on my part, yet it gave Satan a foothold in my life. Thank God, after all these years I am finally free of this demonic bombardment.
The occult attempts to gain a foothold in our lives in many seemingly innocent ways. Perhaps you've participated in the role playing game, "Dungeons and Dragons"? Maybe your friends wanted you to experiment with a Ouija board just for fun one day? We are surrounded by opportunities to call 1-900 Psychic number, read a horoscope in the paper or online. There are lots of fascinating TV shows to watch such as, "Ghost Hunters" and "Paranormal States".
Satanic involvement can begin in non-threatening ways and then escalate into something dark that allows him to infiltrate our lives and welcome his attack. Ephesians 6:11,12 warns us, "We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and wickedness in high places". This is why we are to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. If you find that you have participated in the occult innocently or even purposely and given Satan a foothold in your life I would suggest that you battle against his influence in the following ways.
First, use the Word of God. God's Word neutralizes the evil one. Second, use prayer. You may need to have others join with you as you enter this spiritual battle zone. Third, never forget to utilize calling on the name of Jesus, the power of pleading his shed blood, rebuking Satan in Jesus' name and singing hymns that talk about Christ, the Cross and redemption. Last, repent of any intentional responsibility that you have taken for involvement with the occult. God is gracious and His freedom is sure. It is his good pleasure to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. I don't believe for one minute that Christians can be possessed by the devil, but I do believe that Satan delights in oppressing and harassing Christians. Giving Him a foothold in your life through participation in the occult is a good way to welcome his influence into your life.
In today's world of alternative medicine with its focus on the occult, it is easy to be exposed to occult practices without even realizing it. We must take the words of the apostle Peter to heart, "Be sober and be vigilant, for your enemy is prowling about as a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. Resist him steadfastly in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8).
A Personal Testimony
Unfortunately, it is all too easy to get involved with the occult. Some involvements seem simple and harmless, others are more direct and dangerous. An incident happened to me when I was a teenager that was purely unintentional and yet opened a doorway to the occult that I never dreamed could happen. My pastor knew that I was a very committed Christian and thought that I should be aware of a trend that was sweeping the country at that time. It was the craze that had been introduced by the new movie called, "The Exorcist". My pastor thought I should read the book so I would be aware of what was happening spiritually in our society and also with my friends.
With my pastor's recommendation, I purchased the book and read it from cover to cover. As a result, I was never so scared in my life. I began having night terrors, couldn't sleep without a light on in my room all night long and disturbed my entire family with my sense of paranoia about the occult. Finally, it became so disturbing, that my parents called a respected friend to come and pray for me and pray over our house to rid it of any Satanic oppression. He also shared some keep passages of scripture with me. It took weeks of battle against the attack of the enemy, but eventually my fears calmed and I returned to a more normal existence. Nevertheless, I continued to have residual Satanically themed nightmares for years and continued to stand on God's Word against them. All of this was the result of reading a book that my pastor suggested. It was completely innocent on my part, yet it gave Satan a foothold in my life. Thank God, after all these years I am finally free of this demonic bombardment.
The occult attempts to gain a foothold in our lives in many seemingly innocent ways. Perhaps you've participated in the role playing game, "Dungeons and Dragons"? Maybe your friends wanted you to experiment with a Ouija board just for fun one day? We are surrounded by opportunities to call 1-900 Psychic number, read a horoscope in the paper or online. There are lots of fascinating TV shows to watch such as, "Ghost Hunters" and "Paranormal States".
Satanic involvement can begin in non-threatening ways and then escalate into something dark that allows him to infiltrate our lives and welcome his attack. Ephesians 6:11,12 warns us, "We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and wickedness in high places". This is why we are to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. If you find that you have participated in the occult innocently or even purposely and given Satan a foothold in your life I would suggest that you battle against his influence in the following ways.
First, use the Word of God. God's Word neutralizes the evil one. Second, use prayer. You may need to have others join with you as you enter this spiritual battle zone. Third, never forget to utilize calling on the name of Jesus, the power of pleading his shed blood, rebuking Satan in Jesus' name and singing hymns that talk about Christ, the Cross and redemption. Last, repent of any intentional responsibility that you have taken for involvement with the occult. God is gracious and His freedom is sure. It is his good pleasure to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. I don't believe for one minute that Christians can be possessed by the devil, but I do believe that Satan delights in oppressing and harassing Christians. Giving Him a foothold in your life through participation in the occult is a good way to welcome his influence into your life.
In today's world of alternative medicine with its focus on the occult, it is easy to be exposed to occult practices without even realizing it. We must take the words of the apostle Peter to heart, "Be sober and be vigilant, for your enemy is prowling about as a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. Resist him steadfastly in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Spirituality
The New Cult of Health Care
Did you know that the accrediting organization (Jacho) for hospitals, hospices and other medical institutions dictates the requirements foe pastoral care in the medical field. This is done is conjunction with Medicare as well. Medicare has stipulations called conditions of participation which spell out the nature of pastoral care in our health system. In other words, local hospitals and hospices are prohibited by law from introducing any form of pastoral care outside of these constructs?
What does this new form of pastoral care look like? First, it is no longer called pastoral care because that has too many Christian connotations. Instead, it has been renamed spiritual care. Spiritual care is a generic term which by definition excludes a belief in God and equates the human search for meaning, purpose and emotional conjunction with faith. Spiritual care states that it is altogether different from religious expression and that in fact, religion has nothing to do with spirituality. Spirituality exists in a vacuum outside the necessity of God. In government sponsored spiritual care, all religious beliefs are seen as equally valid. There is no distinction between them. The predominant belief in spiritual care is that there are many pathways to God and everyone will reach Him. This is something akin to the idea of Universalism but minus its Christ roots. In the cult of spiritual care, God does not even have to exist. He has shrunken to a "higher power" of your own choosing.
The Bible speaks of this clearly when it says that "everyman did that which was right in his own eyes". Spiritual care in medicine has become a cult because, it continues to deceive patients by using aveneer of Christianity with its hospital chapels and staff chaplains. But hospital staff, including chaplains are prohibited from reading the Bible, offering Biblical counsel, praying for patients unless they are specifically asked. If patients are wrestling with thoughts concerning God, faith or the fear of death, chaplains and nurses are not free to share the answers that they have found in Christ because they would committing the one deadly sin in spiritual care in hospitals: "imposing their beliefs on their patients or failing to provide non-judgmental care." There are only two mortal sins in spiritual care: imposing beliefs and being judgmental" For this there is no atonement and the result is a pink slip in your final check.
Spiritual care in medicine meets all the stipulations of a cult. It has an entity it worships -- Medicare. It has its own belief system -- a form of spirituality that denies God. It has its own clergy -- chaplains. It threatens its staffs and forces them to adhere to its principals through the use of retribution. The other thing that is so frightening about the cult of health care is that it allows the free practice of all religious beliefs except than Christianity.
The New Cult of Health Care
Did you know that the accrediting organization (Jacho) for hospitals, hospices and other medical institutions dictates the requirements foe pastoral care in the medical field. This is done is conjunction with Medicare as well. Medicare has stipulations called conditions of participation which spell out the nature of pastoral care in our health system. In other words, local hospitals and hospices are prohibited by law from introducing any form of pastoral care outside of these constructs?
What does this new form of pastoral care look like? First, it is no longer called pastoral care because that has too many Christian connotations. Instead, it has been renamed spiritual care. Spiritual care is a generic term which by definition excludes a belief in God and equates the human search for meaning, purpose and emotional conjunction with faith. Spiritual care states that it is altogether different from religious expression and that in fact, religion has nothing to do with spirituality. Spirituality exists in a vacuum outside the necessity of God. In government sponsored spiritual care, all religious beliefs are seen as equally valid. There is no distinction between them. The predominant belief in spiritual care is that there are many pathways to God and everyone will reach Him. This is something akin to the idea of Universalism but minus its Christ roots. In the cult of spiritual care, God does not even have to exist. He has shrunken to a "higher power" of your own choosing.
The Bible speaks of this clearly when it says that "everyman did that which was right in his own eyes". Spiritual care in medicine has become a cult because, it continues to deceive patients by using aveneer of Christianity with its hospital chapels and staff chaplains. But hospital staff, including chaplains are prohibited from reading the Bible, offering Biblical counsel, praying for patients unless they are specifically asked. If patients are wrestling with thoughts concerning God, faith or the fear of death, chaplains and nurses are not free to share the answers that they have found in Christ because they would committing the one deadly sin in spiritual care in hospitals: "imposing their beliefs on their patients or failing to provide non-judgmental care." There are only two mortal sins in spiritual care: imposing beliefs and being judgmental" For this there is no atonement and the result is a pink slip in your final check.
Spiritual care in medicine meets all the stipulations of a cult. It has an entity it worships -- Medicare. It has its own belief system -- a form of spirituality that denies God. It has its own clergy -- chaplains. It threatens its staffs and forces them to adhere to its principals through the use of retribution. The other thing that is so frightening about the cult of health care is that it allows the free practice of all religious beliefs except than Christianity.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
God's Gifts
Laying On of Hands
Scripture talks a great deal concerning the gift of the laying on of hands. Genesis 48 records how Jacob laid hands on Joseph's two sons to pass on the patriarchal blessing. In Numbers and later in Deuteronomy both Moses and Joshua laid hands on Aaron and his sons to consecrate them as priests. Finally, in 2 Kings Elisha laid hands on a young child and he was healed.
The New Testament is replete with accounts of the use of the gift of laying hands on different people. Jesus laid hands on the little children and blessed them. He also lay hands on the sick and they were made well. Paul and Barnabas were commissioned for their mission work through the laying on of hands of the elders at Antioch. While Timothy was ordained and received the spiritual gift through the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:). Ananias laid his hands on Saul to heal his blindness and to receive the Holy Spirit. And the gift of healing was given through the laying on of hands in (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
Scripture tells us many times that the laying on of hands is a gift from God for the church and it is practiced in some form in most churches to this day.
Since the laying on of hands is the gift mot closely associated with the impartation of spiritual gifts and the reception of the Holy Spirit, it is also a gift to be used wisely. 1 Timothy 5:22 warns us, "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure". We must be careful not to indiscriminately use this gift in case because the effects of another's sin may be passed on to us and we will share his guilt. By the same token, we must be very careful not to allow jut anyone to lay hands on us as well. If we allow those who practice the sinister practices of Reiki, Healing Touch or Therapeutic Touch to lay hands on us, then we too are participating in their sin and opening ourselves up to the powers of darkness.
Thank God for His gift of the laying on of hands, but let us be careful of using it incorrectly so that we do not open ourselves up to spiritual dimensions we must have nothing to do with.
Laying On of Hands
Scripture talks a great deal concerning the gift of the laying on of hands. Genesis 48 records how Jacob laid hands on Joseph's two sons to pass on the patriarchal blessing. In Numbers and later in Deuteronomy both Moses and Joshua laid hands on Aaron and his sons to consecrate them as priests. Finally, in 2 Kings Elisha laid hands on a young child and he was healed.
The New Testament is replete with accounts of the use of the gift of laying hands on different people. Jesus laid hands on the little children and blessed them. He also lay hands on the sick and they were made well. Paul and Barnabas were commissioned for their mission work through the laying on of hands of the elders at Antioch. While Timothy was ordained and received the spiritual gift through the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:). Ananias laid his hands on Saul to heal his blindness and to receive the Holy Spirit. And the gift of healing was given through the laying on of hands in (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
Scripture tells us many times that the laying on of hands is a gift from God for the church and it is practiced in some form in most churches to this day.
Since the laying on of hands is the gift mot closely associated with the impartation of spiritual gifts and the reception of the Holy Spirit, it is also a gift to be used wisely. 1 Timothy 5:22 warns us, "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure". We must be careful not to indiscriminately use this gift in case because the effects of another's sin may be passed on to us and we will share his guilt. By the same token, we must be very careful not to allow jut anyone to lay hands on us as well. If we allow those who practice the sinister practices of Reiki, Healing Touch or Therapeutic Touch to lay hands on us, then we too are participating in their sin and opening ourselves up to the powers of darkness.
Thank God for His gift of the laying on of hands, but let us be careful of using it incorrectly so that we do not open ourselves up to spiritual dimensions we must have nothing to do with.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Touch Therapies
Common Ground
Although the three "Touch Therapies" examined in "The Occult Invasion of Health Care" have different origins, all share several remarkable similarities. Lets look at some of these:
1. All are based in eastern religion
2. All counterfeit the gift of laying on of hands
3. All are Energy Therapies
4. All channel the "Universal Life Force"
5. All practice Spiritism: necromancy, animism, spirit guides, "angels", clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, Higher Sensory Perception, telepathy, telekinesis
6. All are Touch Therapies
7. All target nurses and health care
8. All are attempting to gain medical validity as medical modalities
9. All deny Christ: the Atonement, the Resurrection, the Trinity, Salvation, Healing
10. All are religions with specific belief system: chakras, meridians, qi, animism, "Universal Life Force"
11. All are opposed to Christianity and should not be practiced by Believers.
It is significant that although their development is separated by time and space, their spiritual roots closely resemble one another. Perhaps this is because in the realm of the occult, there is nothing new under the sun. Satan's trick and his deceptions have been around for a long time deceiving many. Jesus said, "You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free".
Monday, October 19, 2009
Faith and Practice
Double-Bind for Health Care Professionals
Christian doctors, nurses and other health care providers often find themselves in a "Catch - 22" situation when it comes to caring for their patients. Medical professionals often find themselves facing patients with serious spiritual needs. Chaplains, clergy and other religious workers may not always be available to meet those needs and so the health care professional may need to step in to help their patients spiritually. However, in today's medical environment, Christian medical personnel may find it difficult to step in and meet the spiritual needs of their patients and provide spiritual care in an atmosphere of discordant thinking as to what spiritual needs are, what the cure is and what they are permitted to do about it.
A health care worker who is a Christian, responsible for caring for the spiritual needs of their patients as well as those of their family and friends may find themselves being pulled in two directions. On the one hand they may feel bound to do all in their power to bring those in their care into a relationship with God, through Jesus, in order that they might find the answer to their spiritual needs, and on the other hand may feel that this approach would not be seen as acceptable by colleagues.This is especially true in terms of the new philosophy of spirituality in health care where one faith is seen as just as valid as another. Nurses and doctors who share their own faith in Christ may be accused of being narrow-minded or even abusing their position.
The new approach in spirituality puts Christan professionals in a quagmire. They share the responsibility to provide spiritual care to their patients, but must violate their own faith to do it! Nurses and doctors are accountable to their profession which may be ambivalent in its stance on spiritual care giving, and even hostile to the sharing of their faith.
This perspective fails to recognize that, out of a genuine compassion for the patient, the Christian doctor and nurse longs to share with his or her patients the source of freedom and wholeness which he or she has found. We must emphasize the value of the professional’s own spiritual resources and the importance they play in giving spiritual care. One writer explains that Christian health care professionals are whole persons and that their spiritual life is relevant to his or her understanding of human beings and the world.They must never allow their faith in Jesus Christ to be viewed as less than it is: the source of all healing and all wholeness. Jesus said that He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life". Medical professionals should not be spiritually neutralized by the secularized philosophy prevalent in their work environment. Given their faith committment, how they not help but share their faith in order to meet the spiritual needs of those they care for.
Double-Bind for Health Care Professionals
Christian doctors, nurses and other health care providers often find themselves in a "Catch - 22" situation when it comes to caring for their patients. Medical professionals often find themselves facing patients with serious spiritual needs. Chaplains, clergy and other religious workers may not always be available to meet those needs and so the health care professional may need to step in to help their patients spiritually. However, in today's medical environment, Christian medical personnel may find it difficult to step in and meet the spiritual needs of their patients and provide spiritual care in an atmosphere of discordant thinking as to what spiritual needs are, what the cure is and what they are permitted to do about it.
A health care worker who is a Christian, responsible for caring for the spiritual needs of their patients as well as those of their family and friends may find themselves being pulled in two directions. On the one hand they may feel bound to do all in their power to bring those in their care into a relationship with God, through Jesus, in order that they might find the answer to their spiritual needs, and on the other hand may feel that this approach would not be seen as acceptable by colleagues.This is especially true in terms of the new philosophy of spirituality in health care where one faith is seen as just as valid as another. Nurses and doctors who share their own faith in Christ may be accused of being narrow-minded or even abusing their position.
The new approach in spirituality puts Christan professionals in a quagmire. They share the responsibility to provide spiritual care to their patients, but must violate their own faith to do it! Nurses and doctors are accountable to their profession which may be ambivalent in its stance on spiritual care giving, and even hostile to the sharing of their faith.
This perspective fails to recognize that, out of a genuine compassion for the patient, the Christian doctor and nurse longs to share with his or her patients the source of freedom and wholeness which he or she has found. We must emphasize the value of the professional’s own spiritual resources and the importance they play in giving spiritual care. One writer explains that Christian health care professionals are whole persons and that their spiritual life is relevant to his or her understanding of human beings and the world.They must never allow their faith in Jesus Christ to be viewed as less than it is: the source of all healing and all wholeness. Jesus said that He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life". Medical professionals should not be spiritually neutralized by the secularized philosophy prevalent in their work environment. Given their faith committment, how they not help but share their faith in order to meet the spiritual needs of those they care for.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Therapeutic Touch
Doctrine of Demons
For Christians, we must recognize Therapeutic Touch for what it is – a therapy that is antithetical to faith in Jesus Christ. It has been compared to the gift of "laying on of hands", but it is a practice devoid of the Holy Spirit's presence or power. It attempts to be palatable to Christians, but is in fact a syncretistic practice that meshes the world's religions into one glorious soup. It offers a source of healing outside of the atonement of Jesus Christ and its place offers a "doctrine of demons" (1Timothy 4:1). The whole technique reeks of spiritual death. Through Centering, the therapist Channels the spirit world. Through Assessment, she practices Clairvoyance and Clairaudience. Through Intervention with her hands, she practices Clairsentience. An evaluation in Biblical terms – Romans 1:32 declares, "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them".
Christians must steer clear of any alternative therapy that is opposed to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If treatment is offered to us, we should flatly refuse. For Christians working in the medical profession, we must recognize what this alternative therapy is and avoid being trained or induced into using it in every way. Therapeutic Touch is not a healing modality; it is an intrinsic evil trying its best to penetrate our medical system, our lives and the lives of our patients and families.
Doctrine of Demons
For Christians, we must recognize Therapeutic Touch for what it is – a therapy that is antithetical to faith in Jesus Christ. It has been compared to the gift of "laying on of hands", but it is a practice devoid of the Holy Spirit's presence or power. It attempts to be palatable to Christians, but is in fact a syncretistic practice that meshes the world's religions into one glorious soup. It offers a source of healing outside of the atonement of Jesus Christ and its place offers a "doctrine of demons" (1Timothy 4:1). The whole technique reeks of spiritual death. Through Centering, the therapist Channels the spirit world. Through Assessment, she practices Clairvoyance and Clairaudience. Through Intervention with her hands, she practices Clairsentience. An evaluation in Biblical terms – Romans 1:32 declares, "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them".
Christians must steer clear of any alternative therapy that is opposed to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If treatment is offered to us, we should flatly refuse. For Christians working in the medical profession, we must recognize what this alternative therapy is and avoid being trained or induced into using it in every way. Therapeutic Touch is not a healing modality; it is an intrinsic evil trying its best to penetrate our medical system, our lives and the lives of our patients and families.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Touch Therapies
Is Reiki a Belief or Medicine
Fifteen percent of all medical facilities use Reiki to treat patients. That translates into millions of people being exposed to this occult practice. Practitioners of Reiki will extol its medical benefits and try to convince you that it is a medical therapy with great promise. The truth is that as a medical therapy, Reiki has found to be ineffective in providing any therapeutic results.
Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic writes in response in behalf of the physicians group exploring the possible benefits of Reiki states that, "There is a lack of medical evidence that Reiki has any therapeutic value at all." Reiki is not medicine - Reiki is a belief system.
It is believed that Reiki works by tapping into the Universal Life Force all around us, channeling its energy into the body through the seven energy vortices called the chakras. By using touch, pressure is applied to the 52 marma points in the body which then delivers the energy to the diseased or injured areas through energy conduits called the meridian lines. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that the Universal Life Energy, the chakras, marma or meridians lines even exist. Practitioners of Reiki simply "believe" they are real.
Satan's lies blind those who buy into them so that they believe his deceptions. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Reiki is fiction, not truth. Reiki is not medicine, it is a belief. Reiki is not effective, it is of no value. Lets recognize Satan's lies and determine to stand for the Truth in Christ Jesus.
Is Reiki a Belief or Medicine
Fifteen percent of all medical facilities use Reiki to treat patients. That translates into millions of people being exposed to this occult practice. Practitioners of Reiki will extol its medical benefits and try to convince you that it is a medical therapy with great promise. The truth is that as a medical therapy, Reiki has found to be ineffective in providing any therapeutic results.
Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic writes in response in behalf of the physicians group exploring the possible benefits of Reiki states that, "There is a lack of medical evidence that Reiki has any therapeutic value at all." Reiki is not medicine - Reiki is a belief system.
It is believed that Reiki works by tapping into the Universal Life Force all around us, channeling its energy into the body through the seven energy vortices called the chakras. By using touch, pressure is applied to the 52 marma points in the body which then delivers the energy to the diseased or injured areas through energy conduits called the meridian lines. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that the Universal Life Energy, the chakras, marma or meridians lines even exist. Practitioners of Reiki simply "believe" they are real.
Satan's lies blind those who buy into them so that they believe his deceptions. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Reiki is fiction, not truth. Reiki is not medicine, it is a belief. Reiki is not effective, it is of no value. Lets recognize Satan's lies and determine to stand for the Truth in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Spirituality
Health Care's New Religion
Spirituality in Health Care has taken a huge shift. In the past, pastoral care has been an extension of the church an faith in Christ. Today, pastoral care has shed the pastoral concept and is now called "spiritual care" virtually across the board. Hospitals and hospices now claim that patients can be "spiritual without being religious". This is an interesting concept in that religion is spiritual and all religions agree that there is no spirituality without religious faith and beliefs. As Christians we strictly adhere to the fact that there is not faith outside of Christ. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6).
Health care claims to be spiritually neutral in providing spiritual care. Nothing is further from the truth. I contend that health care has adopted is own set of spiritual beliefs and practices that is not only antithetical to Christianity and faith in Christ, but is hospital toward all religions! I want to demonstrate some of health care's spiritual beliefs to paint a picture of its religious beliefs.
1. All paths lead to God regardless of beliefs or non-belief.
2. All religions are equally valid.
3. Everyone's spiritual destiny is guaranteed regardless of their beliefs. This is called universalism).
4. There is faith without Christ.
5. It is wrong to share your faith with others.
6. Self-introspection and emotional connections are the same as being spiritual.
7. We hire Christian ministers as chaplains but they are prohibited from sharing their faith.
8. There is spirituality in the absence of God.
This is but a sampling of the "spiritual care" that is being offered in hospitals today. Not only that, but stepping into the void of authentic pastoral care are the Hindu, Buddhist and occult practices of alternative medicine. Be very careful during your next hospital stay that the smiling face of a chaplain or other health care professional will provide you spiritual support as a Christian. They truth of the matter is that they are prohibited from doing so by their employers. Instead, they will attempt to indoctrinate you with health care's new religion.
Health Care's New Religion
Spirituality in Health Care has taken a huge shift. In the past, pastoral care has been an extension of the church an faith in Christ. Today, pastoral care has shed the pastoral concept and is now called "spiritual care" virtually across the board. Hospitals and hospices now claim that patients can be "spiritual without being religious". This is an interesting concept in that religion is spiritual and all religions agree that there is no spirituality without religious faith and beliefs. As Christians we strictly adhere to the fact that there is not faith outside of Christ. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6).
Health care claims to be spiritually neutral in providing spiritual care. Nothing is further from the truth. I contend that health care has adopted is own set of spiritual beliefs and practices that is not only antithetical to Christianity and faith in Christ, but is hospital toward all religions! I want to demonstrate some of health care's spiritual beliefs to paint a picture of its religious beliefs.
1. All paths lead to God regardless of beliefs or non-belief.
2. All religions are equally valid.
3. Everyone's spiritual destiny is guaranteed regardless of their beliefs. This is called universalism).
4. There is faith without Christ.
5. It is wrong to share your faith with others.
6. Self-introspection and emotional connections are the same as being spiritual.
7. We hire Christian ministers as chaplains but they are prohibited from sharing their faith.
8. There is spirituality in the absence of God.
This is but a sampling of the "spiritual care" that is being offered in hospitals today. Not only that, but stepping into the void of authentic pastoral care are the Hindu, Buddhist and occult practices of alternative medicine. Be very careful during your next hospital stay that the smiling face of a chaplain or other health care professional will provide you spiritual support as a Christian. They truth of the matter is that they are prohibited from doing so by their employers. Instead, they will attempt to indoctrinate you with health care's new religion.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Occult
Spiritism and Touch
When we think of being touched spiritually as Christians, we are talking about the ministry of the Holy Spirit impacting our lives. However, in the realm of alternative medicine, the idea use of touch is used in an altogether different manner.
Spiritism uses many dark arts and practices. These arts are often labled ESP or Extra Sensory Perception or the ability to peer into the supernatural. These include clairvoyance (to see supernatural things), clairaudience (to hear supernatural things), and claircognizance (to know supernatural things). However, the occult pratice most closely with alternative medicine is clairsentience (to touch supernaturally).
Every "touch therapy" (reiki, healing touch and therapeutic touch) use the occult practice of clairsentience or touch as "altenative medicine". Touch is also one of the primary means God uses to heal believers through the "laying on of hands". Satan and his minions love to countertfeit God's gift and mock his power offering humans a source of healing outside the person and power of Jesus Christ.
Spiritism and Touch
When we think of being touched spiritually as Christians, we are talking about the ministry of the Holy Spirit impacting our lives. However, in the realm of alternative medicine, the idea use of touch is used in an altogether different manner.
Spiritism uses many dark arts and practices. These arts are often labled ESP or Extra Sensory Perception or the ability to peer into the supernatural. These include clairvoyance (to see supernatural things), clairaudience (to hear supernatural things), and claircognizance (to know supernatural things). However, the occult pratice most closely with alternative medicine is clairsentience (to touch supernaturally).
Every "touch therapy" (reiki, healing touch and therapeutic touch) use the occult practice of clairsentience or touch as "altenative medicine". Touch is also one of the primary means God uses to heal believers through the "laying on of hands". Satan and his minions love to countertfeit God's gift and mock his power offering humans a source of healing outside the person and power of Jesus Christ.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Hinduism
Alternative Medicine's Connection to Hinduism
Hinduism is the third largest religion with a membership of one third of the world's population. It incorporates both pantheistic (all is god) and polytheistic (many gods) into its structure. It traces its roots back 5,000 years to a race of Indo-European peoples that invaded the Indian sub-continent.
Hinduism believe that there is great life energy, called Brahma, that like a cocoon, encapsulates all things. This deity is both impersonal and unknowable. Nevertheless, Brahma is expressed personally through the incarnation of a triad of three gods: Shiva, creator; Vishnu, preserver; and Krishna, destroyer. In addition to these, Hinduism worships a pantheon of 330 million gods and goddesses.
Hindus also have a somewhat unique belief in spirits, called devas, who course through the heaven on chariots. Enlighted Ones, called avatars, are super humans who incarnate in human form to assist people. These beings interact with humans through occultic means and can even posses a person to manifest itself.
The most concrete form of ritual and worship directly connected to Hinduism is the practice of Yoga. Most people do not understand that Yoga is not only an exercise, but that it is a religious practice.
Like Hinduism, a number of alternative therapies are pantheistic in their orientation. They practice contacting spirit guides, as well as channeling or allowing spirits to enter and act through them. Scripture condemns these behavior simply stating that they "are an abomination to God." Christians should avoid the appearance of evil and not compromise their faith. Doing so is tantamount to opening a doorway to the occult.
Alternative Medicine's Connection to Hinduism
Hinduism is the third largest religion with a membership of one third of the world's population. It incorporates both pantheistic (all is god) and polytheistic (many gods) into its structure. It traces its roots back 5,000 years to a race of Indo-European peoples that invaded the Indian sub-continent.
Hinduism believe that there is great life energy, called Brahma, that like a cocoon, encapsulates all things. This deity is both impersonal and unknowable. Nevertheless, Brahma is expressed personally through the incarnation of a triad of three gods: Shiva, creator; Vishnu, preserver; and Krishna, destroyer. In addition to these, Hinduism worships a pantheon of 330 million gods and goddesses.
Hindus also have a somewhat unique belief in spirits, called devas, who course through the heaven on chariots. Enlighted Ones, called avatars, are super humans who incarnate in human form to assist people. These beings interact with humans through occultic means and can even posses a person to manifest itself.
The most concrete form of ritual and worship directly connected to Hinduism is the practice of Yoga. Most people do not understand that Yoga is not only an exercise, but that it is a religious practice.
Like Hinduism, a number of alternative therapies are pantheistic in their orientation. They practice contacting spirit guides, as well as channeling or allowing spirits to enter and act through them. Scripture condemns these behavior simply stating that they "are an abomination to God." Christians should avoid the appearance of evil and not compromise their faith. Doing so is tantamount to opening a doorway to the occult.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Alternative Therapies
Benign Or Malignant
Although there are literally hundreds of alternative and complimentary therapies most all of them can be broken down into the following five categories.
1. Energy therapies: Magnets Reiki, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Acupuncture and Acupressure.
2. Mind-Body Therapies: Yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, and dream interpretation.
3. Biological Therapies: Diet therapy, Herbalism, Chelation therapy.
4. Manipulation therapies: Massage, Chiropractics, Rolfing, Reflexology.
5. Whole body therapies: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathy.
Under each of these broad categories their are dozens of therapies to choose from. At last count, the National Center for Complimentary Medicine identified over 1800 distinct alternative and complimentary therapies to choose from.
As Christians, God has given us the gift of discernment of spirits. This is the ability to be able to differentiate between the activity of God's Spirit, demonic spirits and the human spirit. Since alternative medicine is very often linked to eastern mysticism and the occult, let us be particular careful of which therapies are benign and malignant spiritually. Read about them, study them and make yourself aware of those which tap into the power of the dark side in their practice.
Benign Or Malignant
Although there are literally hundreds of alternative and complimentary therapies most all of them can be broken down into the following five categories.
1. Energy therapies: Magnets Reiki, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Acupuncture and Acupressure.
2. Mind-Body Therapies: Yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, and dream interpretation.
3. Biological Therapies: Diet therapy, Herbalism, Chelation therapy.
4. Manipulation therapies: Massage, Chiropractics, Rolfing, Reflexology.
5. Whole body therapies: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathy.
Under each of these broad categories their are dozens of therapies to choose from. At last count, the National Center for Complimentary Medicine identified over 1800 distinct alternative and complimentary therapies to choose from.
As Christians, God has given us the gift of discernment of spirits. This is the ability to be able to differentiate between the activity of God's Spirit, demonic spirits and the human spirit. Since alternative medicine is very often linked to eastern mysticism and the occult, let us be particular careful of which therapies are benign and malignant spiritually. Read about them, study them and make yourself aware of those which tap into the power of the dark side in their practice.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Spiritual Care In Medicine
Confusion In Chaplaincy
The role of health care chaplains in changing rapidly in institutional health care. In the past, patients could count on the chaplain to read scripture, provide biblical counseling and pray for their individual needs. This is no longer true. When a chaplain visits you today, they will not mention the Bible, counsel you from its pages or offer to pray unless they know that you are a Christian and that you attend church regularly.
Within the rank and file of theological beliefs prevalent withing health care today is the idea that all religious beliefs including including non-religious beliefs are equally valid and that their are many pathways to God. It is your chaplain's job to ask you enough questions to figure out what your spiritual position or lack of it is and then provide whatever generic care they can. The chaplain's role today, is to talk about your feelings, listen to your story, help you overcome your sense of denial and work towards resolve in your illness or terminal condition.His main job is to make you feel better.
Chaplains have been emasculated and to a large extent spiritually neutralized. In essence, chaplains have been demoted from providing spiritual care to fulfilling the role of a social worker. Don't misinterpret this. Social work is a valuable and much needed profession, but it is not equivalent to serving as a chaplain.
These facts have left chaplains in conflict with their own faith in Christ. They are required to deny their own spiritual convictions and become all things to all people. They have to virtually lie to people stating that everything is going to be alright for them, when what their patients believe or don't believe contradicts their own core beliefs. In order to provide "spiritual care" chaplains must squash their own personal spiritual integrity.
Today, chaplains are confused about their roles, they are in deep conflict about the care they are expected to provide, and their own personal beliefs. Not only this, their patients are confused about the chaplain's role as well, and bewildered at the lack of biblical support they receive.
Confusion In Chaplaincy
The role of health care chaplains in changing rapidly in institutional health care. In the past, patients could count on the chaplain to read scripture, provide biblical counseling and pray for their individual needs. This is no longer true. When a chaplain visits you today, they will not mention the Bible, counsel you from its pages or offer to pray unless they know that you are a Christian and that you attend church regularly.
Within the rank and file of theological beliefs prevalent withing health care today is the idea that all religious beliefs including including non-religious beliefs are equally valid and that their are many pathways to God. It is your chaplain's job to ask you enough questions to figure out what your spiritual position or lack of it is and then provide whatever generic care they can. The chaplain's role today, is to talk about your feelings, listen to your story, help you overcome your sense of denial and work towards resolve in your illness or terminal condition.His main job is to make you feel better.
Chaplains have been emasculated and to a large extent spiritually neutralized. In essence, chaplains have been demoted from providing spiritual care to fulfilling the role of a social worker. Don't misinterpret this. Social work is a valuable and much needed profession, but it is not equivalent to serving as a chaplain.
These facts have left chaplains in conflict with their own faith in Christ. They are required to deny their own spiritual convictions and become all things to all people. They have to virtually lie to people stating that everything is going to be alright for them, when what their patients believe or don't believe contradicts their own core beliefs. In order to provide "spiritual care" chaplains must squash their own personal spiritual integrity.
Today, chaplains are confused about their roles, they are in deep conflict about the care they are expected to provide, and their own personal beliefs. Not only this, their patients are confused about the chaplain's role as well, and bewildered at the lack of biblical support they receive.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Warnings for Christians
Opening Doorways to the OccultMany people believe that they can play around the outer fringes of the occult and avoid being affected by it. That is not true. We must realize that using a health care provider's services that is completely unaware of the occult roots of their treatments doesn't mean you and I are unaware of them. For example, if you see a Christian chiropractor who doesn't understand the occult connection of chiropractics with its occult origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine, doesn't mean that participating in treatments may not open up the door to the occult in our lives.
I Thessalonians 5:22 tells us that Christians must, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." In 1 Peter 5:8 Scripture also warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".
One of the great principles found in the New Testament about removing ourselves from any hint of sinful influence is found in 1 Corinthians 6:17. Here, the apostle Paul commands us, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you".
Sadly, many Christians fail to pay attention to the Bible's explicit instruction to avoid the spiritual dangers involved in alternative medicine. Often, this results in "giving Satan a foothold" in our lives and opening an unwanted door to the occult. We need to remember, the occult, in any form, is something to be taken very seriously.
Sometimes even Christians will tell you that alternative therapies are just another way to feel better. That is a lie and we must recognize it as such. 2 John 1:7 warns us it plainly, " For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist".
Sometimes even Christians will tell you that alternative therapies are just another way to feel better. That is a lie and we must recognize it as such. 2 John 1:7 warns us it plainly, " For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist".
Even seemingly "innocent" looking alternative therapies may look harmless in themselves, but the Bible says they are "guilty" of allowing Satan to not only invade medicine, but opens pathways to his influence in our lives as well.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Touch Therapies
Contacting the Dead
When Israel entered into the Promised Land, God commanded that they should not participate in the pagan practices that the inhabitants of the land were involved in. The Lord's command is found in the following verses. "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, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead." Deuteronomy 18:10, 11. Of the many occultic practices mentioned in these verses, perhaps the one which stands out the most is the injunction against contacting the dead.
Interestingly, of the three touch therapies covered in my book, all of them rely on contact with ancestors or family members that are deceased: the dead. This self-avowed activity is used to gain information about the sick, receive instructions and to effect healing. God declares that such things are an abomination before Him! God's Word prohibits us from exploring the realm of necromancy.
The question remains, "Why is it necessary to contact the dead to experience healing when we can come directly to God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ to be healed?" Its because people who are involved in contacting the dead have rejected God. Romans 1:28 states this very thing. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient".
It is our responsibility to warn those who are unknowingly drawn into the use of alternative therapies of the spiritual dangers they are getting involved with. There are those individuals who purposely choose to be involved in alternative medicine. We must point them to the error of there ways, make them aware of God's condemnation for what they are doing and pray and witness to them concerning the deliverance available through Jesus Christ.
Contacting the Dead
When Israel entered into the Promised Land, God commanded that they should not participate in the pagan practices that the inhabitants of the land were involved in. The Lord's command is found in the following verses. "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, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead." Deuteronomy 18:10, 11. Of the many occultic practices mentioned in these verses, perhaps the one which stands out the most is the injunction against contacting the dead.
Interestingly, of the three touch therapies covered in my book, all of them rely on contact with ancestors or family members that are deceased: the dead. This self-avowed activity is used to gain information about the sick, receive instructions and to effect healing. God declares that such things are an abomination before Him! God's Word prohibits us from exploring the realm of necromancy.
The question remains, "Why is it necessary to contact the dead to experience healing when we can come directly to God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ to be healed?" Its because people who are involved in contacting the dead have rejected God. Romans 1:28 states this very thing. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient".
It is our responsibility to warn those who are unknowingly drawn into the use of alternative therapies of the spiritual dangers they are getting involved with. There are those individuals who purposely choose to be involved in alternative medicine. We must point them to the error of there ways, make them aware of God's condemnation for what they are doing and pray and witness to them concerning the deliverance available through Jesus Christ.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Laying On Of Hands
The Master Counterfeiter
Throughout the Bible Scripture records instances of the "laying on of Hands" in accordance with God's Word.
Laying On of Hands In The Old Testament
1. Pass on a spiritual blessing Gen. 48:14
2. Identification between those who had sinned and animal sacrifice Ex. 29:10
3. Witness bearing for capital offenses Lev.24:14
4. Setting apart for ministry (Levites) Num. 8:10
5. To appoint spiritual successors (Moses/Joshua) Deut. 34:9
Laying On of Hands In the NT
1. Jesus on little children Mark 10:16
2. To receive the Holy Spirit Acts 8:17, 19
3. Healing Acts 12:17; James 5:13-15
4. Call to Ministry Acts 6:6 (Seven deacons) Acts 13:3 Sending of Paul and Barnabas
5. Ordination Timothy 2 Tim. 1:6
6. Spiritual gifts 1 Cor. 12:1-6
The laying on of hands is God's gift to believers throughout time. One of the primary reasons God gave the church this gift is to provide His healing power for those who are sick. Almost every denomination practices this gift in accordance with God's Word. Satan is the "master counterfeiter". The Bible says in 2 Thess 2:9-10 "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders. "
It shouldn't be surprising to realize that alternative therapies attempt to mimic the gift of the Laying On of Hands. All three "touch therapies" discussed in The Occult Invasion of Health Care are a Satanic parlor game that Satan uses to deceive people that there is healing other than through the name of Jesus Christ. The Bible states that "Satan is a liar and the Father of liars." He has been a deciever from the beginning and is continues to seduce people everywhere into becoming involved in the occult through alternative medicine. We need to put on the "whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 2.
The Master Counterfeiter
Throughout the Bible Scripture records instances of the "laying on of Hands" in accordance with God's Word.
Laying On of Hands In The Old Testament
1. Pass on a spiritual blessing Gen. 48:14
2. Identification between those who had sinned and animal sacrifice Ex. 29:10
3. Witness bearing for capital offenses Lev.24:14
4. Setting apart for ministry (Levites) Num. 8:10
5. To appoint spiritual successors (Moses/Joshua) Deut. 34:9
Laying On of Hands In the NT
1. Jesus on little children Mark 10:16
2. To receive the Holy Spirit Acts 8:17, 19
3. Healing Acts 12:17; James 5:13-15
4. Call to Ministry Acts 6:6 (Seven deacons) Acts 13:3 Sending of Paul and Barnabas
5. Ordination Timothy 2 Tim. 1:6
6. Spiritual gifts 1 Cor. 12:1-6
The laying on of hands is God's gift to believers throughout time. One of the primary reasons God gave the church this gift is to provide His healing power for those who are sick. Almost every denomination practices this gift in accordance with God's Word. Satan is the "master counterfeiter". The Bible says in 2 Thess 2:9-10 "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders. "
It shouldn't be surprising to realize that alternative therapies attempt to mimic the gift of the Laying On of Hands. All three "touch therapies" discussed in The Occult Invasion of Health Care are a Satanic parlor game that Satan uses to deceive people that there is healing other than through the name of Jesus Christ. The Bible states that "Satan is a liar and the Father of liars." He has been a deciever from the beginning and is continues to seduce people everywhere into becoming involved in the occult through alternative medicine. We need to put on the "whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 2.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Alternative Medicine
The Belief System Behind Touch Therapies
You may ask, "How do practitioners of touch therapies claim that they work?" The answer is startling. There is no proven scientific methodology though which touch therapy works. All components of how their practice works are not science, but identifiable beliefs.
The theory is that there is a "Universal Life Force" consisting of the energy emitted from all living things. This concept is directly related to Buddhism's pantheistic idea that "god is all and all is god". They continue, stating the practitioner serves as a channel of this "force" through which this energy flows. This belief is very similar to the practice of mediumship in spiritism. Therapists contend that the human body has invisible vortices or reception points. These vortices are called "chakras", as they are called in Hindu religious literature. The therapist uses touch to channel the Universal Life Force into these power points.
From the chakras, the Universal Life Force energy is transferred to the medians. The meridians are a concept from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meridians lines ( or energy channels) supposedly run throughout the body connecting to various organs. The flow of the universal life force through the chakras to the meridians is what they believe causes healing.
If you would like to learn more, plan on purchasing a copy of The Occult Invasion of Health Care!
The Belief System Behind Touch Therapies
You may ask, "How do practitioners of touch therapies claim that they work?" The answer is startling. There is no proven scientific methodology though which touch therapy works. All components of how their practice works are not science, but identifiable beliefs.
The theory is that there is a "Universal Life Force" consisting of the energy emitted from all living things. This concept is directly related to Buddhism's pantheistic idea that "god is all and all is god". They continue, stating the practitioner serves as a channel of this "force" through which this energy flows. This belief is very similar to the practice of mediumship in spiritism. Therapists contend that the human body has invisible vortices or reception points. These vortices are called "chakras", as they are called in Hindu religious literature. The therapist uses touch to channel the Universal Life Force into these power points.
From the chakras, the Universal Life Force energy is transferred to the medians. The meridians are a concept from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meridians lines ( or energy channels) supposedly run throughout the body connecting to various organs. The flow of the universal life force through the chakras to the meridians is what they believe causes healing.
If you would like to learn more, plan on purchasing a copy of The Occult Invasion of Health Care!
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