The perception of hypnosis and its compatibility with different religious beliefs can vary.
Hypnotherapy itself is a psychological and therapeutic technique that is not inherently tied to any specific religion or belief system. It is a state of focused attention and suggestibility that can be used for various purposes, including relaxation, behaviour modification, and self-improvement.
However, some religious groups or individuals may have concerns about hypnosis based on their specific beliefs or teachings. It's recommended that you consult with religious leaders or authorities within your specific faith community to understand their stance on hypnosis. Certain religious traditions may have reservations about practices that involve altered states of consciousness or the influence of external suggestions. Others may view hypnosis as a legitimate therapeutic tool when used ethically and for beneficial purposes. Ultimately, the compatibility of hypnosis with your religious beliefs is a personal decision that may depend on your understanding of your faith's teachings, your confidence in a hypnotherapist, and the guidance of your religious leaders.
What religions which have a problem with hypnosis, and where did the concerns arise from?
The interesting thing is, there aren't widespread official concerns about hypnosis across all major religions. However, individual perspectives can vary, and some religious groups or individuals may have reservations about hypnosis for various reasons. It's essential to recognise that attitudes toward hypnosis can evolve, and new perspectives may emerge over time.
That being said, some religious or spiritual traditions historically expressed concerns or reservations about practices that involve altered states of consciousness or external influence. Concerns could arise from a variety of factors, including:
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Belief in external influence: Some religious traditions may caution against practices that involve surrendering control of one's mind or will to external influences. In hypnosis, a person may become more receptive to suggestions, and this might be viewed as potentially problematic in certain religious contexts. One of the most widespread misconceptions is that hypnotherapy gives the therapist complete control over your mind. In reality, hypnosis is a collaborative process where we work together to achieve the change you want. Hypnotherapy does not relinquish your free will, and you cannot be forced to do anything against your moral code or values. Hypnotherapy helps you access your subconscious mind, but you remain fully aware of your actions and can reject any suggestions you find uncomfortable or inappropriate.
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Perceived association with occult practices: In some cases, hypnosis has been associated with occult or paranormal practices. Some religious groups may be cautious about anything that is perceived as ever having being related to the occult. Let me assure you - I don't know any magic spells. Hypnotherapy is a natural and scientifically-supported technique that involves accessing the subconscious mind to facilitate the positive changes that you request. While it may seem mysterious to some, it is grounded in psychological principles and neuroscience.
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Distrust of secular or non-religious practices: In more conservative or fundamentalist religious circles, there can be a general distrust of practices that are not explicitly sanctioned or discussed in religious texts. Hypnosis, being a modern psychological technique, does not have direct mention in ancient religious texts.
Does hypnotherapy go against the Bible's teachings?
The Bible, as a collection of ancient texts, does not explicitly address the modern practice of hypnosis. Therefore, there are no specific Bible passages that mention hypnosis or provide direct guidance on its use. The concept of hypnosis as we understand it today was not known during biblical times. The interpretation of hypnotherapy in relation to the Bible's teachings can vary among different individuals and religious denominations. Some people may believe that certain aspects of hypnosis or hypnotherapy contradict their understanding of biblical principles, while others may see no conflict.
Which bible verses are used by some people to advise against hypnotherapy?
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
I haven't had anyone come to me and ask for a change in their behaviour so that they can have more of the opposite of any of these things. In fact, hypnotherapy is all about you regaining self-control, and a hypnotherapist never has control of your thoughts, beliefs, or morals.
Ephesians 4:27
"And give no opportunity to the devil."
If you believe that someone who wants to help you achieve the change you want to see in your life is a devil, then yes, hypnotherapy is not for you.
James 4:6-7
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
This actually highlights a basic truth in hypnotherapy. People who don't humble themselves to the process and hold back relevant details of their past often find that they are unable to make the change that they seek. This verse is actually pro-hypnotherapy.
Psalm 118:8
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."
Sure... but what if you've been trying that for a long time and nothing has changed?
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
This speaks to Jesus as the Christian role model, and suggests that his role as saviour should apply to every aspect of a Christian's life. Hypnotherapy can help you save yourself from your negative thoughts, behaviours, habits and compulsions.
Romans 7:18
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out."
This strikes me as another pro-hypnotherapy verse, because it is preceded by St Paul lamenting that he behaves in a way that he consciously doesn't want to, but he practically can't help himself. Hypnotherapy is about gaining the alignment between what you consciously want to achieve with your free will, and the emotions that subconsciously direct your habitual behaviour.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
A hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you do not want to do. If your session feels like I am trying to tell you what to do, it's not going to work. I have had people come in and say "I just love smoking! Can you make me hate smoking?" I honestly told them that this attempt would be unsuccessful. Successful sessions occur when you feel heard, understood, and the suggestions for change that I offer have come from you, and they are about what you consciously want to achieve.
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,"
By all means, don't change just because you think I (or any other person) want you to change. That's not a recipe for lasting change.
Hebrews 13:8-9
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them."
Hypnotherapy does not direct you in any way about your philosophy, your morals, your beliefs, or your cultural practices. It is not a teaching; it is a tool for increased self-control over the subconscious thoughts and behaviours that you deem to be your weakness.
Deuteronomy 18:9-13
“9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering,[a] anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God,"
Hypnotherapy doesn't ask you to sever ties with your family, and it's not a form of psychic phenomena, divination, sorcery, necromancy, magic, or fortune-telling. Actually, it has more in common with prayer and meditation than any of these things.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
"12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."
I never claim to be doing the work of God and, through experience, I have learned that I have special skills but no special powers. I provide a service which uses a tool to access your subconscious mind. It's a tool that not many mental health practitioners have access to or use skilfully, but it's a tool that helps you achieve the changes in life you have been striving for.
Matthew 12:43-45
43 “Now when the unclean spirit departs from the person, it goes through waterless places seeking rest[a], and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from where I came-out’. And having come, it finds it being unoccupied, having been swept and put-in-order[b]. 45 Then it proceeds and takes along with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself. And having gone in, they dwell there, and the last[c] state of that person becomes worse than the first. So it will be[d] also with this evil generation”.
Hypnotherapy has nothing to do with casting out demons, exorcisms, or evil spirits. If you believe that demons or spirits are possessing you, please do not call me. I cannot help you with this affliction.
If you interpret this verse as speaking about the fear or likelihood of replacing one destructive behaviour with another worse one (or seven), please mention that to me in the initial phone-call, as I have some tactics you can implement to ensure that you don't do that post-session.
If you have concerns about the compatibility of hypnotherapy with your religious beliefs, it is advisable to consult with a religious leader or seek guidance from a trusted source within your faith community. They can provide insights based on their understanding of your religious teachings and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your beliefs. Remember that personal interpretations of religious texts may differ, and opinions can vary among different religious groups and individuals. It's important to approach these discussions with an open mind and seek guidance from trusted sources within your own religious tradition.
Which Christian groups approve of the use of hypnosis?
Are there any Christians groups that expressly forbid it?
Roman Catholics, the Anglican Church, and Lutherans actively support and utilise hypnosis in helping people.
On the other hand, the Church of Christ, the Seventh-day Adventists, the evangelical church, fundamentalists, and charismatics tend to preach and teach against it. Most churches and groups are in the middle where hypnosis is really not an issue.
One question you might like to ponder is, why would a natural method of psychological therapy be shunned by someone who leads a congregation of people wanting to lead their best life?
I have my own suspicions about why that might be.
This video is a very illuminating as to why some church leaders may not want you to look too closely into how hypnosis works.
Hypnotherapy isn't about giving someone else control of your mind.
It's all about you gaining control of your subconscious mind.
It's important to note that individual perspectives within any religious tradition can vary widely, and many religious groups do not have explicit doctrines regarding hypnosis. Moreover, attitudes toward hypnosis can evolve over time as societies and religious communities engage with new information and perspectives. Unfortunately a lot of the published articles I have found online range from woefully misinformed on how hypnotherapy works, to obviously insane in the fear of demonic possession.
If you have concerns about hypnosis and its compatibility with your religious beliefs, it's recommended to consult with a knowledgeable religious leader or scholar within your specific faith tradition. They can provide insights that are specific to your religious context and beliefs. If you have decided against it, I have no interest in arguing with you to try to change your decision. After all, a hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you do not want to do.
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Luke O'Dwyer
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