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NASB | Deuteronomy 18:11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Deuteronomy 18:11 or one who casts a charm or spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or a necromancer [who seeks the dead]. |
Bible Question:
Is the charmer in this verse a practitioner of hypnotism? I've been looking for information online about the truth behind hypnotism, and I haven't gotten much of use. I've found Christian sources that speak about both sides of the issue, but I'm running into difficulties. Many sources that speak against hypnotism are either unconvincing or have other problems with their ideas that I disagree with. Many of these sources fill their pages with their own opinions, which sound decent at times, but use little to no biblical backing: many of them even went so far as to misquote, or use out of context, God's Word. I'm interested in this topic for various reasons, including: I've done research into the process of hypnotism from a purely scientific POV, I've seen how people slip into a pseudo-trancelike state during such activities as reading, thinking, driving, and watching TV, and I've tried hypnotism before. I see possible benefit in hypnotism, but I know that there is always a possibility of stumbling into sin. If anyone can provide their ideas on hypnotism, and provide some biblical backing for their ideas, I'd be very appreciative. As per the "pagan" origins of hypnotism, please don't expound on them unless you're ready to stop doing all of the other things that you may do that have these "pagan" origins. Oh, and if there's anyone out there that actually understands the whole topic of hypnotic procedure and such, please feel free to explain that as well. I've been reading for a few hours, and haven't turned up any arguments against hypnotism provided by people who seem to understand the procedure and explanations behind hypnosis. |
Bible Answer: Hypnosis is more accurately called hypersuggestivity. It is a state where you are more likely to do what is told you. However, hypnosis is not a "charm," it cannot force you to do things that are completely beyond what you would normally do. This is why no reputable accounts of hypnotists causing those they hypnotize to kill themselves or others (or to hand over their entire estate, etc.) exist. I have been under hypnosis. It lets you do things which you may not have the willpower to do otherwise because so many other smaller concerns are battering you in your mind. Hence, I feel it can be a powerful tool for psychology or the treatment of addiction. However, if the hypnotist had suddenly told me to pick up a gun and shoot myself, strip naked, or anything else equally beyond normality, I know I would have refused. |