In the first blog on Christianity and Hypnosis, I talked about the past from the 1800's forward and how the Bible shows examples. As we continue moving toward more recent years, hypnosis has become more acceptable and my hope for the future is that it will be mainstream because of its helpfulness. However, there are still others who mistakenly see it as a tool of the devil. I have felt a need for the last 25+ years to educate people on the special God-given ability to overcome problems and or enhance their lives. Rev. Paul Durbin, Minister, and Hypnotist says the foundation of his work in hypnotherapy is based on what he refers to as the human trinity. Whether you are a Christian or not, you would probably know what we refer to as the Holy Trinity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He believes we have a human trinity. Each one of us is a trinity within ourselves. I am a trinity; you are a trinity. The human trinity is made is up of the mind, body, and spirit. We are physical, mental, and emotional beings. These three aspects of being are so different and yet so integrated that one part of the human trinity cannot be affected without it affected on the other two. If you have a physical problem, it affects you spiritually and emotionally. If you have a spiritual problem, it affects you physically and emotionally. If you have an emotional problem, affects you spiritually and physically. Hypnosis can be used as a bridge between the conscious and the subconscious mind. Though you only have one mind it has 2 parts conscious and subconscious. The conscious is the logical, reasoning, and analytical two-plus part of your mind. The conscious part of your mind makes up about 10% of your thinking power. The subconscious part of your mind makes up about 90% of your thinking power. It does not think logically, and it is concerned with bringing your deepest wishes, desires, and expectations, even if they are not contrary to logic and you’re well-being. The subconscious mind does not care that your body is hurt, rather than your deepest needs are met. If your greatest need is affection, and the only time you experience affection is when you are sick, you may get sick to receive affection. This occurs even though you do not like being sick. Our minds take things out of context and we just do not know why it does this. The subconscious mind cannot tell you the difference between a wish and a fear. If the fear becomes dominant, the fear is received by the subconscious mind as a wish. We each come with our history: religious, personally, and professionally. Rev. Paul Durban said he came as a Christion Minister who looked upon hypnosis as a valuable tool for counseling. Coming from a religious profession and working in a church-related hospital, he was often asked, "Why does one of the religious faiths need hypnosis?” or “How can you use hypnosis? Isn’t there a conflict between religious faith and hypnosis?” He believed that these questions can be responded to by referring to the statement of Jesus in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” Hypnosis is one of the gifts of God which helps people experience the “more abundant life.” Hypnosis is neither anti-religious nor pro-religious. It can be used for good or bad depending on the hypnotist and the subject. Today, more religious groups accept the proper ethical use of hypnosis for helping people. Exceptions for Christian Science, Seventh Day-Adventist, and some individuals of the various church. In recent years, the Seventh Day-Adventists have lessened their resistance by using relaxation therapy and suggestion therapy. A hypnotist by the name of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby greatly helped Mary Baker Eddy overcome an illness and she used many of his teachings and techniques in developing the Christian Science Church. Though Quimby used hypnosis to help her, she denounced hypnosis while using techniques. Though many in various churches opposed to hypnosis are using the principle of hypnosis (relaxation, concentration, suggestion, and repetition) in their healing services, they denounced hypnosis. For those who opposed hypnosis on religious grounds, Rev. Durban reminded them of the words of Baptist Van Helmont, "Hypnosis is a universal agent...and is a paradox only to those who are disposed to ridicule everything and who ascribe to Satan all phenomena which they cannot explain.” The Roman Catholic Church has issued statements approving the use of hypnosis. In 1847, a decree from the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Cross stated, “Having removed misconceptions, foretelling of the future, an explicit invocation of the devil, hypnosis is indeed merely an act of making use of the physical media that are otherwise licit and hence it is morally forbidden provided it does not end toward an illicit end or anything depraved.” The Late Pope Pius gave his approval of hypnosis. He stated that the use of hypnosis by health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment is permitted. In 1956, in an address from the Vatican on hypnosis in childbirth, the Pope gave these guidelines. (1) Hypnotism is a serious matter, and not something to be dabbled in. (2) In it is scientific use the precautions dictated by both science and morality are to be used. (3) Under the aspect of anesthesia. It is governed by the same principles as other forms of anesthesia. This is to say that the rules of good medicine apply to the use of hypnosis. Except for exceptions noted no other Protestant or Orthodox Churches have any laws against the proper-ethical uses of hypnosis. Rev. Durbin says to the best of his knowledge, there has been no opposition to the uses of hypnosis in the Jewish faith when used for the benefits of mankind. A lot of the eastern faiths, such as Buddhism, Yoga, Shintoism, Hinduism, and others approve of the use of hypnosis and they often use hypnosis in their worship. The Moslem religion has no opposition to hypnosis as well. There are so many books referring to hypnosis declaring a profound dislike and misunderstanding of hypnosis and its uses. One such book by Martin and Deidra Bagdon Hypnosis and Christianity had written "Before hypnotism becomes the new panacea from the pulpit, followed by a plethora of books on the subject: it claims, methods and long-term results should be considered. Arthur Shapiro has said, ‘One man's religion is another man's superstition, and one man's magic is another man's science.' Hypnosis has become science and medicine for some Christians with little proof of its validity, longevity, or understanding of its nature. Because so many unanswered questions about its usefulness and so many potential dangers about its usage, Christians would be wise to shun hypnosis.” The Bagdon’s should be reminded that people have been harmed by the misuse of some Christian Churches as well as other religions. Should that mean since someone misused the Christian religion, we should all avoid it? Whether the Bagdon’s did study hypnosis or not, it was not without bias, or they would not be afraid of it. They would be amazed at their abilities, which I have found personally as well as with 25+ years of working with clients. Many of God's gifts have been used incorrectly, but that should not distract from the gift when used for the benefit of mankind and the glory of God. God blesses all activities that benefit people. Did you know there is a National Association of Clergy Hypnotists? The National Association of Clergy Hypnotherapists (NACH) joined the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) as Clergy Special Interest Group (CSIG/NGH) 1997 (Dr. William Curtis, a Presbyterian Minister, was the founder and first President of The National Association of Clergy Hypnotherapists and the first to received "The Hypnosis and Religion In an address to NACH Rev. Fred R. Krauss, said "religion has traditionally used hypnotic techniques in a variety of ways. The atmosphere of the religious service is geared to the induction of the trance state. The architecture, décor, and religious symbols have a profound spiritual effect on believers. The alter, cross, and flickering candles provide a fixation point for concentration and meditation. In prayer, most Christians bow their heads and close their eyes which can be a similar experience to hypnosis.” Rev. Krauss continued to say that prayer and meditation were the nicest hypnotic inductions of all. Everything is there that should be, including a harmony of body, mind, and spirit that enhances communication by God. By assuring the appropriate posture, closing your eyes, bowing heads, listening, and responding with an amen. In the sermon, the pastor uses voice inflections, modulations, and repetitive ideas with anecdotes, Bible stories, and other illustrations. Prayer and meditation are traditional Christian disciplines that parallel what we call autosuggestion. Of course, autosuggestions are not the only aspects of prayer for through prayer, we can open our minds to God. When we are open and responsive, prayer is communication with God. If I understand the point Rev. Krauss was making; uses of hypnotic procedures in worship and Christian experience are blessed by God. Jesus often spoke in parables or used stories that still bring vivid word pictures which teach lessons about life. Proverbs 23:7 KJ 7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7” for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap KJ”. My interpretation is what is shown through the conscious mind through thoughts and images into the subconscious tends to become reality. Mental images give the subconscious mind a model to work towards, good or bad. An example of this would be to think back to a time when you were angry, feel it, experience it, and let it go. Think back to a time when you were really happy, feel it, experience it and keep it. By thought, you make feelings present again. The use of positive imagery improves life and health. Until there is an image in your mind there can be no reality. All great inventions began with a thought in the mind. The people who were able to make the inventions were able to visualize or imagine the invention before they could bring it to reality. The same is true with music, great writing, or great living. Proverbs 28:18 wrote that where there is no vision, the people perish. Have you ever heard a broadcaster at a sporting event say, “It’s a new game folks?” That usually means the score is tied. It is like starting over again. The past is still there; however, we can begin from where we are now. They keep playing from where they were at. We begin where we are, but with the proper uses of relaxation, imagery, hypnosis, and uplifting expectations becomes a “brand new game.” As I said in the 1st blog of Religion and Christianity it took me, this ignorant of what a hypnosis person is, 30 years ago, to come around and understand that God gave me and you, this powerful gift to help us overcome problems, make changes to enhance our lives. Jesus said, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to teach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to those in captivity to pain, fear, and phobias, give sight to the emotionally and spiritually blind and set at liberty those who are bound by unwanted habits. Rev. Durbin says, “as members of different denominations and religions, let us join hands in brotherhood to share the blessings of hypnosis with others. Thanks for reading these 2 blogs and hearing me out, this is a passion and a conviction I have felt for many years from God to help others overcome challenges, enhance lives, and what an honor it has been. If you would like more information and scriptures to go with these blogs, please send me a request.

If you listened to the video on my website, you know my story about how I got interested in doing hypnosis/hypnotherapy for a living. I was introduced to it by my brother who quit smoking after 1 session and decided to start a small side business helping others. I was not interested in the path he was taking. We were Catholic and I believed it was going against our faith. In my ignorance I would pray for him thinking he was beginning to do the work of Satan, this was something way out of my comfort zone, for a couple of years I refused to hear him out. However, over time I allowed him to educate me, after what I had heard, I began allowing him to work with me. One of the convincers was that Hypnosis was approved by the Catholic Church in the '50s as well as the American Medical Association to aid in healing. As I started my business over 25 years ago, people were a lot like I was, not believing in Hypnosis they would throw away my business cards as I would walk away from them. Some were afraid to look at me in the eyes, as if I had control over them, or doing something to them, a lot of others thought as I did, this was not something Christians should do. Again, to our ignorance, the name Hypnosis conjures up a lot of different thought processes, a lot of them are negative. They judged me as I judged my brother. I am sharing information from Rev. Paul Durbin Chaplain, Ph.D./Hypnotist in this and the second part of this blog. He said the first written recorded use is found in the book of Genesis 2:21-22. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to sleep very deeply, and while he was asleep, God removed one of the man’s ribs. Then God closed-up the man’s skin at the place where he took the rib. 22 The Lord God used the rib from the man to make a woman, and then he brought the woman to the man. (NCV) “God used Hypnosis as an anesthesia so that Adam felt no pain”. Chaplain W. Leo Peacock has a New Testament illustration in a paper he wrote “Religious Hypnosis and Personal Control”. He is making a point with his interpretation of Matthew’s account of Joseph’s dream concerning taking Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20-25) Peacock writes that this is a clear description of an individual being hypnotized, while under hypnosis given a post-hypnotic-suggestions which he immediately acts as soon as he came out of the hypnotic state (trance). Laying on of Hands The practice of “laying on hands” in the bible uses techniques from Hypnosis. Acts 28:8 NCV 8 Publius’ father was sick with a fever and dysentery. [a] Paul went to him, prayed, and put his hands on the man and healed him. There is also a reference in the book of Acts (Acts 14:9-10) where an apostle looking into the eyes or gazing into the eyes resulting in healing. 9 As this man was listening to Paul speak, Paul looked straight at him and saw that he believed God could heal him. 10 So he cried out, “Stand up on your feet!” The man jumped up and began walking around. Rev. Paul Durban tells the story of 2 Roman Catholic Priest in the eighteen Century who used hypnosis to gain a reputation as a healer, Father Hell, and Father Gassner. Due to their influence, Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer played a significant role in the history of this industry. Father Gassner would those who wanted to be healed brought into a room and would tell them to wait. As they allowed their expectations to grow, Father Gassner would majestically enter the room, lower his cross on the head of the patient and command them to sleep. The patient would collapse and upon command would rise to praise God for Healing. Father Hell used hypnotic techniques and metal plates. He believed that illness occurred when the magnetism of the body was out of polarization. He would have his patients lie down and pass metal plates over them. His suggestions and the passing of the metal plates seemed to cure those who came to him for healing. This all leads to belief. In the more modern history of hypnosis is considered, to begin with, Franz Mesmer (1735-1815) was greatly influenced by Father's Gassner and Hell. Mesmer decided it was the metal in Father Gassner’s cross that caused cures as well as the religious significance of the cross. If the metal in the cross could bring cures, perhaps it could be used for healing. With this information and other experiments made by Father Hell in mind, Mesmer began to develop his theory of "Animal Magnetism.” In the middle 1800s, three doctors, Elliotson, Esdaile, and Braid, who coined the word “hypnosis” used hypnosis in their medical practice. Both Elliotson and Esdaile performed many surgeries with only hypnotic anesthesia, it has been reported that the mortality rate for major surgery was about 50%. There were several hundred people operated on by Esdaile (using hypnosis) mortality rate dropped to 5% and in none of the fatal cases was death an immediate outcome of the surgery. Dr. James Esdaile (1808-1859) wrote that (A) hypnosis is a natural God-given method is healing. (B) The power produced by the unconscious mind of one under hypnosis is similar both in quality, character, and degree with the power of the creator. (C) All men have within them special power given by God, the power of hypnosis—to direct their movement and provide for themselves. Doctors Mesmer, Elliotson, Esdaile were condemned by their fellow doctors for their uses of hypnosis. I remember reading some research on hypnosis and quitting smoking. The doctor said at the end of his research paper. There is not a lot of research on hypnosis, mainly because of the stigma that comes with it. He was incredibly surprised to see the results of his research and would continue to move forward learning and researching more. Please look for Part 2 of Christianity and Hypnosis for the more modern approach. You can also request another paper with more information and scriptures too along with both part 1 and part 2 .