BIBLICAL BRIEFS 82
The word ‘hypnosis’ in Greek means ‘dream’ and indicates the state of consciousness as if someone sleeps but is actually awake. In the mythology, Hypnos is the personalized spirit of sleep, represented with a horn full of opium and water from the Lethe River (= to forget). He lives in Cerebos, the land of eternal darkness. His twin brother is Thanatos, who represents Death. These literary references should already point out that the practice of hypnosis can be associated with the underworld or dark side. Considering the fact that the father of hypnosis, Franz Mesmer (where our word “mesmerizes” originated from, which also means “hypnotizing”), has discovered it as part of his occultist practice, because it is similar to transitions that occur during séances. This should prompt believers to think twice before getting involved. It is true that many of our daily exposure (e.g. advertising, television/music/movies/computer games/praise and worship services/soaking/YouTube videos) sometimes result in subliminal (subconscious) programming and make use of exactly the same techniques as hypnosis (relaxation, concentration, suggestion and repetition). Hypnosis is actually an extreme form of repetition of suggestion, and can also be self-induced. The main problem with hypnosis is that it is, in essence, a form of mind-control, and thus can be misused. There are some believers of the opinion that the person being hypnotized is exposing their thinking faculty to demonic activity (also in anaesthesia and, for example, during the “slain-in-the-spirit” Toronto type experiences). There is also the possibility of false memories planted in the subconscious by suggestion. Yet there is very good feedback from hypnosis as an ethical treatment practice in the healing of addictions (such as smoking, drugs), pain, trauma, fears, obsessions, diseases (such as bulimia and anorexia), and so forth. (Refer to John Court’s book: Hypnosis, Healing and the Christian.) But – the changing or modification of thoughts should primarily be (a) part of believer’s spiritual growth (Rom. 12:2), and does not additionally need to be supported by hypnosis. 1Cor. 6:12 could be applicable to the practice of hypnosis: “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be brought under the control of anything.” But it is especially also applicable to smoking as an addiction.
Dr Tom Gouws
