Oprah is NOT a New Ager: A Deep Dive.

Read More

Yoga Uncoiled!

Read More

Is the Enneagram Scriptural?

 

Read More

A Woman's Relationship with Spirit Guides Turns Sour

 To go to her blog click https://www.truthbehindyoga.com/

Read More

Why I Stopped Teaching Yoga and Reiki, to Follow Jesus!

 

Read More

Letter to a Friend Involved with Reiki - Chapter 39

Letter to a Friend Involved with Reiki

Dear Friend, 

It was interesting to talk to you. It makes me have to think to find answers to the questions you addressed. But I think we need to ask and answer the questions: Do all roads lead to truth? Is there only one way? Is there more than one way? Since God’s Word says that all things work together for good to them that love God, I believe in our search for truth, we may go down different paths.

Jesus said, 

They that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.[1]

In Isaiah we read,

Ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.[2]

Jesus’ own words convey the same sentiment,

Seek and ye shall find.[3]

In my own personal experience, I rejected the God of Christianity, Christ and the organized religion of both Catholicism and Protestantism because of the hypocrisy and lack of spirituality that I saw in both of them. In my youth, I didn’t meet one priest or minister against the war in Vietnam or against the military industrial complex. They were just part of the club and though they sympathized with my problem of having to go to war, they felt it was my duty to obey my government. Therefore, I searched in Buddhism, yoga, Transcendental Meditation, organic foods, fasting, and Judaism for the answers.

However, after reading and searching intensely on the subject of what I should do about the war, which none of the above answered, I finally found the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount that said,

Ye have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on the right cheek, turn to him the other, also,[4]

and later,

Ye have heard that it has been said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thy enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.[5]

The Early Christians suffered persecution under the Romans, but lived out their faith. They went to the lions and torturous deaths, and yet testified of their faith in Christ’s doctrine of love. My stand against the military ultimately came from the following the words of Christ. Even before I experienced salvation’s rebirth in Christ, I received moral strength from reading Jesus’ words in the New Testament, where yoga, meditation, and fasting had failed me.

Since you agree that there are absolutes and therefore absolute truth exists, then we must look at the different religions and their truth claims to see which one or ones actually lead us to the truth. Oddly enough, almost all the religious ideologies claim to be the only way to salvation, or the best way to salvation, or the old and forgotten way to salvation, or the newly-found again way to salvation.

But since almost every one of the religions in the world make the same claim and contradict one another in their claims, they cannot all be true. They may all have truth. But even a lie is often coated in truth in order to deceive. If something is true, then something that contradicts it cannot be true. 

In other words, something cannot be true and false at the same time, unless you play word games, like the above quote. But unclear mystical concepts are very common in India where their meaning of “reality” is that ‘reality’ is an “illusion,” and therefore, is not “real,” which leads to an illogical contradiction or anti-logic. In math we say, if y equals 3, then y cannot equal not 3. “God is love” and “God is the absence of love” cannot both be true because they are contradictory.

The Bible says that Christ was crucified and rose bodily from the dead.[6] The Koran says that Jesus

was not crucified but God let another person be substituted for Him. Therefore, there was no resurrection. The Bible and the Koran contradict one another. Both cannot be true. The statement that all religions basically teach the same thing, unconditional love, is not true. The Koran says we cannot really know God. Only by following the Five Pillars of Islam can a man have a chance of maybe gaining salvation upon death, unless he dies as a martyr in the cause of Islam. That is not to say that followers of Islam cannot be very loving people. 

In my visit to the Saharawi refugees in southern Algeria, I met a very loving Muslim man. His love and sensitivity towards me when I was sick and needed help was beyond anything I ever experienced in my relationship with people in Europe. But even though he was a loving and caring person that does not necessarily mean that the creed of Islam is true. The Bible says,

God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.[7]

I believe people like my Muslim friend who are really walking in love are close to God. Jesus said,

He that receives you, receives Me.[8]

I believe that although the circumstances made it hard for us to talk to him more intimately about Christ, by his receiving us so cordially, he was actually receiving Christ whom he knew we represented. In the same chapter where John says

God is love.[9]

He also says, 

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (or prove) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, but is that spirit of Antichrist.[10]

Are the spirits that people are channelling with in Reiki believers in Jesus Christ?

Jesus said, 

I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes unto the father, but by me.[11]

He said, 

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness (and you believe it is light), how great is that darkness (because you believe the darkness is light).[12]

Apostle Paul said that even the Devil himself can appear as an angel of light.[13] Apostle John said that the “beast,” Satan’s man during the Last Days, would perform great signs and wonders so that the whole world would believe in him.[14]

From my experience and from reading the Bible, I am under the conviction that all the religions can be placed under two categories. The first are those that profess that one must obey certain rules, or do certain exercises, eat certain foods, etc, to be saved. The second are those who profess that man is incapable of saving himself and he needs a Savior.

In the first group, we can put false Christianity or Churchianity or religiosity in whatever form or sect it appears, plus all the other “isms,” sects, and spiritual movements of both East and West which teach us that we can save ourselves through our own efforts whether they be meditating, calling upon certain spiritual entities, using certain signs, symbols, or rocks, eating or not eating certain foods, performing certain rituals, wearing certain symbols, chanting certain lines, etc. Though these ‘isms’ may contain some truth, they profess to be the truth in order to gain converts and disciples. But the truth is they are not “the truth.”

The truth is that man is not capable of saving himself by his own self righteous efforts. That is why the world is like it is today. The world needs a Savior. We long for a Savior. Not just some ethereal concept of salvation. The Bible says we are made in God’s image.[15] Because of that we are able to think, communicate, use language, create and love. If God is just some “universal energy” or “life force” why should we have a conscience telling us the difference between right and wrong? 

The belief in the Christian God of the Bible gives ample reasons for why we can love, reason, judge, create, think and feel. The Bible says God is love.[16] But it also says He’s a consuming fire.[17] The Bible says that Jesus stands at the right hand of the Father [18] and that Jesus will judge the living and the dead.[19] When we die, we are not just reunited with the universal life force or energy; we are reunited with the Person of Christ, and with the departed saints who are surrounding us now like a great cloud of witnesses.[20]

It is not true that all the religions teach the same principle, unconditional love. The Bible does teach that God has an unconditional love for us. However, if we reject God’s love for us, He will not overrule our free will. If other faiths teach something similar, it’s like the example of the counterfeit bill. The counterfeit has to be pretty close to the real to pass off as the truth. Therefore, even false religious beliefs need to have some universal truths in their doctrines in order to be believed.

Jesus not only preached love, he lived and died in love for the sins of mankind, both you and me. We cannot save ourselves.[21] We need a Savior to cleanse us from our impurities. If we depend upon our own ability to cleanse ourselves, or the calling upon spirits or angels to do so, we will be found to fall short. Only Christ alone can redeem sin, the only begotten Son of God. Our own righteous efforts cannot save us or keep us saved. It’s Christ alone. The Bible says,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.[22]

No one else died for the sins of mankind and testified of the truth of His doctrine through the mighty miracles He did. His final resurrection from the dead confirmed His divinity. Death was swallowed up in victory. [23] Only Christ died and rose from the dead.[24] This is the foundation stone of Christianity. No other faith has such a firm foundation. The Bible also is a living book full of prophecies which Christ fulfilled. It is a book full with prophecies yet to be fulfilled.

I was young and energetic like you when I first experienced the love of God during a drug trip. At that epiphany experience I asked, “Is this is what Jesus was all about?” But since I did not know any real Christians, I looked elsewhere. The New Age Movement, which has only recently arrived in Portugal, had been made popular through the Beatles’ music. Eastern thought and Transcendental Meditation became the intellectual norm. I bought into it fully and filled my heart and mind with the popular New Age books of that era.

I meditated, did yoga, fasted, and ate organic food cooked only in a special way to gain my spirituality. But it was never enough. Even with all my effort it was never enough. I always came down from the high, got impatient, did something unloving, and became discouraged - especially with my inability to stay on that spiritual high. I couldn’t keep the spiritual high. I couldn’t maintain a state of righteousness. Thank God I found the truth was much simpler. I found true Christianity; I found the power of God’s Word, comfort of the Holy Spirit and the discernment and wisdom that knowing God’s Word gives.

Jesus said, 

My Word is truth.[25]

He said, 

If you continue in My Word, then... you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.[26]

But He also warned that many would come in His name saying they were Christ and deceive many.[27] [28] Paul tells us there will be a great falling away first and then shall the man of sin be revealed,[29] the Antichrist. Paul also admonished that even the Devil himself can appear as an angel of light.[30] And Jesus warned that the false Messiahs would do great and mighty miracles,[31] so we know that the Devil and his fallen angels can and do inspire their human followers on earth in the Last Days to perform seeming miracles.[32] Many people will be deceived.

Jesus said the love of many would grow colder.[33] He said men’s behavior would be similar to that of Sodom and Gomorrah[34] before its destruction. He said violence would increase and there would be wars, earthquakes and pestilences like Ebola and Aids, but that all these things were the beginning of sorrows and that things would get worse.[35] Mankind is indeed headed for some apocalyptic events that will shake the foundations of the world. Jesus said that unless He controlled and shortened the destruction mankind would cease to exist, that man would destroy himself.[36]

I believe Reiki is not the truth, but an imitation, a deception. The calling upon the angels of light is in fact the calling upon deceptive spirits who cannot fulfil their promises, but are sent to confuse and disorient the truth-seeker and keep them from the real truth of the Gospel. I have read various testimonies of former Reiki Masters who have, after a sad journey through Reiki, finally found Christ. Some have sent out warnings to others.

I will end here, my friend, to not go on too long. But I will attach two links for you to view on the subject. Catholic Leader Talks About REIKI[37]

and Why Christians Should Avoid Reiki and Energy Healing.[38] 

Or you might want to get the book at the left, The Reiki Danger: Healing that Harms by Eric S. Harz.[39] In my search for the truth, I eventually had no desire for those Eastern philosophies and exercises. The reason though was because I was full of the Word and had found the answers in my in depth study of the Scriptures. Would you be interested in studying more from the Bible? Jesus said if you do,

the truth would set you free.[40]

Will you take up the challenge to “continue in His Word?”[41]

Let me know! We could study the Word together. If you would like to watch a longer video on the subject of Reiki, I have included another one below.[42]

 (End of letter to a Reiki Master)

At this point I would like to apologize if some of the chapters repeat information discussed in previous chapters. Some chapters were written as independent items which I later thought worthwhile to include in the text. Rather than do a lot of editing, I have left them pretty much as they were. But hopefully by repeating the same information, it will make it easier for you to remember.

To go back to the previous chapter click HERE

To go to the next chapter click HERE

To go to the index of chapters for the book click HERE

Notes:

[1] Matthew 5:6
[2] Jeremiah 29:13

[3] Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

[4] Matthew 5:38-39
[5] Matthew 5:43-44

[6] 1Corinthians 15:3-5 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then the twelve:

[7] 1John 4:16

[8] Matthew 10:40
[9] 1John 4:8
[10] 1John 4:1-2
[11] John 14:6
[12] Matthew 6:23 …If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (paraphrased in text)
[13] 2Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

14] Revelation 13:13-14 … and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon (the Devil) which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast?....

[15] Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

[16] 1John 4:8

[17] Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

[18] Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens open, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

[19] Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of the quick (living) and dead.

[20] Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

[21] Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.

[22] Titus 3:5

[23] 1Corinthians 15:54
[24] 1Corinthians 15:3-4
[25] John 17:17
[26] John 8:31-32
[27] Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

[28] Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

[29] 2Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you be any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.

[30] 2Corinthians 11:14

[31] Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

[32] Revelation 13:13-14 And he doeth great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceives them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast….

[33] Matthew 24:12

[34] Luke 17:28-30 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fired and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

[35] Matthew 24:6-8 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; ss that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

[36] Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

[37] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5C7t_XEAdU
[38] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR6Wus-F6j4&ab_channel=DoreenVirtue (accessed 09/2020)
[39] https://www.amazon.com/Reiki-Danger-Healing-that-Harms/dp/0966830105
[40] John 8:32
[41] John 8:31

[42] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkiNFjzJ6y4&ab_channel=DoreenVirtue (accessed 09/2020)

To go back to the previous chapter click HERE

To go to the next chapter click HERE

To go to the index of chapters for the book click HERE

Read More

Top Five New Age Teachings in the Church

Read More

Influential New Age Guru Encounters Jesus

Read More

Former Reiki master & occultist exposes demonic manifestations

Read More

Who is this Allah?

Read More

Reiki and the New Age Movement

By Dennis Edwards:

I want to touch a little more on the subject of the New Age Religions including Reiki before going any further in our study.

One of the first promoters of the New Age Religion was none other than Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was well versed in the New Testament and quoted often from the words of Jesus. In his mixture of Hinduism and Christian thought, he developed his idea of political non-violence encouraging his followers to not offer physical resistance to government abuse, but to maintain a pacifistic position. Quoting from the Sermon on the Mount, he said, 

Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.[1]

Asked if he admired Jesus Christ so much, why did he not become a Christian? Gandhi replied, he would become a Christian if he ever met a real follower of the words of Christ. George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, was para-phrased to have said something similar: 

Christianity might be a good thing if anyone ever tried it.[2] 

The mixture of Christianity with Eastern religions became quite popular in the 1960s. The Beatles trip to India, leading to George Harrison’s conversion to Hinduism, resulted in their influencing their generation with Eastern ideas. Many of their songs like “My Sweet Lord” promoted Eastern religious concepts. The Christian West enjoyed “My Sweet Lord” thinking it was dedicated to Jesus Christ. In reality the song was to Lord Krishna and incorporated the words Hare-Krishna. Those words later became a familiar sound by the Hare Krishnas who were known for their continual chanting as they walked through the streets and parks looking for new converts. In fact the Krishnas are expected to chant Hare-Krishna at least two hours a day as a way of connecting with the Hindu god Krishna. 

We need to understand that the Eastern idea of reality, their world view, is totally different to the Western Christian idea. In the Eastern world view, man is captured by his karma in a continual cycle of death and rebirth. Man is doomed to be born again and suffer another life if he cannot improve his karma. Only by connecting with the universal life force or energy can man overcome his bad karma and be released back into the cosmic energy and find his “salvation.” This is usually accomplished through the help of a guru or spiritual guide. One’s ultimate salvation is in the re-uniting with the universal energy or spirit with the complete death of self. 

There is no personal entity in the Eastern world view of salvation or nirvana, but rather the reuniting of your spirit-energy with the great spirit-energy of the universe. Therefore, everything becomes God or part of God, you, me, the trees, the animals, everything is God. The Eastern world view also has no concept of sin. Man is born in ignorance and has to be illuminated. Those who have been enlightened and overcome karma are the gurus who teach others how they too can overcome their karma. 

In the Judeo-Christian world view, man was made by God in a perfect state and had perfect fellowship with God. Man fell from that state through disobedience to God having been deceived by Satan, a rebellious angel. God promised a way of salvation and reconnection with Him. His promised Redeemer would defeat Satan and open the way to restore man’s broken relationship with God. God later chose Abraham as the father of faith through whom He passed His laws and commandments. God knew Abraham would faithfully teach his children after him, as we have read earlier. 

For I know him (Abraham) that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him.[3]

As a result we have the Old Testament, with hundreds of specific prophecies foretelling of the life of the Redeemer who was to come. The prophecies were fulfilled in Christ, who Paul rightly explains is the way of salvation. In the Judeo-Christian worldview of death we are given once to die, but after that the judgment.[4] There is no continual cycle of birth, death and rebirth. One does not lose his identity in death but faces judgment with reward or due punishment. Only through the accepting of God’s own sacrifice for sin, in His coming into the world and dying for man’s sin on the cross, can death be defeated and the way of salvation found. Salvation is a gift of God offered to us by God’s own sacrificial death on the cross.[5] Satan and death are defeated and the way of salvation is offered to as many as will receive it.[6]

But in today’s New Age generation, we find man rejecting Christ’s position as the Redeemer. Man would rather accept Christ merely as an enlightened one, like the Buddha, Mohammed, or Confucius. To the New Age, Christ did not really rise from the dead. Christianity is merely one of the ways of salvation, and Jesus a mid-Eastern guru showing a path to salvation, a path similar to any of the other paths found in any other religion. Jesus becomes a great moral or spiritual leader or guru and nothing more. Salvation can then be found within many of the differing religious faiths or philosophies. However, commenting upon the above idea, C.S. Lewis said the following: 

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.[7]

We either accept Jesus as Lord, or deny the truth of the Gospel and walk in darkness. When Jesus’ disciples asked Him what would be the sign of His coming and of the end of the world, Jesus warned them that many would be deceived. He said, 

Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.[8]

A few breaths later He repeats Himself and says, 

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.[9]

And then a little later when talking of the Great Tribulation that shall be upon all the world, He says,

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect.[10]

Of course the “elect” that Jesus is talking about here is the same “elect” found throughout the New Testament and comes from the Greek word “eklektos” which means “called out ones,” or “separated ones. ”The Latin “ecclesia” comes from the same word and is translated in our Bibles as “the Church,” which means the saved Christians, the true believers in Christ, and not a building. Not one time in the New Testament does the word “elect” point to or indicate any other group of people than the newly saved believing Christians. Not once does it refer to a special group of Jewish believers, but is always synonymous with the new Christian Church of believers whether formerly Jewish, Greek or Roman.

Paul himself warned that in the “Latter Days” men would seek to the occult for spirituality, 

Now the spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.[11]

He also warns that Satan comes with 

power and signs and lying wonders and because they received not the love of the truth, for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.[12]

Satan can indeed do signs, healings, and even give us a feeling of peace in order to deceive us. God will let us be deceived if deception is what we prefer. However, we do not need to be deceived, because as Paul says, in Christ is 

hid all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge (of God). And this I say less any man should beguile you with enticing words.[13]

In other words, we do not need to look elsewhere for some new hidden wisdom, even if it all sounds good, because all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge is in Christ! Nevertheless, Paul warns, 

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, (why do you willingly listen)?[14]

It seems mankind is very easily tempted by his need for experiencing God with his feelings that he looks elsewhere. But the problem is that our spiritual Enemy, the Enemy of our soul, is seeking to destroy us through deception. Paul writes,

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness.[15]

He warns us that we should not fall for the deception. We should be smarter. 

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.[16]

Jesus said He is the true light. He said, 

I am the light of the world. He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of light.[17]

But the trouble is that 

men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.[18]

Jesus also said, 

I am the way, the truth and the life.[19]

He said that 

if (we) continue in (His) word then (we would be His) disciples indeed, and (we would) know the truth and the truth would set (us) free.[20]

When He prayed to the Father for His disciples He said,

Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth.[21]

But He also warned that we could be deceived. He said,

If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.[22]

God has warned us in His Word that we should not be deceived by another gospel.[23] Reiki claims to be teaching us a method for healing and spiritual strength that was lost but rediscovered sometime recently in Japan. Reiki presents itself as a non-religious healing or stress relief technique open to all people of faith or of no faith. By using pseudo-scientific and metaphysical-sounding terms, the Westerner is captivated by its offers of healing and stress relief. It is even clothed in some very Christian-like terms and concepts. But when we look at Reiki closely we see it is indeed a spiritual practice with the calling upon spiritual entities or “angels” for direction and help ultimately ending in the person having what the Bible calls “a familiar spirit” or spirit guide.

Such practices have been condemned in God’s Word since the times of Moses. The Lord said, 

When you are come into the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord your God does drive them out from before you. You shall be perfect (obedient) with the Lord your God. For these nations, which you shall possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for you, the Lord your God has not suffered you so to do.[24]

Isaiah warns us,

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep (whisper), and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?...To the word and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.[25]

Jesus is 

the true light, which lightens every man that comes into the world, 

not Reiki.[26]

Please pray for those tempted by Reiki and other Eastern religious philosophies. Pray for the Reiki masters who may themselves be seeking for God. We are fighting a spiritual battle, therefore use the weapon of prayer, but also let every man speak the truth in love with his neighbor. God expects us who know the Word to speak up and with meekness instruct

those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.[27]
Notes

[1] Matthew 5:39
[2] http://shawquotations.blogspot.pt/2014/09/christianity-might-be-good-thing-if.html (accessed 03/2016)
[3] Genesis 18:19
[4] Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
[5] Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
[6] John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[7] C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity. http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/6979-i-am-trying-here-to-prevent-anyone-saying-the-really (accessed 03/2016)
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/free-resources-pastors/152257-free-ebook-mere-christianity.html e-book download (03/2016)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwgLVJyZryA áudio part one (03/16)
[8] Matthew 24:4-5
[9] Matthew 24:11
[10] Matthew 24:24
[11] 1Timothy 4:1
[12] 2Thessolonians 2:9-11 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.
[13] Colossians 2:3-4
[14] 2Corinthians 11:3-4
[15] 2Corinthians 11:14-15
[16] 2Corinthians 2:11
[17] John 8:12
[18] John 3:19
[19] John 14:6
[20] John 8:32
[21] John 17:17
[22] Matthew 6:23
[23] Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
[24] Deuteronomy 18:9-14
[25] Isaiah 8:19-20
[26] John 1:9
[27] 2Timothy 2:25-26

Read More

Caryl Matrisciana - Hinduism, Yoga, New Age Teachings have crept into the Church

Read More

Ravi Zacharias - How do we challenge this generation?

Read More

What Christian Parents Need to Know About New Age and Occult Beliefs

http://christianmomthoughts.com/what-christian-parents-need-to-know-about-new-age-and-occult-beliefs/
May 5, 2014 By Natasha Crain - 24 Comments




Today I’m excited to share an interview with Marcia Montenegro!

Marcia was involved for many years in Eastern and New Age beliefs, and was a licensed professional astrologer. She became a Christian in 1990 and today has a ministry called Christian Answers for the New Age. Her ministry exists to 1) educate Christians about the New Age and occult so they can be more discerning and equipped to witness, and 2) reach people in the New Age and the occult with the love and truth of the Gospel. Marcia has a Masters in Religion from Southern Evangelical Seminary and is a missionary with Fellowship International Mission. She has spoken in 30 states, is a frequent radio guest, and has published articles in several Christian publications. She is the mother of an adult son, and is the author of SpellBound: The Paranormal Seduction of Today’s Kids.

I had the opportunity to ask Marcia several questions on what Christian parents need to know about New Age and occult beliefs. This is an area I personally knew very little about before doing this interview. I learned a lot, and I know you will too! As Marcia explains, your kids are probably exposed to these beliefs more than you realize.



1. Marcia, can you start by telling us a little about your own journey from being a professional astrologer to becoming a Christian?

I was deeply involved in the New Age and followed Eastern spiritual teachings (Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist) for many years. I also practiced and taught astrology. I was very hostile to what I viewed as narrow-minded Christianity. In the year I ended my term as President of the Astrological Society in Atlanta, I suddenly experienced a compulsion to go to church. This led me to attend a (very open-minded) church several months later, where I amazingly experienced the feeling of God’s love pouring down on me (from a personal God I didn’t even believe in!). I then gave up astrology. I eventually encountered and began trusting in Jesus while reading the Gospel of Matthew. All of this took place over just 8 or 9 months!



2. Can you help parents understand exactly what “New Age” means, and why New Age ideas are so appealing to young people?

The term “New Age” covers a broad ground and can be difficult to define. The New Age itself doesn’t even use the term “New Age!” The more popular term is “spirituality” – someone forming their own spiritual path. That type of path is usually New Age or partly New Age.

But here is how I define New Age: It is a network of beliefs whose roots areGnostic, Eastern, and New Thought.

The Gnostic part values spiritual above the material/physical; the material is merely a manifestation of the spiritual, so everything is spiritual. In New Age views, the body is a manifestation of the spiritual state.

The Eastern beliefs of Taoism, Hinduism, and Buddhism contribute several ideas to the New Age: principles of reincarnation, an impersonal source that we all come from and go back to, the view that this world is not ultimately real, the claim that there are no absolutes (all spirituality is subjective), and the need for Eastern-based meditation to achieve spiritual understanding or awakening.

Finally, the New Age draws heavily from New Thought, which includes the belief that Jesus came to correct wrong thinking and model how to achieve Christ Consciousness, the awareness of our innate divinity. New Thought also teaches that one’s thoughts and words can bring one’s desires into reality via certain techniques. The bestselling book, The Secret, is a classic example of New Thought. New Thought claims to be Christian and often sounds like it. It is very deceptive.

You can find people in the New Age anywhere along this spectrum from Gnostic to Eastern to New Thought, as well as many who combine these beliefs. Additionally, the New Age adopts some occult views and practices (see my response to the next question.)

The New Age can appeal to young people for several reasons. One is because it is very different from the Judeo-Christian worldview, which makes it intriguing. Another is that it seems to offer ancient wisdom, since Eastern and pagan beliefs were established before Christianity. Some areas of the New Age emphasize the power or divinity of the female, and draw women in that way.

One of the chief appeals is that the New Age is experiential in nature, so what a person experiences and feels is highly valued over objective truth. This allows you to have a customized spirituality, which is especially appealing to young people.



3. Could you also define the occult and explain how occult ideas relate to New Age ideas?

The occult is a set of practices based on Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where God lists and denounces all of them. They are divination (often called fortunetelling),spirit contact, and sorcery.

Divination is the practice of gaining information by reading hidden meanings in nature or patterns (for example, astrology, tarot cards, numerology or palm reading) or via supernatural means (for example, psychic powers).

Spirit contact is seeking information or guidance from disembodied beings, who are believed to be ghosts (dead people), aliens, ascended masters, angels or deities from non-Christian religions.

Sorcery (today usually called ritual or ceremonial magic) involves using the will to bring about a desired end through incantations, rituals, magical tools, contact with spirit beings, and/or the manipulation of powers or energies.

Although many New Agers use occult practices or consult those in the occult, the New Age and occult worldviews differ. The New Age is transcendent and future-oriented; the person is always seen as evolving toward a goal, learning lessons, and eventually being liberated from this life and reality.

The occult is more here-and-now oriented, is more pragmatic in nature, and focuses on the practical use of one’s energy and/or nature’s energy to manifest happiness and results.

As a general disclaimer, New Agers and occultists disagree amongst themselves on their beliefs, and certainly some would likely disagree with my descriptions as well.



4. In your experience, what are the dangers of kids getting interested in these ideas?

My two main concerns are desensitization and glamorization. I believe that the massive amounts of books, TV shows, and movies that promote occultism and heroes/heroines who have occult powers have desensitized the culture as a whole. No longer is it seen as a bad thing for a child to pretend to cast spells, for example; now that is viewed almost endearingly. It is easy to become desensitized to the fact that these activities are evil.

Ultimately, being desensitized can lead to acceptance of New Age or occult beliefs, which in turn can lead to disinterest in or rejection of what God has to say about false beliefs. That acceptance can lead to active participation in New Age or occult practices.



5. Most parents probably aren’t aware of how New Age or occult ideas might touch their kids. Can you give us examples of where kids might encounter New Age or occult ideas in popular culture today?

One of the most popular ways is the Ouija Board, made by Parker Brothers and sold in toy stores. It was originally designed by a Spiritualist as a tool for contacting the dead. The dead cannot respond to us, but fallen angels can and do. They don’t care if you are using the Board as a game. A well-known series of books, the Seth series, came about from the author’s initial contact with an entity calling itself Seth via the Ouija Board. Seth eventually began to speak directly through the author, Jane Roberts, while she was in a deep trance state, and these messages formed the book series (the first one influenced me deeply as a New Ager). There are other cases of people who channeled teachings after using a Ouija Board. It’s not simply a game.

Probably the biggest purveyor of occult concepts is the media: television, video games, and movies which emphasize stories where the hero or heroine wields supernatural powers. Some of these abilities are harmless fantasy (e.g., X-ray vision), while others involve casting spells, using psychic powers, or even contacting spirits. It is common for books and movies to mix fantasy with the occult, further confusing the problem.

Parents often want a list of media to avoid, but it is impossible to maintain such a list. Ideally, parents need to understand Deuteronomy 18:10-12 so they can recognize occult ideas and teach their children to be discerning.

I offer parents a resource for this in my book, SpellBound: The Paranormal Seduction of Today’s Kids (2006), which is now on Kindle and is an e-book on sites such as Barnes & Noble and Christianbook.com. This is a guide for parents (and others) that offers suggestions on how to talk to children about these areas and how to answer objections.



6. What do you feel is the best way to handle New Age/occult exposure with your kids? What should parents say?

My concern is not so much that a TV program or book contains New Age/occult ideas as it is that a program or book glamorizes or promotes them.

A lot depends on the age and maturity of the child. I would say that kids under age 12 should have no exposure to books or media that promote occult ideas, no matter how mildly. At this age, children don’t yet have critical thinking skills and they emotionally identify with the heroes.

For early teens, be very selective and discuss any questionable material that pops up. I would completely avoid books or programs that have a focus on occult themes or have heroes who blatantly practice occultism.

For older teens, there is less control, of course, but if you discover they are reading or have watched something that promotes occult or New Age ideas, have a discussion with them. Ask them what they think of it, show them Scripture, and help them understand it is a fallen world that is under the sway of the evil one (1 John 5:19). Evil things will be accepted and even admired by the world, but that doesn’t make them harmless.

In my book for parents on the occult, I give suggestions at the end of each chapter on how to talk to your children about that chapter’s particular topic.



7. If there are parents reading this whose kids are already involved somehow in New Age/occult ideas, what resources do you recommend to help them?

I have articles on the occult on my website atwww.christiananswersforthenewage.org. Also, aside from my book, there is Jeff Harshbarger’s From Darkness to Light: How to Rescue Someone You Love From the Occult.

For older teens and parents, a resource explaining biblical miracles versus occult paranormal activities is Norman Geisler’s book, Signs and Wonders: Healings, Miracles, and Unusual Events: Which Are Real? Which Are Supernormal? Which Are Counterfeit?

If your child is getting interested or involved in the occult, it is imperative to have a talk with him or her. Don’t postpone it or hope it goes away. At the same time, don’t show fear of it. Ask questions, use Scripture to show why these areas should be avoided, and make it clear you will not allow occult materials in the home. Be low-key about it, but firm. It is your home and your responsibility to guide your child in the wisdom of the Lord.

Read More

La Lucha Espiritual! Español (para os português tambem)

por Maria Gloria Cruz

Dos veredas

La Palabra de Dios nos habla desde Génesis a Apocalipsis de dos caminos, dos veredas que están establecidas en la historia de la raza humana. No hay tres brechas, no hay tres veredas, sólo hay dos caminos, uno que conduce a la vida eterna, al retorno con el Creador, una que nos lleva directamente ante la presencia de Dios, una que conduce a la eternidad.

Pero hay un sendero de muerte, una vereda que parece ser recta, que parece que conduce a un lugar maravilloso, un camino espacioso, hermoso, atrayente, lleno de vivencias humanas, de abundancia, un camino que parece ajeno a las piedras, a los tropiezos, a las caídas, un camino que no requiere arrepentimiento, una camino que pierde la luz lentamente hasta llegar a un túnel oscuro y tenebroso. Es el camino de la muerte, es el sendero que conduce al infierno, a un mundo gobernado por el Príncipe de las Tinieblas.

Mat.7:13 Entrad por la puerta estrecha; porque ancha es la puerta, y espacioso el camino que lleva a la perdición, y muchos son los que entran por ella;

Mat.7:14 porque estrecha es la puerta, y angosto el camino que lleva a la vida, y pocos son los que la hallan.
Una lucha espiritual

Hay una lucha espiritual entre el bien y el mal por el control de nuestras almas. San Pablo nos lo definió muy claro cuando nos advirtió:

“Por lo demás, hermanos míos, fortaleceos en el Señor, y en el poder de Su fuerza. Vestíos de toda la armadura de Dios, para que podáis estar firmes contra las asechanzas del diablo. Porque no tenemos lucha contra sangre y carne, sino contra principados, contra potestades, contra los gobernadores de las tinieblas de este siglo, contra huestes espirituales de maldad en las regiones celestes”. (Efesios 6:10-12)

Es evidente que hay una lucha espiritual, que no podemos ver físicamente pero que quiere cautivar nuestras mentes y finalmente nuestro corazón y espíritu.
Jesús sanó enfermos y echo fuera demonios

Uno de los principales ministerios de Jesús fue el de sanar enfermos y el de echar fuera demonios que estaban poseyendo y molestando a las personas.

Mat.8:16 Y cuando llegó la noche, trajeron a Él muchos endemoniados; y con la palabra echó fuera a los demonios, y sanó a todos los enfermos;

El mundo espiritual es igual ahora que en los tiempos de Jesús. Lo cual quiere decir que los demonios aún tratan de poseer a las personas.

En Proverbios, Salomón nos habla de cómo hay caminos que parecen rectos y que parecen muy buenos pero el fin es muerte.

Pro.14:12 Hay camino que al hombre le parece derecho; pero su fin es camino de muerte.

Pro.16:25 Hay camino que parece derecho al hombre, pero su fin es camino de muerte.

Pro.16:2 Todos los caminos del hombre son limpios en su propia opinión; pero el Señor pesa los espíritus.

Pro.21:2 Todo camino del hombre es recto en su propia opinión; pero el Señor pesa los corazones.
El diablo “ángel de luz”

Y lo que tenemos que darnos cuenta es que si Satanás quiere hacernos caer en su red, NO se nos va a presentar de una forma terrorífica para asustarnos, lo puede hacer disfrazado de “ángel de luz”, nos va a hacer creer que su camino es bueno y que nos va a ir muy bien y nos va a ayudar seguir sus consejos.

Recuerda como le presentó a Eva la fruta prohibida para hacer que ella comiera:

Gén.3:4 Entonces la serpiente dijo a la mujer: No moriréis;

Gén.3:5 sino que sabe Dios que el día que comáis de él, serán abiertos vuestros ojos, y seréis como Dios, sabiendo el bien y el mal.

Gén.3:6 Y vio la mujer que el árbol era bueno para comer, y que era agradable a los ojos, y árbol codiciable para alcanzar la sabiduría; y tomó de su fruto, y comió; y dio también a su marido, el cual comió así como ella.

También S. Pablo nos advirtió sobre como el Diablo puede ser muy engañoso, e incluso disfrazarse como “ser de luz”.

2Cor.11:14 Y no es maravilla, porque el mismo Satanás se disfraza como ángel de luz.

2Cor.11:15 Así que, no es extraño si también sus ministros se disfrazan como ministros de justicia; cuyo fin será conforme a sus obras.

En Ezequiel 28, nos da una descripción de cómo era Satanás antes de caer y vemos que era uno de los querubines más hermosos.

Eze.28:13 En Edén, en el huerto de Dios estuviste; de toda piedra preciosa era tu vestidura; de cornerina, topacio, jaspe, crisólito, berilo y ónice; de zafiro, carbunclo, esmeralda y oro; los primores de tus tamboriles y flautas estuvieron preparados para ti en el día de tu creación.

Eze.28:14 Tú, querubín grande, protector, yo te puse en el santo monte de Dios, allí estuviste; en medio de las piedras de fuego te paseabas.

Eze.28:15 Perfecto eras en todos tus caminos desde el día que fuiste creado, hasta que se halló en ti maldad.

Eze.28:16 A causa de la multitud de tus contrataciones fuiste lleno de iniquidad, y pecaste; por lo que yo te eché del monte de Dios, y te arrojé de entre las piedras del fuego, oh querubín protector.

Eze.28:17 Se enalteció tu corazón a causa de tu hermosura, corrompiste tu sabiduría a causa de tu esplendor; yo te arrojaré por tierra; delante de los reyes te pondré para que miren en ti.

Y en Isaías lo menciona como un lucero, en otras traducciones es Lucifer, lo que significa “portador de luz”.

Isa.14:12 ¡Cómo caíste del cielo, oh Lucero, hijo de la mañana! Cortado fuiste por tierra, tú que debilitabas a las naciones.

Isa.14:13 Tú que decías en tu corazón: Subiré al cielo; en lo alto, junto a las estrellas de Dios, levantaré mi trono, y en el monte del testimonio me sentaré, a los lados del norte;

Isa.14:14 sobre las alturas de las nubes subiré, y seré semejante al Altísimo.

Isa.14:15 Mas tú derribado eres hasta el Seol, a los lados del abismo.

“Seré semejante al Altísimo”, Satanás nunca será Dios pero tratará de parecerse a Él y hacer que las personas le adoren como Dios. Así que esto nos puede dar una idea de que el Diablo no siempre se presenta como algo terrible, sino que se puede presentar como algo muy bueno y apetitoso. Seguramente va a estudiar nuestro lado débil o quizás estudiar las necesidades que tenemos para de alguna forma infiltrarse en nuestras vidas por ahí.

Cuando el tentó a Eva, no le dijo una mentira total, en realidad le dijo la verdad; que en el momento que comiera del fruto prohibido sus ojos se abrirían siendo como dioses conociendo el bien y el mal. Y si sigues leyendo la historia, es justo lo que pasó, Adán y Eva perdieron la inocencia y desde ese momento entró el mal en el corazón del hombre. El Diablo los llevó a desobedecer a Dios y ahí entró la maldición y desde entonces usa los mismos trucos para alejarnos de Dios. Si dijera una mentira muy obvia no lo creeríamos, tiene que usar una media verdad para hacer que nos lo traguemos.

Uno de los trucos que usa es hacer creer a las personas que el Diablo no existe, que son solo energías con las que uno está conectando y jugando para hacer que actúen a nuestro favor. Pero como cristianos sabemos que el Diablo existe porque lo hemos leído en la Palabra de Dios, lo cual nos ayuda a estar alerta de sus maquinaciones.

1Pe.5:8 Sed sobrios, y velad; porque vuestro adversario el diablo, como león rugiente, anda alrededor buscando a quien devorar;

1Pe.5:9 al cual resistid firmes en la fe,
Prácticas de la Nueva Era

Y la verdad es que mucho de estas prácticas de la Nueva Era como son el Reiki, Yoga, Meditación Transcendental, La ley de atracción, etc… hacen sentir bien al individuo al principio. ¿Por qué? Porque usan dinámicas espirituales que funcionan como son la imposición de manos de la cual la Biblia habla para sanar enfermedades.

Mar.16:17 Y estas señales seguirán a los que creen: En Mi nombre echarán fuera demonios; hablarán nuevas lenguas;

Mar.16:18 tomarán en las manos serpientes, y si bebieren cosa mortífera, no les hará daño; sobre los enfermos pondrán sus manos, y sanarán.

A través del Espíritu Santo podemos ser sanados de nuestras enfermedades, siempre que sea la voluntad de Dios, ya que la Biblia nos da unas pautas espirituales por las que puede ser que nos enfermemos y que tenemos que corregir para poder recibir curación.

La Biblia también nos habla mucho sobre la meditación y la oración. Es una práctica que nos hace bien a nuestras almas y nos acerca a nuestro Creador.

Sal.1:2 sino que en la ley del Señor está su delicia, y en Su ley medita de día y de noche.

La Biblia también nos habla mucho de la importancia de la fe y de cómo a través de ella podemos acceder al poder de Dios y ver milagros en nuestra vida.

Mar.11:24 Por tanto, os digo que todo lo que pidiereis orando, creed que lo recibiréis, y os vendrá.

Todo eso son verdades espirituales que nos ayudan y que existen para nuestro beneficio, pero que van atadas a un código de conducta especificado en la Biblia y que si las queremos recibir por otros conductos, es muy posible que sea a través del conducto equivocado.

Claro, estas manifestaciones llaman mucho la atención y son atractivas especialmente si no estamos acostumbrados a ello y estamos buscando espiritualidad en nuestra vida.

Pero así como la serpiente engañó a Eva diciéndole medias verdades, o la verdad coloreada para incitarla a desobedecer, así hace con nosotros. Nos ofrece técnicas que están coloreadas para que las acojamos con los brazos abiertos y entremos por ahí a su mundo espiritual.

2Cor.11:3 Pero temo que como la serpiente con su astucia engañó a Eva, también corrompa vuestros pensamientos apartándolos de la sencillez de Cristo.

2Cor.11:4 Porque si viene alguno predicando a otro Jesús que el que os hemos predicado, o si recibís otro espíritu que el que habéis recibido, u otro evangelio que el que habéis aceptado, bien lo toleráis;

El mismo Jesús dijo que el Diablo es un mentiroso:

Jn.8:44 Vosotros sois de vuestro padre el diablo, y los deseos de vuestro padre queréis hacer. El ha sido homicida desde el principio, y no ha permanecido en la verdad, porque no hay verdad en él. Cuando habla mentira, de suyo habla; porque es mentiroso, y padre de mentira.

Como cristianos deberíamos de conocer muy bien la Biblia para estar muy en guardia de todo lo nuevo que nos presentan como la solución a nuestros problemas y que nos parece muy atrayente. Debemos de aprender a probar los espíritus, tenemos que ser maduros espiritualmente para que no seamos engañados:

Efe.4:14 para que ya no seamos niños fluctuantes, llevados por doquiera de todo viento de doctrina, por estratagema de hombres que para engañar emplean con astucia las artimañas del error,

S. Juan nos advirtió:

1Jn.4:1 Amados, no creáis a todo espíritu, sino probad los espíritus si son de Dios; porque muchos falsos profetas han salido por el mundo.

1Jn.4:2 En esto conoced el Espíritu de Dios: Todo espíritu que confiesa que Jesucristo ha venido en carne, es de Dios;

1Jn.4:3 y todo espíritu que no confiesa que Jesucristo ha venido en carne, no es de Dios; y este es el espíritu del anticristo, el cual vosotros habéis oído que viene, y que ahora ya está en el mundo.

Esto nos da unas buenas pautas para saber si lo que nos están presentando va de acuerdo a la Biblia.

J Generalmente todas estas religiones te dirán que aceptan a Jesús, pero lo aceptan como un maestro más de los muchos que tienen. No lo aceptan como Salvador que es, ni Hijo de Dios que resucitó y que vino a salvarnos del pecado y a darnos vida eterna.

Lucas 6:46 ¿Por qué me llamáis, Señor, Señor, y no hacéis lo que Yo digo?

Romanos 6:13-18 ni tampoco presentéis vuestros miembros al pecado como instrumentos de iniquidad, sino presentaos vosotros mismos a Dios como vivos de entre los muertos, y vuestros miembros a Dios como instrumentos de justicia. (14) Porque el pecado no se enseñoreará de vosotros… (16) ¿No sabéis que si os sometéis a alguien como esclavos para obedecerle, sois esclavos de aquel a quien obedecéis, sea del pecado para muerte, o sea de la obediencia para justicia? (17) Pero gracias a Dios, que aunque erais esclavos del pecado, habéis obedecido de corazón a aquella forma de doctrina a la cual fuisteis entregados; (18) y libertados del pecado, vinisteis a ser siervos de la justicia.

Diferencias entre Reiki, Yoga, otras tendencias y el cristianismo.

Y esto nos lleva a estudiar un poco más a fondo las diferencias entre uno y el otro y porqué es imposible decir que es Reiki cristiano o Yoga cristiano.

Quiero dejar sentado que no soy una experta en estas prácticas, pero he tenido que investigar un poco para discernir que son y lo poco que he leído me ha dado una idea bastante clara de lo que es. Se necesitaría mucho tiempo para realmente profundizar en este tema y hay bastante en Internet, más en el mundo de habla inglesa, dónde ya muchos cristianos se están dando cuenta de dónde lleva todo esto.

Reiki, Yoga, Meditación Trascendental, etc..

Cristianismo

Son ideologías filosóficas panteístas. Es la creencia de que el universo (con todas sus extensiones celestes y criaturas) y Dios son lo mismo, o sea, son uno. Es decir, Dios no es un ser en particular ni una simple energía; y cada criatura es un aspecto o una manifestación de Dios, que es concebido como el actor divino que desempeña a la vez los innumerables papeles de humanos, animales, plantas, estrellas y fuerzas de la naturaleza.

Cree en un Dios creador del Universo y de la naturaleza, de todo lo que vemos. Dios Padre, Dios Hijo (Jesús) y el Espíritu Santo (poder de Dios).

Su divinidad se manifiesta en su creación pero la creación no es Dios.

Creen en la reencarnación, el karma. Uno tiene que ganarse la salvación a través de las reencarnaciones.

Cree en la salvación y perdón de nuestros pecados a través de Jesús, sin tener la necesidad de purgar nuestros pecados por nosotros mismos regresando una y otra vez a la tierra para ello.

Reiki usa símbolos con los cuales se supone que se abre la puerta a estos “guías espirituales para sanar”. Uno de los símbolos es la serpiente.

Yoga a través de sus posturas, abre el espíritu para conectar con ciertas divinidades. Una de las prácticas es imaginar la serpiente que asciende por nuestro cuerpo hasta que toca el tercer ojo y entonces se abre la sabiduría.

Jesús nunca nos dijo que teníamos que usar símbolos para orar y comunicarnos con él. Cuando le preguntaron cómo teníamos que orar, nos dejó una sencilla oración “el Padre Nuestro”, también dio otras pautas para la oración. Pero nunca este tipo de invocación de energías espirituales.

En la Biblia, la serpiente y el dragón simbolizan el mal, el maligno, el diablo.

La ley de Atracción presenta un Dios como si fuera un Genio que va a hacer todo lo que nosotros queremos

Dios responde nuestras oraciones siempre y cuando estén dentro de Su voluntad y de acuerdo a Su Palabra.

Examina tu camino

La Biblia nos exhorta a examinar nuestros caminos y a asegurarnos que estamos en el camino correcto

2Cor.13:5 Examinaos a vosotros mismos si estáis en la fe; probaos a vosotros mismos. ¿O no os conocéis a vosotros mismos, que Jesucristo está en vosotros, a menos que estéis reprobados?

Recuerda lo que dijo Jesús sobre los últimos tiempos:

Mat.24:4 Respondiendo Jesús, les dijo: Mirad que nadie os engañe.

Mat.24:5 Porque vendrán muchos en Mi nombre, diciendo: Yo soy el Cristo; y a muchos engañarán.

Mat.24:11 Y muchos falsos profetas se levantarán, y engañarán a muchos;

Mat.24:24 Porque se levantarán falsos Cristos, y falsos profetas, y harán grandes señales y prodigios, de tal manera que engañarán, si fuere posible, aun a los escogidos.

2Tim.4:3 Porque vendrá tiempo cuando no sufrirán la sana doctrina, sino que teniendo comezón de oír, se amontonarán maestros conforme a sus propias concupiscencias,(lujurias. vicios

2Tim.4:4 y apartarán de la verdad el oído y se volverán a las fábulas.

2Tes.2:15 Así que, hermanos, estad firmes, y retened la doctrina que habéis aprendido, sea por palabra, o por carta nuestra.

Quizás puedes meditar en lo siguiente, que como cristiano deberías tener claro:

ð Mi maestro de reiki ¿afirma que Jesús es el Salvador y Señor de nuestras almas? O cree en El como un simple maestro igual que Buda, Confucio, etc…

ð Esto ¿me está haciendo que quiera conocer más de Jesús y de Su Palabra? O ¿me está apartando de Jesús y quizás hasta me está haciendo antagónico al cristianismo?

ð ¿Estoy teniendo experiencias espirituales que son extrañas?

ð ¿Me está ayudando a reconocer a Dios en todos mis caminos? O ¿más bien creo que todo es sólo mi energía y me está llevando a adorar a esas energías?

ð ¿Qué podemos hacer para librarnos de cualquier opresión espiritual?

Si estás en un punto que te das cuenta de todo esto o que a lo mejor has comenzado a tener experiencias espirituales extrañas y quieres librarte de todos esos espíritus, pide oración a alguien con quien sientas confianza: un sacerdote, un pastor o un hermano en la fe que sea fuerte en la Palabra de Dios. Jesús le dijo una vez a sus discípulos acerca de echar fuera demonios:

Mat.17:18 Y reprendió Jesús al demonio, el cual salió del muchacho, y éste quedó sano desde aquella hora.

Mat.17:19 Viniendo entonces los discípulos a Jesús, aparte, dijeron: ¿Por qué nosotros no pudimos echarlo fuera?

Mat.17:20 Jesús les dijo: Por vuestra poca fe; porque de cierto os digo, que si tuviereis fe como un grano de mostaza, diréis a este monte: Pásate de aquí allá, y se pasará; y nada os será imposible.

Mat.17:21 Pero este género no sale sino con oración y ayuno.

Y Dios promete limpiarte completamente de todas las malas influencias.

1Jn.1:9 Si confesamos nuestros pecados, Él es fiel y justo para perdonar nuestros pecados, y limpiarnos de toda maldad.

Eze.36:25 Esparciré sobre vosotros agua limpia, y seréis limpiados de todas vuestras inmundicias; y de todos vuestros ídolos os limpiaré.

Eze.36:26 Os daré corazón nuevo, y pondré espíritu nuevo dentro de vosotros; y quitaré de vuestra carne el corazón de piedra, y os daré un corazón de carne.

Eze.36:27 Y pondré dentro de vosotros mi Espíritu, y haré que andéis en mis estatutos, y guardéis mis preceptos, y los pongáis por obra.

Testimonio real de un joven español

El reiki es invocar demonios con signos japoneses: http://www.religionenlibertad.com/articulo.asp?idarticulo=285 32

El anzuelo del bienestar
»El Reiki habla de una técnica japonesa de energía canalizada para la sanación. Te explican que tenemos chakras -puntos energéticos en el cuerpo- y seguramente nos dirán que tenemos el aura de color un poco pálido y que eso denota enfermedad. Y te dicen que no te preocupes porque impondrán sus manos sobre nuestro cuerpo y todo se irá yendo progresivamente…

»Y el problema es que eso parece al principio. Llegas a notar una pseudo sensación de bien estar, una falsa sanación de síntomas… Es un anzuelo para que pienses que todo eso es maravilloso…

Según Eduardo, a partir de cierto nivel, los "maestros de Reiki" parecen realmente ser "capaces de adivinar cosas, saber cuándo va a haber un terremoto, entender lenguas muertas, ver espíritus pasando por el salón de su casa". Además, ellos mismos explican que obedecen las órdenes de un invisible "guía espiritual” que según ellos es un “ángel de luz” que es el encargado de guiarlos por su camino espiritual.

Así, lo que empezaba como "una energía curadora", impersonal, canalizable... pasa a ser, a niveles altos, una relación con entidades espirituales invisibles que otorgan conocimientos ocultos…

Es decir, el Reiki implica el trato con las entidades espirituales malignas que la tradición judeocristiana y la Iglesia llama demonios…

»Las personas que practican el Reiki, en general no están conscientes de que están llamando a los espíritus de Reiki cuando envían Reiki o están iniciando a otros. Invitan a los espíritus del Reiki dibujando el símbolo japonés de un demonio específico y les invitan llamando su nombre 3 veces, de esta manera pueden enviar la energía Reiki a alguien. También por los mismos símbolos, inician a alguien espiritualmente al Reiki, abriendo, por rituales, acceso a estos espíritus del Reiki para que el fluir de la energía Reiki pueda venir. Los Reikianos son engañados por las manifestaciones y el bienestar a corto plazo"….

Eduardo identifica así los 5 dibujos clásicos de la iniciación en el Reiki:

1- Dai-ko-myo, demonio principal, soberano del Reiki

2- Hon-cha-se-shonen, el espíritu de contacto del Reiki. Símbolo y espíritu para el segundo nivel de Reiki, para hacer contacto con una persona o una situación distante. Significado: “de mi divinidad a la tuya”. Se usa en todas las iniciaciones e incluso está escrito en la mano en el ritual para el segundo nivel de Reiki.

3- Sei-heki, espíritu de guía, del Reiki. Símbolo y espíritu para el segundo nivel de Reiki, para influir en los niveles subconscientes. Se puede usar en la manipulación de personas. Este espíritu revela mucho sobre la gente y sus situaciones, y envía esta información al "tercer ojo". Este símbolo también se usa en todas las iniciaciones de Reiki.

4-Cho Ku Rei, principal espíritu del Reiki. Símbolo y espíritu para el segundo nivel, activa o incrementa la energía reiki que se envía sobre alguien. Significa: "dios, ven aquí", mandando actuar a la divinidad del reiki.

5- Ling, espíritu principal del Harbori-reiki. Símbolo y espíritu para enviar o incrementar energía: es popular en España.

6- Raku, El símbolo de Raku está conectado con la iluminación, el brillante rayo de luz que nos ilumina el despertar, mientras que aún estemos en cuerpo humano. El Raku se debe utilizar solamente para los alineamientos o iniciaciones y no para sesiones de sanación. El Raku no es un símbolo de sanación.

Hay muchas diferentes formas de reiki que usan otros símbolos, dan nombres a espíritus (ling, raku, dragon de fuego, etc y demonios del satanismo). Cada maestro de Reiki es libre de mezclarlo con lo que quiera….

Cuando los materialistas hacen espiritismo
Eduardo señala que muchos usuarios de Reiki son personas vagamente materialistas, atraídos por esa idea de una energía que no es religiosa, y es difícil explicarles lo que se descubre a niveles más avanzados: que es un edificio construido sobre el trato con espíritus.
Testimonio de una afectada

http://infocatolica.com/blog/infories.php/1309131248-el-lado-oculto-del-reiki-y-su

El lado oculto del reiki

Se argumenta que el “arte” del “Reki” afirma, entre otras cosas, que en el cosmos o en la naturaleza,” existe un “poder sobrenatural oculto” capaz de interactuar con el “enfermo” y de “recargarlo”. Hablamos, pues, de “tratos con lo “Oculto”, de ocultismo.

Hay que recalcar que las enseñanzas ocultas que están detrás del Reiki, tienen prácticas ocultas. El “Reiki” pretende utilizar la llamada “energía vital universal”. Pero ¿qué es la energía vital universal? (que otros llaman energía cósmica, magnética, “crística”, etc.). El que se abre a la “energía universal” se abre a fuerzas que no conoce, y que no son todas buenas. No se sabe lo que puede entrar en el ser humano ni a quien le abre…

El practicante de “Reiki” termina abriéndose a los llamados “maestros guías” o “espíritus guías”, que son voces interiores que le hablan. Nos preguntamos: ¿Quiénes son estos “espíritus-guías”, estos “maestros” a los que se someten los practicantes de “Reiki”? Si no son Jesucristo, ni Dios, ni el Espíritu Santo, entonces ¿quiénes son? La Biblia habla de estas fuerzas que dirigen el universo, y que Jesucristo despojó de su poder de muerte

Col.2:15 y despojando a los principados y a las potestades, los exhibió públicamente, triunfando sobre ellos en la cruz.

El “Reiki” es panteísta, enseña que el hombre es una simple emanación de la “energía divina cósmica”, y que le basta con tomar conciencia de la misma para tener poderes divinos: ¿No es la misma tentación de la serpiente, “Serán como dioses”?

El “Reiki” cree en la reencarnación, o sea, no importa lo que haces con tu vida ya que tendrás otras. Es incompatible con la Palabra de Dios, que al igual que la filosofía, enseña que cada persona, cuerpo y alma, es única e irrepetible, y que se muere una sola vez, después hay un juicio, somos responsables de lo que hacemos con nuestra vida.

Heb.9:27 Y de la manera que está establecido para los hombres que mueran una sola vez, y después de esto el juicio,

El “Reiki”, como otras prácticas de la Nueva Era, acusa al cristianismo como culpabilizante e intolerante. Consideran a Jesús simplemente como una de las múltiples reencarnaciones de un gran “maestro” que ellos conocen por medio de videntes y otras comunicaciones ocultas…

Los niveles de reiki

Los practicantes de “Reiki” normalmente se apuntan por primera vez a un cursillo, por un precio pequeño, le llaman “nivel 1” de “Reiki”. Se trata de poner las manos por el cuerpo, siguiendo un orden determinado, el orden de los “chakras” por un tiempo determinado. Esta práctica es aparentemente inocua, y entonces se debe cursar el “nivel 2”.

En este nivel se enseña a “reforzar” el “Reiki” mediante unos signos que hacen efecto de “interruptor”, o sea, abren o cierran el ritual, con intención de saltar la barrera del espacio-tiempo. Estos signos tienen nombres japoneses, o sea, son directamente una invocación a entidades desconocidas. Se pueden explicar cómo invocaciones mágicas. Con el segundo nivel de “Reiki” empiezan las prácticas meditativas. Se medita con los símbolos japoneses, se los coloca en la casa, se “proyectan” encima de las personas, se opera con ellos bajo una influencia desconocida.

En el tercer nivel de “Reiki”, el nivel de “maestría”, uno ya es capaz de contactar con los “maestros-guías” e iniciar a otros. En este nivel el practicante de “Reiki” ya “canaliza” entidades “superiores” que son los hipotéticos agentes de la sanación. Se empieza a trabajar con velas, incienso, piedras y se estudia la filosofía del Uno Todo, la “unidad de la persona” con la “energía cósmica”, se debe meditar cerca de 20 minutos diarios, repitiendo un “mantra” en ese idioma, aunque no se entienda, llamando a alguien para que “entre y actúe en mi cuerpo o el de un semejante”.

En este punto son comunes los fenómenos de opresión, aparición de experiencias o fenómenos extrasensoriales, “oír voces en la cabeza” o pensar que uno ya ha contactado con el “Yo Superior” o “Guía interno” que le llevará a ser, directamente, más que humano, como en todas las “escuelas” de corte ocultista.
LISTA DE SIMBOLOS SATANICOS

http://www.nosotros.cl/enigmas/detalle_noticia.php?cont=367

He pensado en mostrarte estos símbolos, por si acaso sin darte cuenta estás usando o tienes algunos de estos objetos, si es así te aconsejo que lo destruyas.

PENTAGRAMA INVERTIDO: Simboliza la estrella de la mañana, nombre que Satanás ha tomado para sí. Usada en brujería y rituales ocultos para conjurar espíritus de maldad. Puede estar dentro de un círculo o no, de cualquier manera representa a Satanás.

BAFOMET: Inicio de los Satanistas. Es una deidad demoniaca y es un símbolo de Satán. Puede verse como joyería, o en rituales de brujos.

PENTAGRAMA: Símbolo usado en brujería, representa los elementos, la tierra, el viento el fuego y el agua, con el espíritu rodeándolos.

HEXAGRAMA: Es uno de los símbolos más potentes usados en los poderes de las tinieblas. Usado en los trabajos de magia. Se confunde con la estrella de David, pero ésta estrella está dentro de un círculo.

ANKHA: Simboliza los rituales de fertilidad. Además el espíritu que es el poder de unión de las representaciones de lo masculino y femenino. Es además llamado el sello de por vida.

SVASTICA O RUEDA DEL SOL: Es un símbolo religioso antiguo usado mucho tiempo antes de que Hitler tomara el poder. Ha sido usado en inscripciones Budistas, Monumentos Celtas y monedas Griegas. Representa el curso del sol en los cielos. También representa el poder del boomerang, todo lo que sube tiene que bajar, todo lo que haces se devuelve.

CRUZ TAU: Símbolo del dios Matras de los Persas y de Aryans de la India. Para ellos, Mathras era el ángel de luz, o la luz celestial. Es usado por modernos masones como símbolo de la T cuadrada.

CUERNO ITALIANO: Unicornio. Fue introducido por los Druidas de Escocia e Irlanda. Es asociado con la Buena suerte y la Buena fortuna. También es usado como el “ojo del mal”. Además significa que Satanás tomaría control de tus finanzas.

CRUZ INVERTIDA: Simboliza burla y rechazo a JESÚS. Los satanistas se ponen estas cruces como collares. Puedes verla en cantantes de Rock y en las portadas de sus discos.

CABEZA DE CABRA: La cabra cornuda es el dios de los brujos. Es el modo satánico de burlarse del CORDERO que murió por nuestros pecados.

CRUZ DE NERON: También se le conoce como signo de “amor y paz”. Otro signo que es de burla a la cruz de Jesús. También significa: Las ruinas del hombre muerto. Se dice que en el ritual de iniciación brujo tienen que romper los brazos a la cruz lo que sería este símbolo.

EL ESCARABAJO SAGRADO: para algunos este símbolo egipcio significa reencarnación. Es además el símbolo de Belcebú, Señor de las moscas (Satanás). Si los satanistas lo tienen puesto, significa que tienen poder y es fuente de Protección.

MUY PARECIDO AL SIGNO RAKU DEL REIKI

“S” SATANICA: Representa un rayo cayendo, que significa “Destructor”. En la mitología, Era el arma de Zeus. Puesta en el cuerpo o en la ropa significa poder sobre los demás. El Grupo de rock KISS usa este símbolo.

CRUZ SATANICA: Cruz que cuestiona la Deidad de Dios. Dentro del ocultismo representa los tres príncipes coronados: Satanás, Belial y Leviathan. Significa completa sujeción bajo Lucifer.

UDJAT: También conocido como “el ojo que todo lo ve”. Uno de algunos de los símbolos que significa “Rey del Infierno Lucifer”. Es quien ellos piensan sería pasado el juicio. La lágrima significa el lamento de todos aquellos que no pueden salir de su influencia.

http://www.religionenlibertad.com/articulo.asp?idarticulo=20368

Read More