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Though the title of this paper is "Hypnosis and Religious Faith", it will be dealing primarily with Hypnosis and Judeo-Christian faith." Whether you are a Christian or not, whether you are religious or not, many of your clients come to you as religious people, most of whom will have a Judeo-Christian background. The better you understand the client's religious history, the better you can relate to that person and help that person. This article will provide information to assist you answer questions that people of religious faith may present concerning hypnosis. What does the Bible say? What is the position of various Christian Churches in regards to hypnosis, What is the position of the major non-Christian religions concerning hypnosis?
A few years ago, I read an article by Kathleen Dohney, (Family Weekly, August 19, 1984) titled, "Boom Days For Devil Hypnosis". Hearing that title: what ideas, images, thoughts come to you? I thought the article had what I considered a very negative title; it was a very positive article on hypnosis in the health care field. The only reference to the devil was in the last paragraph, "Some conservative religious groups consider hypnosis to be the work of the devil."
Hypnosis is mistakenly viewed as mind control or demonic by many people. Recently I received a physician consult to work with a woman for pain management. As I explained the process of relaxation, imagery and hypnosis; I could see that she was very responsive. As I concluded my pre-talk, she said, "I am really looking forward to this experience, but I need to tell you that my daughter is a self-proclaimed born-again Christian and she may say something negative to you about this. If so, do not pay any attention to her, for I am the one who is hurting and I want this."
As I completed the induction, the phone rang. I told the patient, "Just allow the ringing of the phone and my answering it to add to your relaxation." I answered the phone, "This is Mrs. Doe's room. As she is in therapy, please call back in 30 minutes," and hung up the phone.
When the procedure was completed, I walked out of the room and there was her daughter...