The subtitle for this chapter is “Some Safe, Some Dangerous.” Our comments will be in this font.

Life coaching has caught on big time in recent years. These “coaches” may function like a therapist, a counselor, a psychologist, a psychic medium, or a channeler. Life coaching covers a multitude of practices, and many are okay, but many others are dangerous.

Lin M. Eleoff’s book Gutsy Glorious Life Coach: How to Turn Your Life Coaching Practice into A Soulful Money-Making Business does not teach meditation and other occult practices but is directed at the “safe” life coaches. 

Then there is Jeremy Raymond’s book, The Life Coach Workbook, which is aimed at helping life coaches who do not work with spirit guides, ancestors, Reiki, Kundalini, The Third Eye, etc. but advises those who employ normal psychological means how to help others. 

And there are many other books like the two described above.

Therefore, a life coach could be a person who is trained in counseling and has a degree or two in the field. In 1965, Kent was engaged in looking for a job as a high school counselor when he changed direction and enrolled in a theological seminary in Mill Valley, California. And for ten years he operated the Marin Christian Counseling Center in San Rafael, California. He might have been described as a life coach then, but that terminology was decades away.

Some Dangerous Life Coaching

The first of what we call dangerous life coaching is published by the “Elvin Coaches,” whose book is titled Don’t Make Me Use My Life Coach Voice, published in 2020. Elvin Coaches is not the name of an author but is “a group of people who love to help and guide others towards a better life and circumstances” (p. 10).

The next three paragraphs describe how the Elvin Coaches see themselves:

We are part of a collective group known as Elvin Coaches. We have several members and decades of experience between all of us. We all met in Indonesia years ago, and many of us were already practicing life coaches by then. This became a huge bonding moment between us, and we have all grown as a family since then, supporting each other every step of the way. We have all personally experienced the power that all forms of coaching have, both for the client and the coach. We learn from the people we help just as much as they learn from us. 

All of us at Elvin Coaches are passionate about what we do, and we wanted to get our knowledge and experience out to the masses. This is why we began to publish books. We feel it is the best way for us to impart our knowledge to many people around the world. Whether you need the help of a Life coach or want to become one yourself, we are here to help you. We want to make you a part of our family. Once you are, you will grow exponentially as a person through our step-by-step action plans we provide and then you will be able to guide others to do the same. 

All of us at Elvin Coaches still experience the ups and downs of life. There are days when we are on top of the world, while others, we are down and out and want to hide somewhere. Getting through life is a constant battle, and none of us will ever tell you differently. We do not promise that all of your problems will go away; however, you will be equipped with better tools to handle them. After learning the techniques used in life coaching, you will look at your life in a completely different way. 

Now then, here is what the Elvin Coaches say are common misconceptions about life coaching: One, it is not counseling or therapy, though it can look like it. They do not treat mental health disorders, nor do they give medical advice. Two, it is not practicing therapy without a license. Three, it is not a hobby or a “side hustle,” but a real career and passion (p. 25). 

Life coaching is not regulated, and practitioners do not have licenses. Yes, some coaches are “slimy” but there are many fine ones. Some coaches make a lot of money, charging $300 an hour, but the authors say not to do it for money. 

However, one thing that life coaches are to do is to “make your client reliant on you” (p. 30). 

Intuition 

The Elvin Coaches state that life coaches need strong intuition, which “is the ability to understand or feel something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.” Also, “it is important to listen to our intuition, because it is trying to tell us something our conscious mind may not be aware of” (p. 33). 

In book after book on psychic healing processes, the concept of intuition comes up. It entails being in touch with energy and/or other sources of spiritual  knowledge. And it is right here where this kind of life coaching merges with the demonic. What occurs is that the would-be coach becomes indwelt with supernatural spiritual powers. These coaches will admit to it and know the existence of such within them, but they do not realize they are, in fact, evil spirits. 

These powers may be referred to in several ways, some of which are ancestral spirits, guide spirits, animal spirits, elves, souls, goddesses, gods, ascended masters, and many more. From the Bible we see that there is only one Holy Spirit, who always and only points to Jesus Christ, both to who He is and what He has done, meaning His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His return at the end of the age – and to nothing else. 

Due to this reality, we are placing this chapter on life coaching in this book on psychic spiritual processes, which are powered by Satan and the host of fallen angels he controls. 

So, the life coach can tap into the divine energy inside of them. The authors say the life coach, one who is intuitive, can help a client become intuitive as well. 

And this is the main issue: by means of engaging with these life coaches, one can indeed become indwelt by demonic spirits. We agree that there is something inside this coach, but it is not divine. 

In the very same chapter, the coaches talk about methods used by an intuitive coach. These are hypnotherapy, crystal healing, Reiki, and chakra healing. These are said to improve energy. However, all four of these practices will result in opening a person up to demon possession. 

The Law of Attraction 

The Elvin coaches state that what a person puts out into the universe will come back to that person. This is speaking of energy, thoughts, motives, interests, loves, hates, etc. The energies come back to a person by means of vibrations, both positive and negative. This is said to be the law of attraction, and the universe cannot be fooled, as it is smarter than any human, so one must be careful to send out good vibes. “As the mind thinketh, the universe giveth” (p. 41). The life coach must work to prevent a client from thinking bad or negative thoughts. In fact, if a focus is on making money, acquiring wealth, “the universe will present more opportunities to make money” (p. 42). 

Techniques Requiring More Skill 

The following is a summary of three more advanced ways that can be incorporated into one’s coaching techniques. 

One is the emotional freedom technique (EFT), a form of acupuncture, 88 

but no actual needles are used. Instead, one’s fingertips “are used to access and stimulate the various energy points on the body” (p. 67). It reminds one of Reiki therapy, and the Elvin Coaches say it is indeed a “New Age method.” 

Second is “cognitive behavioral coaching,” which is replacing bad thoughts with good thoughts. 

A third approach is guided meditation. “Meditation is a truly powerful exercise that can help people become more mindful and less stressed, as well as reducing mental blocks” (p. 68). 

Instead of naming the authors of other books on life coaching that we consider dangerous, we will simply quote or rephrase statements from two books that demonstrate our point. 

In the first one, the author suggests communicating with one’s “inner child” by looking at a photo of yourself when you were younger and begin communicating with this inner child, even invite this inner child to have a talk with you. 

This may seem to be safe or innocuous, but such a practice can result in an evil spirit communicating with a person while pretending to be an “inner child.” 

The concept of the “Universe” comes up frequently in the dangerous versions of books on life coaching, as though there is a power, an entity, that is the all-in-all, a kind of deity that is easily accessible and able to guide and empower one’s life. 

The following quote, if taken as truth, opens the door to all manner of deception: “I believe we’re given messages all the time by our inner voice or the Universe, that reveal our purpose and attempt to direct us toward our vision.” Not only should one listen but also thank the Universe for what is revealed and say, “Thank you, Universe!” 

So then, if this is true, we will be “listening” to messages from the Universe, and voices will be heard. With this, we agree. If one believes this and waits and listens, a voice will be likely be heard. But it will be the voice of a demon. 

The word “soul” appears dozens of times in books dealing with what we consider to be dangerous life coaching. Consult our essay written years back dealing with this issue, titled “Soul Confusion.” To be brief, we are a soul—we do not have a soul. The soul is not something that has a separate existence. Before reacting too strongly, please read this essay and evaluate for yourself. 

The reason we bring this to the reader’s attention is that so many books on life coaching speak of the positive evolving of the soul, and the author of one book speaks of accepting everything that has happened to you, because it is simply for the positive evolving of the soul. 

Life coaches of the dangerous variety also urge the practice of mindfulness.  

While it is laudable to be fully aware and attuned to reality, this mindfulness is just the opposite—it is really mindlessness. And just what is mindfulness? There is a plethora of explanations, but it is not prayer to God, it is not listening to God speak to you, or communication from an angel of the Lord. It is said by some to be an opening up to hear from the so-called Universe. 

But there is no Universe out there that is listening and communicating. 

However, there is a presence out there that will communicate with you, and it is the counterfeit of the Spirit of God. It is the demonic kingdom with its evil demons, ruled over by the prince of hell, Satan. 

The God who created the heavens and the earth, all of matter, every planet, every star, everything that exists in what is called the universe, has communicated to us through His eternal Son, Jesus Christ, and his word, the Bible. The Creator God exists outside the universe, a universe that will one day, perhaps billions of years from now, cease to exist. It will either burn up or freeze out, and the evidence leans toward the former—utter dissolvement. 

That the demonic forces communicate with us is a sure reality, and it is real, tangible, and convincing. Demons are real. Jesus cast them out during His ministry, and Christians throughout the ages have been given his authority to do so. We have personally done so many hundreds of times. 

One book on life coaching urges meditation to help one connect with their “observer.” First the person must connect with their “inner wisdom.” Then is described a rather common form of meditation by way of emptying the mind, breathing deeply over a period of time, filling the chest with air, and with each breath, relaxing the body ever more deeply, sending the breath to the heart. Now you can take a deep breath and ask the observer to be present with you. 

And something will be with you now, something no one would want, if the identity of the observer was clearly understood. 

This observer is not defined or identified, but it is in you, a part of you, some imagined something that observes your life and does not react against you, but rather supports and encourages you. The person then invites the observer to be present with you. The last step is to “shake your shoulders, roll your head,” and begin to come back into full consciousness. 

If one does not want to connect with their observer, he or she can connect with their inner child, who will bring comfort and support. 

These are clearly paths to demonization, and yet it seems so nice. 

Interesting and good news for plant lovers: when plants are near each other they can pull energy from each other and thrive. 

One can also ask the sky a question, and an answer will appear in the form of a cloud. Indeed, nature will always respond to you, so you will know you are not alone. 

There is also a circle of flow on energy. When you give energy to help someone, energy will flow back to you. (We can understand this one in terms of human social interaction.) Other ideas put forth are 1) You can visualize a diamond in your home, 2) You can ground to the planet in order to transform, connecting up to the Source and the Unified Field of energy above, 3) You can ask Source to cleanse your home, 4) You can ask the planet to empty you out and to then fill you up with energy, 5) You can also ask Spirit to empty you out, 6) then you should ask the planet to renew you, and this by focusing on the Heart, 7) then ask the Spirit to fill you up, and finally, 8) activate the Greater Whole, and this again by focusing on the Heart. 

At one point the author of the above book states that our ancestors “and their environment influences vibrate within us.” In another place the author says that he could see a “beautiful blue energy” around the head of a horse he was riding. 

All of us then are like the proverbial genie in a bottle, and working with energy allows for this genie to be set free. To do so, one needs to say “Hello” to the genie; this is the beginning of unleashing it. Plus, one must also say hello to the “passive creative force.” When the genie is unleashed and one is in communication with it, one should utter, “Thank you Genie.” 

In conclusion, we were saddened when we first read the materials for this chapter, and now again when presenting a small fraction of it, we are saddened again. Those who wrote the books researched for this piece on life coaches are sincere people who are not intent on harming or misleading anyone. We must be, all of us, vulnerable to being deceived by the god of this world. That demonic kingdom is full of false glory and brilliance. Who among us could resist? 

******* 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia, July 6, 2022 

Note: The following describes what we consider to be safe, non-spiritually threatening, and helpful. 

Life coaching is the process of helping people identify and achieve personal goals through developing skills and attitudes that lead to self-empowerment. Life coaching generally deals with issues such as procrastination, fear of failure, relationship issues, lack of confidence, work–life balance and career changes, and often occurs outside the workplace setting. Systematic academic psychological engagement with life coaching dates from the 1980s. Skeptics have criticized life coaching’s focus on self-improvement for its potential for commercializing friendships and other human relationships. 

Coaches use a range of communication skills (such as targeted restatements, listening, questioning, clarifying, etc.) to help clients shift their perspectives and thereby discover different approaches to achieve their goals. These skills can be used in almost all types of coaching. In this sense, coaching is a form of “meta-profession” that can apply to supporting clients in any human endeavor, ranging from their concerns in health, personal, professional, sport, social, family, political, spiritual dimensions, etc. There may be some overlap between certain types of coaching activities. Coaching approaches are also influenced by cultural differences. 

This material is also found in Psychic Empath: 5 Books in 1. 

Our own comments are in this font. 

The third eye is a spiritual concept associated with enlightenment and direct communication with a higher plane of existence—this is the practical definition of the “third eye” as understood by those who embrace it. 

The third eye has been a mystical concept for centuries, yet it is uncertain as to its origins. It is said that it does not involve magic but is entirely natural. The Ajna chakra is the same as the third eye, located between the eyebrows, in the pineal gland. It is part of being human, yet it is little used. And anyone can open their third eye, and this can be achieved by means of devotion, willpower, and meditation. 

Third eye power has been mostly possessed by yogis, psychics, and fortune tellers in the past, but now is open to more and more people. Indeed, the occultists and spiritual masters have called it the “seat of the soul.” “If you meditate and open your third eye then you can get insights, prior warnings of danger, and a high level of intelligence” (p. 406). And the key word is “meditate.” The third eye awakens the inner self. 

Meditation, and here it means more than mindfulness, is a movement into a passive or shamanistic state of mind. It is an opening up to outside spiritual forces or entities, which are actually demonic and evil spirits. Christian prayer is the opposite; it is mindful and conscious focus on God with the full presence of heart and mind. It is a looking to Jesus who loves us and hears our words. 

Chapter 1: What is the third eye? 

The third eye is said to be about the size of a walnut, located in the brain. The third eye is said to be “the window to our inner selves, our soul, and our connection with the energy and power of the universe” (p. 407) . To grasp this, one must think of your inner self as a ball of energy that moves or drives the body forward, the energy that connects us with the energy of the universe. 

The third eye is said to be the pineal gland, which is a small organ located at the very top of the spine as it enters the brain. From a Google search is found the following definition: “The pineal gland is a small, pea-shaped gland in the brain. Its function isn’t fully understood. Researchers do know that it produces and regulates some hormones, including melatonin. Melatonin is best known for the role it plays in regulating sleep patterns.” 

It is supposed that the pineal gland creates or causes hallucinations, and DMT or dimethyltryptamine within this gland will assist a person to move into a trance-like state along will receiving vivid imagery. 

Those who value the experience of the third eye understand that the mind and body are only temporary, while the real essence is the inner self, or spirit, or soul, which after death are joined together with the energy of the universe. 

“Our time here on earth could be made so much happier and healthier by following the guidance of our inner spirit. Getting connected with our third eye is the key to all of it” (p. 409). 

Chapter 2: How to Open Your Third Eye 

“Opening your third eye takes time and practice. While you may have an experience, such as during meditation, where you feel a huge rush of awakening, it will not be fully awakened by one experience” (p. 410). 

Meditation is a good way to open the third eye, but there are other methods that can be used. One important process is to silence your mind. And it is by means of such silences that the third eye can be opened, and other psychic abilities are realized. 

Another way to open the third eye is to practice “tuning in” and this by either feeling or hearing something coming from your intuition. It is said that “where your attention goes, energy flows” (p. 411). You must intentionally listen to your third eye and your intuition, and when this is done, they will continue speaking to you. 

Then it is good to explore one’s natural creativity; it must be remembered that the third eye is also your “mind’s eye” and is the seat of your imagination. 

Of course, you must be grounding yourself, and when this happens, you will be taken into the spiritual realm. Here you are working with your root chakra, and this is done by meditating on this chakra, which will center one into the center of the Earth. 

Exercising your third eye is also essential, and a good way to do this is by meditating on all the chakras. A way to do this is to lie down and meditate, imaging your chakras one at a time, and imagining each one becoming brighter, even glowing. 

One may also use dream work. To do this, after dreaming write them down and interpret them on your own, or purchase a dream interpretation journal. 

Another great way to play with your third eye is to let your imagination flow, and this while in a meditative state. Also helpful is the let your intuition guide you, and this will allow you to receive mental downloads, which will be filled with information. 

Last, the final best way to exercise the third eye is to strengthen your psychic abilities. 

Much of what this has to do with is entering into the passive, shamanistic, or altered state of consciousness, and yes, we say this over and over. A common method for doing this is meditation, achieving an “open” mind, and the open mind will then be invaded by spirits, evil spirits, who disguise themselves as benign knowledge sources. There are many ways to enter a meditative state, and it can be very spiritual, very exhilarating, and very deceiving. It is a sure mechanism to demonic possession. And it may be many years before a person recognizes the true nature of what has taken root in them. 

Chapter 3: Techniques to Awaken the Third Eye Chakra 

It is recommended that a person chant “OM” in order to awaken the third eye chakra, and this process is rather complex but involves finding a quiet place to be alone, light candles, lie down on the floor, close the eyes, relax, begin deep breathing, focus on the third eye, flow with your body’s energy, begin looking for a vibration or tingling between the eyebrows, do not focus too hard, just remain vacant and let things take their course. Then focus on the vibration between the eyebrows, and let it shift to the throat, especially the larynx. Also keep the eyes closed and be aware of any light or colors between the eyebrows. This may take a number of attempts to open the third eye. And the whole key is learning how to meditate, which is to be able to stop the mind and be open to the vibrations, colors, and the movement of energy. 

The author(s) of this section go on to provide another way of awakening the third eye. These are briefly: relax the mind and the body, develop a habit of meditating, and open the intuitive part of the brain. 

Another way of describing the above is that it is a technique on how to enter into a passive, altered, or shamanistic state of consciousness. And it is here that demonic spirits are able to enter into the mind and body of the meditator. This is the connection to the occult world, where there is in fact access to power and knowledge. Indeed, it is mesmerizing and life altering. The author(s) state that using the third eye does not mean developing magical powers or becoming a psychic, which is simply false. This is exactly what happens—one enters the psychic world. And yes, there are magical powers and psychic knowledge there, the age-old trap. 

After opening the third eye, unusual experiences will follow, some of which may be pleasant but others not pleasant. Also, one can “see” through the third eye, and one can sense, see, and visually interpret the energy that is present, even energy in people around them, both good and bad energies. 

Chapter 4: Guided Day Meditations to Waken the Third Eye 

This chapter is essentially a replay of chapter 3, but here are the steps: 

Choose a location, and with an intention, do some stretching first, adopt the best position for meditating, relax, breathe, empty the mind, access the third eye, work on experiencing your third eye, maintain focus on the third eye, and “get out of the meditation slowly.” In doing so one will be more sensitive to spirits and may even see them from time to time. One will feel divine inspirations, feel great potential, and have joy and experience a healthy life once one is connected with the spirits. 

Here we see how one becomes indwelt by spirits, and these are always and nothing other than unclean or evil spirits. 

There is only one Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God, and all others are unholy spirits or demons whose head is Satan. And the Holy Spirit points only to Jesus Christ, both to who He is, the Word become flesh, and what He has done, die on the cross bearing our sin, then being raised from the dead, and ascending to heaven. 

The question is asked, p. 435, “Is it possible for anyone to activate the third eye chakra?” The answer, of course, is yes, and activating the third eye is a spiritual process and not a religious one. A person can belong to any religion and still activate the third eye, because it can be achieved by means of meditation. 

At our Miller Avenue Baptist Church, we have a Gospel Meditation printed in the bulletin every week, which is an outline of the passage that will be presented at the time of the sermon by one of the pastors. It emphasizes the main point of the Biblical passage that is the subject of the sermon. It does not involve any form of mindlessness or mindfulness. It is active mental attention to the words God has given us in His Word. 

The pineal gland, according to those who assent to such psychic topics and practices, is where the third eye is located, and which is said to be in the middle of the brain, or the Ajna chakra. This gland is said to be the “anchor of the soul” (p. 435). It is said to regulate sleep cycles, sexual maturation, and vital hormones. Trouble is, this gland becomes calcified over the years and the third eye helps to decalcify it and thus opens up the mind.

Chapter 6: Psychic Abilities 

The author(s) state that there is nothing supernatural about psychic abilities; they are all natural and will function properly when the chakras are strong and healthy (p. 445). 

The following are the basic psychic abilities. Clairvoyance is the most common psychic ability, and this has to do with “clear-seeing.” For example, this will help locate lost items or see different places and dimensions. Pyrokinesis is another ability, and it has to do with controlling fire. Telekinesis is the ability to move or influence objects with the mind. Micro TK has to do with the outcome of randomness or odds, like influencing coin flips, heads or tails. The Macro TK has to do with moving things with your mind, like a coin or even a television set or a car. Hydrokinesis is the ability to control water. Clairsentience is the ability to feel subtle energy or feelings. 

Divination is a very common practice and is used by dowsers and in the tarot cards. The tarot cards are a way to communicate a message that can be understood, and here one’s intuition is involved. So then, when a card is chosen, it is necessary to relax and clear the mind and allow your intuition to take over. Another form of divination is done by using a pendulum. 

Chapter 7: Psychic Awareness 

The standard definition of this is “the understanding of human consciousness and the full potential of the mind when it is applied to everyday life” (p. 454). It has to do with understanding the silent Spirit and the mind’s power that lies within a person. This gives us insight into our mind’s power. 

Chapter 8: Exercises for Awakening Your Inner Spirit 

One of these is through the guided practice referred to as yoga. Also, Tai Chi may be used to awaken the Inner Spirit. 

Chapter 9: Pineal Gland Activation and Chakras 

The pineal gland, located in the middle of the brain at the location of the Anja chakra can be activated by doing the following: First, close your eyes and focus on the center of your brain, then make contact with it. This gland is very powerful and is “the seat of the soul” (p. 460). 

Then second, one must breathe into the pineal gland and fill it with divine power. Energize, charge, and activate it, and let it know that you want to connect with it, and then you will become one with your greater self, which is the eternal light inside you. 

It is said that there are seven major chakras, which are all aligned along 83 

the centerline of the body. The first is the “root chakra,” at the base of the spine. Then the “sacral chakra” just above the root chakra. Next is the “solar plexus chakra” just above the root chakra. Then next in line is the heart chakra, next the “throat chakra.” Above this is the “third eye chakra,” and finally the “crown chakra” at the top of the skull. 

Chakras have no scientific support or proof, only a long history based on early Hindu teachings. One of the dangers of psychic ‘therapies’ is that they cannot bring real healing and are no substitute for psychological and medical science. Not only are psychic techniques false, they also open a person up to invasion by demonic spirits. 

Jesus said that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Likewise, where two or more are gathered practicing psychic therapies, etc., then there is also the presence of the demonic. And it is here where so many are invaded by demonic spirits. We wish it were not so, but it is the truth. 

******* 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2022 

The third eye (also called the mind’s eye or inner eye) is a mystical and esoteric concept of a speculative invisible eye, usually depicted as located on the forehead, which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. 

In Indian spiritual traditions, the third eye refers to the ajna (or brow) chakra. 

The third eye refers to the gate that leads to the inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In spirituality, the third eye often symbolizes a state of enlightenment. The third eye is often associated with religious visions, clairvoyance, the ability to observe chakras and auras, precognition, and out-of-body experiences. People who are said to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers. 

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the third eye is said to be located around the middle of the forehead, slightly above the junction of the eyebrows, representing the enlightenment one achieves through meditation. Hindus also place a “tilaka” between the eyebrows as a representation of the third eye, which is also seen on expressions of Shiva. Buddhists regard the third eye as the “eye of consciousness”, representing the vantage point from which enlightenment beyond one’s physical sight is achieved.  

In Taoism and many traditional Chinese religious sects such as Chan (called Zen in Japanese), “third eye training” involves focusing attention on the point between the eyebrows with the eyes closed, and while the body is in various qigong postures. The goal of this training is to allow students to tune into the correct “vibration” of the universe and gain a solid foundation on which to reach a more advanced meditative state. Taoism teaches that the third eye, also called the mind’s eye, is situated between the two physical eyes, and expands up to the middle of the forehead when opened. Taoism asserts that the third eye is one of the main energy centers of the body located at the sixth Chakra, forming a part of the main meridian, the line separating left and right hemispheres of the body. In Taoist alchemical traditions, the third eye is the frontal part of the “Upper Dan Tien” (upper cinnabar field) and is given the evocative name “muddy pellet”.

(I know this is rather confused presentation, given the footnotes, but be patient and the full story will come out.)

The first and only time I talked face to face with David “Moses”

Berg was when David Hoyt, Danny Sands, Rick Zacks, and I visited

Lonnie Frisbee at the House of Miracles in Costa Mesa, California.

We had come to discuss the pros and cons of Lonnie joining

forces with Chuck Smith and the beginnings of Calvary Chapel. After

that meeting, the five of us jumped into my 1964 blue Ford station

wagon and drove down to Newport Beach to a Christian nightclub

run by the Berg family. That was in 1969.

Little by little, word filtered through the Jesus People networks

that there was a new group operating and aggressively so. It was

known as COG, short for the Children of God.1 At some point it was

also known as The Love Family or just, The Family. This more attractive

designation began to be used around the year 1971, and it

emerged as the COG’s response to negative attention it received from

the media.

The COG targeted the Jesus freaks. Early on the attraction was that

Berg’s followers were really sold out to Jesus, unlike the “ordinary”

Jesus freak. Members of Berg’s group had left worldly possessions

behind (of course, if they had anything, it was given to the organization),

and they were on the road with the true gospel.

Many of the Jesus People had been hippies, or wanted to be hippies,

so the radical call to leave everything behind, including work,

school, parents, wives, or husbands was a real lure—an escape for the

bored and burdened.

I had been a disciple from afar of Jack Kerouac and tried to live out

1 Don Lattin has written an excellent account of the Children of God, the best

out there. The title is: Jesus Freaks: A true story of murder and madness on the Evangelical edge, published in 2008.

Rise of the Children of God 107

what I read in his books, On the Road and Dharma Bums, which celebrated

the “beat life.” The beat life melded into or helped spawn the

hip movement, at least as I see it. Now COG came along and provided

the perfect excuse to be wild and radical, and all for Jesus.

Sex was a big draw as well. I recall the “Mo” letter that Berg wrote

entitled, “Flirty Little Fishies,” which was a communication that came

directly from a spirit that Berg had in

him named Abram. It instructed the

pretty young ladies in COG to use their

bodies to bring in new converts.2 And

as you might guess, it worked.

That Berg was possessed by a spirit

that guided him was not as strange

as it might seem. Infused with Pentecostalism,

most of the Jesus People

thought that anything spiritual had to

be from God. Due to my Baptist background,

I did not share this view, not

even close. What I saw instead was a

doctrinal issue that contributed to the

confusion over Berg and others like

him. It was a propensity of many Christian leaders to strongly argue

against the possibility that a Christian can have a demonic spirit. The

rationale was: if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, there is no room

for anything else. And naturally, the Jesus People were “Full Gospel”

and filled “to the gills”3 with the Spirit; Berg fell into this category.4

A second point that led to confusion was the common presumption

among the Jesus People that anyone who claimed to be a Christian

must be one.5 There was virtually no understanding or discernment

2 This bit of engineering was essentially a mask for Berg’s own sexual perversions.

3 An expression we would use to describe someone who plainly had several

demons.

4 In my own deliverance ministry I attempt to avoid the controversy about

the vulnerability of Christians to demonic influences and set aside theological nitpicking,

in order to concentrate on the needs of the person in front of me.

5 This particular issue stayed with me for many years and in 1995 I wrote

a book on true and false conversion. The title is, Are You Really Born Again? and is

now in its second edition.

108 Chapter 32

that someone might be falsely converted. In my estimation, this was a

difficulty that would haunt the Jesus Movement and produce much of

what I call “the dark sides” of the awakening. After all, one’s Christianity

was judged on whether one could move and groove to the beat,

all the while speaking in tongues. This may be an exaggerated viewpoint,

but it is not far from actual practice. But more of this later.

With the news spreading around about the COG, most of the Jesus

People knew what was afoot. David Hoyt and I knew and actively

campaigned against Berg and his movement. We knew we would

encounter them at some point. Indeed, COG people showed up in the

Bay Area, but they had little or no chance of gaining a foothold here. A

few stragglers got picked off, but for the most part they left us alone.

There were better, easier pickings elsewhere.

I am not anti-Muslim

I am not anti-Muslim nor am I Islamophobic. I am a Christian pastor, and my calling and work is to reach out to those who are not trusting in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I am hoping to fulfill the command of my Lord Jesus to preach His Word to all that I can.

Muslims will do the same to all those who are not Muslim. Some Muslims will present their message and leave it at that. Others will subjugate others and demand their conversion, and if not, death could follow. What a difference between the Muslim witness and the Christian witness as Jesus demonstrated it.

Almost twenty years ago, I had the sense that God was calling me to reach out to Muslim people. That impression came to me when coaching high school freshman baseball with two Muslim players on the team. They were great kids, and I became acquainted with their parents, and so then I began to pray for them that they would find Jesus. Then followed the essays and articles and finally whole books, all written with the purpose of reaching out to Muslims.

The next step was a two-year long television series with Imam Abu Qadir Al-Amin, head of a Sunni Mosque in San Francisco. For two years, we “debated,” rather “discussed” key topics. This series is still available and can be found by going to milleravenuechurch.org/watch-our-tv-shows.

While I am not anti-Muslim, I am against forced Islamism. Islamism is an extremist ideology that intends to convert the world and all its peoples to Islam, so that it will be governed by Sharia law. Though those who move in this direction are not a substantial majority, still it has captured enough of the faithful to make things dangerous.

Indeed, the true Muslim is obligated to work to destroy that which stands in the way of Islam dominating the entire world, and by any means. To kill in the name of Allah is not only accepted but emulated by far too many extremists. These jihadists do not see themselves as extremists but see others who are not striving mightily to convert the world’s people to Islam as being weak, misled, and subject to elimination.

This is tragic in two ways. One, there is no peace and pleasure in living in the world, rather strife and conflict is constant. Two, Muslim people are being fed a false salvation. There is no heaven waiting for the Muslim, only judgment and everlasting separation from God. Herein are the reasons for the writing and publication of this book. It is our effort to reach out to Muslim people, for they are people for whom our Lord Jesus Christ died, rose again, and will one day return to usher in eternity. May peace be upon Muslims the world over.

The introduction to this section of Psychic Empath states, “Kundalini awakening journeys are life changing. Once you start, you will never look at life the same” (p. 113). The energy of Kundalini is very powerful, the author states, and the “energy is pure, addicting, empowering, and so full of love and joy that it truly is unlike anything you have ever experienced before” (p. 113).

Again, our own comments will be shown in this font.

Only parts of this section apply to the central focus of this book, which is the use of Kundalini to bring enlightenment or therapeutic help to others. Kundalini awakening may or may not be used as Reiki or Akashic Records are—that is, in treating other people as a counselor would. However, understanding and/or being acquainted with the concepts behind Kundalini may be of value.

In chapter 1: Kundalini Basics, we find that Kundalini is also known as “goddess power” or “serpent power.” At the base chakra, in the lower part of the spine, there is said to be an energy that is unparalleled and is pictured as a coiled serpent. The goal of the awakening is to uncoil the serpent and have it ascend upward to the six other higher chakras until it reaches the apex, the crown chakra in the head. It is supposed that this will lead to a higher spiritual level. And the author’s recommendation is, “If you want to go deeper into spirituality, if you want to be able to harness psychic powers, then this is the one for you” (p. 113). The term “psychic powers” is key here and is the reason for including this material on Kundalini in this book.

Kundalini and Prana

A distinction is drawn between Kundalini and prana, though the terms are related. Prana is said to be an energy, a pervading energy, and is said to exist in all humans. However, when the dormant Kundalini, that serpent energy at the bottom chakra, is awakened, a “strong rush of prana surges through the body” (p. 114). And Kundalini can be awakened by drawing prana into the area where Kundalini resides, which is the at the base of the spine. 

Prana is the term used in India for this energy—it is chi in china, pneuma in Greece, and mana in ancient Polynesia. These all refer to spiritual energy. The point is to awaken the energy, and Kundalini is one of these techniques used to do this. 

The Kundalini awakening is said to be connected to various health benefits, in that it promotes good health, regulates and corrects blood pressure, relieves stress, and can fight and even cure cancer and diabetes, plus other diseases. It is also said to relieve stomach and liver problems and helps relieve kidney stones and gallstones. Also, it is supposed to give clarity of thought and increase focus, attention, and mental power (p. 117). 

Paramhansa Yogananda referred to prana as the “life-power” and said it is an inconspicuous or astral body made up of prana that underlies the physical” (p. 134) and also that prana is used to allude to the breath. Through or by means of breath control with deep breathing, prana is said to stream up in the inconspicuous spine related to the inward breath, and down with the exhalation” (p. 134). 

Breathing then is a central focus of the meditation process that is necessary to awaken Kundalini. 

Awakening Kundalini: the word “Kundalini” means serpent 

Throughout this section, various practices are described on how to awaken the Kundalini, but they all center on types of meditation, especially those focused on breathing techniques. And it is expected that anyone wishing to awaken their Kundalini will engage in long hours of meditation. “The best way to awaken the Kundalini is by doing meditation” (p. 118). 

At this point, a statement is required to the effect that the process of unleashing the Kundalini is little more than opening the door to the indwelling of demonic spirits—yes we are saying it again. People who seek this awakening are innocently opening themselves up to this tragic and dark event. Those who have been involved in this practice and then turn to Jesus as Savior and Lord have had these demonic spirits cast out of them. 

According to the authors of Psychic Empath, “at the moment of the awakening of the Kundalini, you can expect for a powerful rush of energy through your body” (p. 119). This occurs as the Kundalini energy is released, and the serpentine power shoots up through the other chakras. That which prevents the serpent power from being released is referred to as a blockage, and the solution is to make sure there is a free flow of energy through the energy channel meridians. Besides that, one must make sure the chakras are “cleansed and aligned.” 

One way of clearing the chakras is to manage stress levels, which is achieved by means of proper meditation. It is said that “meditation is strongly related to mystical experiences and Kundalini syndromes” (p. 120). This meditation is said to be more effective than yoga or prayer. 

It is said that mystical experiences occur when meditating upon a deity, a guru, a holy man or woman, or a sacred concept. Mantras can also be used, and one that is often used is “ong namo guru dev namo,” which means “I bow to the divine within” (p. 121). 

Here it is, in deep states of meditation and reciting the mantra above over and over, that a passive or shamanistic or altered state of consciousness is achieved, which in turn is the means by which demonic spirits are able to enter the meditator. Every single one of the practices in Psychic Empath resort to the same practices—various forms of meditation. 

Prayer is said to not be as effective as meditation, and that “Catholics or Christians may experience the descent of the Holy spirit—it is similar to the Kundalini but in a form that their belief systems are already predisposed to accept” (p. 121). 

Our opinion is that the above is at best a misstatement, whether intentionally misleading or born of ignorance. Christian and Catholic prayers are alert and conscious statements of praise and worship, along with requests, that are directed to the God who hears our prayers. In researching for this book, we have found numbers of statements similar to that presented in the previous paragraph. There are, however, forms of prayer, often called Contemplative Prayer, that are practiced by some Christians, which can be more meditative than actual praying, and we avoid this sort of spirituality. 

Moving Kundalini energy up 

The goal is to move the Kundalini energy up from the bottom chakra to the higher chakras. “Interestingly, waking the stored Kundalini energy can be done not only by stirring it and forcing it to shoot up from below, but it can also be coaxed upward by drawing it from above. To do this, you must make your higher chakras magnetic” (p. 125). And this can be done by meditation upon saints, mystics, deities, and other spiritual entities. 

This process is dependent, however, on cleansing and strengthening the body so that the Kundalini energy can move upward. But when it does move upward, there may be serious side effects such as a sense one is “falling apart” or experiencing “intense bouts of chaos and stress.” This may result in experiencing “massive life changes as a result of this falling apart” (p. 127). 

Part of the “falling apart” may include physical symptoms like shaking, visual disturbances, inability to relax, feeling major rushes of energy, near-death  experiences—these often accompany being awakened. 

In addition, emotional symptoms are very common in Kundalini awakenings such as anxiety, despair, and depression. Also, there can be elation, joy, and overwhelming peace. Plus, there is the experience of massive influxes of energies. 

Our experience in dealing with people over the decades is that these symptoms or experiences are the result of being indwelt by spiritual entities, and here we mean demons, which is a powerful spiritual event. Instead of being “awakened,” a person is now under the power and influence of evil spirits. 

Yoga, the various aspects of it as identified by Yogananda, are Prana Vayu, Apana Vayu, Udana Vayu, Samana Vayu, and Vyana Vayu, and this all has to do with moving air, the breath in the body. This is controlling prana. Indeed, prana “rides on the breath.” When we breath in, we take in prana, and when we exhale, we are clearing channels. A significant part of the body are the chakras, and in yoga the moving of the air impacts the chakras. It is said that the sense of well-being comes when the breath frees the chakras. So much then depends on the yoga breathing processes. 

Our experience with those who are dedicated to the breathing exercises, the yoga of breathing, is that the meditation processes result in a passive or altered state of consciousness, if not at first, then, over time, when a practitioner achieves deep states of mindlessness, curiously called mindfulness. Into the vacuum come the demonic spirits, which entry can be dramatic, even exhilarating. It seems very much like a spiritual achievement, a state of enlightenment, but it is far from that. 

The Attainment of Psychic Abilities 

Here now we come to the reason this piece on Kundalini is included. The so-called process of awakening the Kundalini leads to only one reality— the development of psychic abilities, and these abilities are used in what we call psychic therapy, which is incredibly popular in our culture and is the chief reason for the presentation of this book. The following paragraph, all quotes from Psychic Empath, is the essential reason for the tremendous growth of those who practice psychic therapies of one kind or another, including the types of life coaching that use psychic abilities such as those found in the use of the Akashic Records and Reiki. 

“Psychic abilities are said to be supernatural powers. . . . If only people could take more time to meditate, then you will see that psychic abilities are supposed to be very common. In fact, regular practice of even the basic breathing meditation can help you awaken your latent psychic abilities. . . . The more that you meditate, the more that you will realize the psychic abilities that you possess” (p. 153). 

And there are different psychic abilities. There are the “clair” abilities. One of which is clairaudience, which means clear hearing, or that what is heard is right. “It is also worth noting that messages from the spiritual world are often received through this psychic ability. . . . You might think of it as messages from your guardian angel. . . . The more that you do meditation, the more that you will be able to notice this ‘voice’ in your head” (p. 154–155). 

Another psychic ability is claircognizance, also known as clear knowing. This is different from clairaudience, however. Here no voice is heard; instead, the person simply knows what is true. 

Clairvoyance has to do with clear seeing, which may be the seeing of symbols, dreams, visions, images, and colors and may be seen with either the physical or the mind’s eyes. It is also possible to gain access to your own soul and even the soul of every person within the universe, whether past, present, or future. These are not daydreams, imaginations, or wishful thinking. 

Clairsentience means clear sensing, which lets one feel the future, past, or present of a person and also their emotional states and energy. 

Aura reading is a psychic gift that allows one to see a light present around a person, which alerts one to their spiritual state. 

Channeling is a psychic gift that allows one to enter a trance and let another spirit speak through you. “It’s sort of like demonic or angelic possession, but it’s voluntary. The person who acts as the channel will almost always be fully willing to let the spirit talk through him or her” (p. 183). 

Automatic writing is a psychic gift that involves channeling. This gift enables the writer to be able to channel one’s higher self, guides, angels, guardians, and write down what is heard (p. 183). 

Examples of automatic writing that many are acquainted with are The Book of Mormon, The Course in Miracles, the Jesus Calling series, and to some degree, the Qur’an. 

Another psychic ability is telekinesis. This is the ability to move objects using only the power of the mind, of which there are two aspects, macrokinesis and microkinesis. The “macro” refers to large objects, and “micro” to small objects. And for these, deep meditation is required. 

Then there is pyrokinesis, which allows a person to control fire. For instance, a candle is to be lighted, then the flame is to be focused on until a person is at one with the flame. Under this condition, the flame, via visualization, can be moved. 

Divination, which is the seeking of knowledge about the future by using supernatural means. “It is an attempt to get insight about a situation or question by using standardized, occult rituals or processes” (p. 175). 

The use of Tarot cards is a means of doing so, and also the use of pendulums. The author(s) state a pendulum can be found in any occult shop. 

Psi Healing is another healing technique using prana. The author(s) suggest, “You could find a school for pranic or Reiki healing and take classes” (p. 177). 

Mediumship, which is said to be highly coveted for those seeking psychic ability. It is the contacting of dead people, and Kundalini awakening can help get attain this psychic gift. 

Premonition is a psychic ability of being able to see into the future. 

Psychometry is a psychic ability that connects with facts about an object, thing, animal, place, or person by means of touching it. 

Retrocognition is the psychic ability of being able to see into the past. 

Telepathy is the psychic ability to communicate with another person without actually speaking verbally to him or her, by means of thought, emotion, or vibration. 

Astral Travel is something that is growing in popularity and is essentially travelling to other places when you are asleep. Some however, are said to travel into the underworld, the outer world, the present world, the past, the present, the future, anywhere at all while being in a passive or altered state of consciousness. One can even visit magical planes and celestial spheres. 

Floating, refers to leaving your physical body and which then seems like one is floating. This happens when one feels he or she is in his or her astral body. 

Third Eye refers to the ajna chakra, which is located between the eyebrows. This chakra is the seat of intuition and is the key to the power of clairvoyance. The third eye must be open and the two bodies, the physical and the astral body, are separated. 

Psychic Awareness 

The more one practices and develops meditation techniques, the more one will be in touch with psychic senses; it is a process of becoming aware of these psychic senses. “You can rest for sure that you will develop several psychic senses/ abilities if you religiously practice the techniques in this book” (p. 159). 

The key to success here is to become aware of the presence of energy. It is noted that from the word “psychic” comes from the word psi, which means energy. 

Empathy 

Another key to psychic awareness is to develop empathy, which is to allow one to sense human emotions and feelings. “And empathy is developed by doing the exercises in this book” (p. 160). 

For example, when meeting with a person, “visualize a chord that connects your heart chakra to the heart chakra of the other person. Keep a clear and open mind” (p. 160–161). It is therefore vital to develop the capacity of the heart chakra, and this is done by charging your heart chakra with energy and this is done via visualization. Let the heart chakra be energized until it is shining brightly in your mind’s eye. Do this several times a day” (p. 161). 

How then does one develop psychic abilities? The core of it is to focus on your breath, which is necessary to be able to cleanse and charge oneself. Then inhale and visualize positive energy coming into your body. Then exhale and feel the negative energies going out of the body. Make sure to meditate every day. And an object one encounters—hold it, feel it, and then allow your intuition to tell you the history of the object. This is known as psychometry. One must develop one’s intuition and pay attention to what it tells you. Another key is to work on one’s intuition and make sure your third eye is open. 

If this sounds fantastical, impossible, or crazy, you are right. What it actually does is create in a person who practices it a passive, altered, or shamanistic state of mind. Over a period of time, those who follow these techniques will become out of step with reality, detached and outside that which is normal. It can also take on the appearance of mental illness. The fact is that it is an invitation to be invaded by demonic spirits, which can be exhilarating at first but later becomes an awful burden. And here we recognize that only Jesus Christ casts out demons. 

If you or someone you know has tried these techniques and report that they actually work, that psychic knowledge of the past and of what is happening in other people’s lives has proved to be true, please be aware that the demons have been in this world since at least before human kind and that they are constantly observing humans and their activities, sometimes for the sole purpose of telling those they indwell these “secrets” and thus enabling their hosts to attain a supernatural knowledge otherwise unavailable. That certainly ensures that the demons are allowed to remain within the human and not be cast into hell, which is what happens to them during deliverance ministry. In fact, we have experienced firsthand while doing that ministry that the demons will threaten their human hosts with the loss of these powers, should they be sent away. The follower of Jesus is willing to give up these unclean powers, but the non-believer is usually not, regardless of the trouble and even torture the demons inflict. 

Chapter 8 explains How to Awaken Kundalini: 

Step one is to focus on your breath, then reject negativity, keep a good posture, access the “central channel,” use visualization, activate your interests, cut out  distractions, and this by refining your diet, moving your body, being a watcher, finding your tribe, getting a mentor, chant, chant, chant, enable your interests, go with the flow, make affirmations, listen to music for relaxation, and finally think of unplugging from the internet every now and then. 

******* 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia on Kundalini. Gathered January 10, 2022 

In Hinduism, Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy (or Shakti) believed to be located at the base of the spine, in the muladhara. It is an important concept in Śhaiva Tantra, where it is believed to be a force or power associated with the divine feminine or the formless aspect of the Goddess. This energy in the body, when cultivated and awakened through tantric practice, is believed to lead to spiritual liberation. Kuṇḍalinī is associated with Parvati or Adi Parashakti, the supreme being in Shaktism; and with the goddesses Bhairavi and Kubjika. The term, along with practices associated with it, was adopted into Hatha yoga in the 9th century. It has since then been adopted into other forms of Hinduism as well as modern spirituality and new age thought. 

Kuṇḍalinī awakenings are said to occur by a variety of methods. Many systems of yoga focus on awakening Kuṇḍalinī through meditation; pranayama breathing; the practice of asana and chanting of mantras. Kundalini Yoga is influenced by Shaktism and Tantra schools of Hinduism. It derives its name from its focus upon the awakening of kundalini energy through regular practice of Mantra, Tantra, Yantra, Asanas or Meditation. The Kuṇḍalinī experience is frequently reported to be a distinct feeling of electric current running along the spine. 

Kundalini awakening 

The experience of Kundalini awakening can happen when one is either prepared or unprepared. 

According to Hindu tradition, in order to be able to integrate this spiritual energy, a period of careful purification and strengthening of the body and nervous system is usually required beforehand. Yoga and Tantra propose that Kundalini can be awakened by a guru (teacher), but body and spirit must be prepared by yogic austerities, such as pranayama, or breath control, physical exercises, visualization, and chanting. The student is advised to follow the path in an open-hearted manner. 

Traditionally, people visited ashrams in India to awaken their dormant kundalini energy with regular meditation, mantra chanting, spiritual studies and physical asana practice such as kundalini yoga.

At some point, likely in late 1968, Lonnie Frisbee began asking

me some questions about specific doctrines like the deity

of Christ, the Trinity, and speaking in tongues, among other

issues. Later I learned that a Bible teacher named Victor Paul Wierwille

was visiting the House of Acts in Novato, and his teachings were

causing division among both the members and those attending the

weekly Bible studies held there.

Someone living at the house had stumbled across a series of

tapes made by Wierwille entitled, Power for Abundant Living, and the

thirty-six hour course of instruction was drawing a lot of interest. At

that point, I asked Ted Wise if it was okay for me to come to Novato

and speak with Wierwille face to face.

On two separate occasions, two afternoons when just a few people

were at the house, I debated him. What had been troubling Lonnie

was Wierwille’s insistence that smoking marijuana was permitted

for Christians. It also seemed that he advocated open marriage. I had

wrongly assumed his theology was orthodox. These were only the

first of many troubling doctrinal issues.

At that point, I defended speaking in tongues, as I had begun

speaking in tongues myself, but Wierwille carried it to the point of

being the absolute proof for the resurrection of Jesus. Though I did not

accept it, I knew that many Pentecostals were convinced that speaking

in tongues was the primary evidence of being truly born-again,

but my mainline evangelical theology would not let me go there.

Wierwille would not budge and I did not push it. (Speaking in

tongues never did get too far at the House of Acts.) But then I found

that Wierwille denied the deity of Christ, followed by the revelation

that he rejected the Trinity. He said the Trinity was introduced into

the Church several centuries after the ministry of Jesus and was the

result of pagan ideas. An even more severe issue was that Wierwille

claimed that the original documents of the New Testament were

written in Aramaic, not Greek, and that he alone had the manuscripts,

so he alone knew what was true. Over and over I asked to see them

or to see a photo of them, but Wierwille had his reasons, ones I have

now forgotten, why this was not possible. It reminded me of Joseph

Smith and the golden tablets from which the Book of Mormon had

supposedly been copied.

Most of what I saw come out of the confrontations with Wierwille

was a division occurring in the house; some of the original members

of the household left. Among those who left were Jim Dopp and Steve

Heathner,1 who remained with The Way. A competing Bible study

then developed in Mill Valley by adherents of Wierwille, and it continued

for some time but never really caught on. Those who led the

group did not have the tight control necessary to enforce doctrinal

conformity, like most of the Bible based cults do, and so there was

constant slippage.2

Of course, the cause of Christ was tarnished as a result, and I am

aware that some are still impacted by it after all these years. Later, in

the mid 1990s, I offered a Cult Recovery Support Group and placed

ads in the local Marin paper announcing it. A twenty-six week course

developed and drew many from a number of different groups, and

included among them were former participants in The Way.

The Jesus People Movement was a mixed bag. On the one hand

was the obvious power of God to save, and alongside this, which is

actually characteristic of most genuine awakenings of the Spirit of

God, were the “dark sides,” the “wild fire,” the aberrations and distortions.

Toward the closing years of the JMP, as I experienced it, the

seeds of destruction and division had been sown and would yield bad

fruit. This aspect I will address more fully coming up.

1 Steve Heathner, known as Steve O’Shay, was a well known D.J. on the most

popular of San Francisco’s radio station that featured rock and roll music. Steve

would slip in Jesus zingers into his radio program and it was no small deal.

2 Former participants in The Way began to attend Miller Avenue Church,

where I am yet pastor, and updated me on the developments following the breakup of the House of Acts and the death of Wierwille.

The title of this essay may seem a bit unusual, and a reader may wonder how I could know much about this subject. Therefore, let me describe an event that occurred around twenty years ago, at the time of the first Gulf War.

My son, Vernon, was a military policeman in the U.S. Army, and he was stationed in Saudi Arabia even before the military action began. When it did, his unit’s job was to move prisoners of war from the front battle lines to the rear. One of the processes was to take away from each prisoner, and they were all Muslims, what they had on their person, and that included their wallets. To their shock and surprise, these MPs found the photographs of these men’s boyfriends—their lovers—within the wallets. Vern even mailed to me one of these photo envelopes, which had about six or seven photos of young Muslim men.

After contemplating what this all meant, it occurred to me that, due to the social circumstances in Muslim-dominated countries like Saudi Arabia, young men had little or no access to Muslim women. The older Muslim men, those with authority, wealth, and power, had multiple wives. Therefore, many of the young men had only one another. My opinion was, and is, that these guys were not truly homosexuals, as one might suppose.

It was about this time that I began to reach out to Muslims. I even, and on only a few rare occasions, was I able to ask Muslim men what this was all about. I would tell the story about my son Vern and the wallet contents. Every time, these guys flatly stated that they were ashamed about it but did admit that it was often so. They made sure that such was not the case here in America. And I believed them, to a point.

I then began to think about Muslim women in Muslim-dominated countries. In the process of writing my two books on Islam, If Allah Wills and Islamic Studies, and in talking with Muslim people following the Friday Jummah prayers, I saw, not so much heard, that relations between the males and females were carefully monitored and directed. And this is the case here in the good old USA. What then about Muslim-dominated countries?

What was revealed by means of conversations, was the extent of the troubled sexual relations that the young women also experienced. They were trapped by the men and separated from the outside world, and even if they did appear in public, they would have only their faces showing, often with a kind of net over their faces. For a period of two years, I conducted a kind of class situation at the church I pastor in Mill Valley and frequently invited guest speakers. Some of these were local Muslim leaders from both Sunni and Shiite mosques, in addition to former Muslims now believers in Jesus as Savior. And as best I could, I would ask these representatives to speak about how things were between Muslim men and women. There were some red faces and quite a bit of taqiyya(h), which means “permission to deceive.” And this lying is even emulated, as made plain by one of Allah’s 99 names, which is “The Greatest Deceiver.”

A Muslim man can have four wives, and one can only surmise what might be taking place, as these wives are secluded and watched carefully. I have personal knowledge of a Muslim man, now elevated to the position of mufti, meaning one who can issue fatwas, who has four wives, but only one here in America. He travels year-round visiting three other wives and families who live in three different Muslim-majority countries.

Sexual repression gives birth to sexual perversion, for men and for women. It is all undercover, and again, it is an embarrassment to most Muslim people. Normal human beings have a sexual drive, a need for sex. It is common to us all, and when this God given gift is denied or prevented from being expressed, irregular sexual activity should be expected.

During my thirty-five years at San Quentin Prison, which is about six miles away from where I am right now, I have encountered numbers of young men who have engaged in homosexual relationships either willingly or unwillingly. It is just a reality. For three years, I led a Bible study in the Protestant Chapel, and for fourteen years I visited inmates in their cells, either in West or North block. Then came eighteen years coaching the baseball team.[1] This experience helped me understand the plight of some Muslim men and women.

The reason for the inclusion of this essay is to expose the reality of sexual repression for far too many young Muslim men and women.

---

[1] We have recently published the first of three books I wrote about baseball in San Quentin: Strike Three, You’re Out!: Baseball at San Quentin: The 2010 Season.

 Akashic Records

In this chapter we review How to Read the Akashic Records: Accessing the Archive of the Soul and its Journey ¹ 

1 Linda Howe and Juliette Looye, How to Read the Akashic Records: Accessing the Archive of the Soul and Its Journey, (Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2009, 2010). 

The author is Linda Howe with Juliette Looye. This book was recommended to us by a woman who makes her living by helping clients learn how to access the Akashic² 

2 “Akasha” is a Sanskrit word and means primary substance, that out of which all things are formed . . . it is the first stage of the crystallization of spirit. Records. She views her work as spiritual therapy. 

Our comments will be noted in this font. 

Here is the introduction to Linda Howe’s website that deals with the Records: 

The Akashic Record is a dimension of consciousness that contains a vibrational record of every soul and its journey. It is completely available everywhere. Location and time do not affect the Record. Human beings have been interacting consciously and unconsciously with this body of energies throughout history. These interactions have been both deliberate and accidental. Referred to in virtually every major traditional religion as the Book of Life and the Book of God’s Remembrance, this body of wisdom has been an ever-present source of spiritual support for people including those in our Western Judeo-Christian tradition. 

The Record is an experiential body of wisdom, insight, guidance, and healing information. This collective of spiritual consciousness is best revealed through a spiritual means. It is not a body of thought that can be linked with the mind through mental discipline (like visualization), although thought is included with the Record, as is emotion. The access of the Record can not be achieved through emotional or sensational means, though for many, the experience of the unconditional love of the Record 63 

can be very emotional. Essentially, the most efficient and effective means to spiritual consciousness is through spiritual action. 

For centuries, the Akashic Record has been the exclusive domain of mystics, scholars, and saints. Rightfully so. Infinite power and wisdom are available in the Record, and they have been entrusted to those well-prepared for the responsibility of deep knowing. In the U.S., it was through the work of Edgar Cayce in the early to mid-twentieth century (“The Sleeping Prophet”), that Akashic Records readings became a familiar practice in the movement of consciousness development. Today, the Records are no longer the exclusive domain of saints, scholars, and mystics. The collective consciousness of humanity has been growing, evolving, and maturing. 

In this time of great change, the availability of the Record is shifting. The light of the Spirit is pouring into human consciousness at an unprecedented rate. This light infusion is causing radical upheaval in all areas of life for the purpose of bringing us into the highest possible alignment with the Divine Reality. One of the great tools for the development of our consciousness is the Akashic Record. 

It all began when Linda Howe, at age twenty-eight, attended a Renaissance fair where a tarot reader looked at her cards. This experience gave her a desire to bring others the kind of help that came to her by means of tarot. Indeed, she writes, “I wanted to be a professional tarot card reader” (p. xxii). 

At a later point, she then began taking classes in shamanism at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. She turned from the tarot to offering shamanic healings. This was followed by a desire to access both knowledge and power that could be simply and easily acquired. This led her to the Akashic Records. Soon she felt a significant “shift” and realized that this was where she needed to be. 

Linda connected with a woman, Mary Parker, who had received a “sacred prayer,” which served as an “access code” to the Records. This “prayer code” was something she recited and which then enabled her to enter into, experience, and exit the Records. This was the pathway for Linda to become certified to teach the Akashic Records by means of using the sacred prayer. At a later date, Linda received her own sacred prayer directly from the Records, and it is found in several places in her book. 

In her classes, where she teaches others how to enter into the Records, she uses a “meditation” in order to “facilitate this shift in consciousness” (p. xii). “The Pillar of Light” meditation is similar to a number of exercises designed to open oneself up to a shamanistic state of consciousness and involves properly sitting in a chair, mind clearing, breathing techniques, and so on, all to achieve a new consciousness or reach a spiritual plane. 

Chapter One is titled “An Introduction to the Akashic Records.” Linda begins by describing what the Akashic Records are. She writes, “The Akashic Records are a dimension of consciousness that contains a vibrational record of every soul and its journey. This vibrational body of consciousness exists everywhere in its entirety and is always completely available and in all places. As such, the Records are an experiential body of knowledge that contains everything that every soul has ever thought, said, and done over the course of its existence, as well as all its future possibilities” (p. 3). 

Indeed, the Records is a collection of all that a “soul” has experienced in past lives via reincarnation and even includes what will happen in future existences or lives. It is by working through this special and sacred knowledge that a soul is able to be healed from damage experienced in both former and present living experiences. 

In the process of accessing or opening the Akashic Records, a person moves from a “state of ordinary human consciousness to a state of Divine universal consciousness in which we recognize our Oneness with the Divine at all levels. This state of consciousness allows us to perceive the impressions and vibrations of the Records” (p. 4). 

In footnote #2, Akasha is described as the so-called primary substance, which Linda describes as “energy in its first and earliest state—before it has been directed by our individual thoughts and affected by our emotions in this lifetime” (p. 5). She then quotes passages from the Bible to support her theory. The first is from Psalm 56:8–9 where is found the phrase “your record.” The second is Psalm 40:7–8, “in the volume of the book” supposedly is a reference to the Records. Then Hebrews 10:7 and the phrase, “what is written of me in the volume of “The Book.” Fourth is from Psalm 139:16: “all were recorded in your book.” Last is “the book in which men’s actions, good and bad, are recorded, the Book of Life” from Revelation 20:1–2. Her last effort is a quote from “The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ.” 

Yet still in the first chapter, Linda explains that the “Akashic Records are governed and protected by a group of nonphysical Light Beings called the Lords of the Records.” These “beings ensure the safety and integrity of the Records. They determine not only who can access the Records but what information they can receive. The Lords of the Records work with the Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones—who serve as the interface between the Akashic and earthly realms by ‘downloading’ to the Masters, Teachers, and Loved ones the information that they will relay during each Akashic reading” (p. 6). 

It is explained that the Lords of the Records and the Akashic Masters are nonphysical beings, but some of the Teachers and all of the Loved Ones have previously existed as humans on earth. 

No one will ever see the Lords of the Records nor the Teachers and Loved Ones as they existed in human form, but it is possible to experience their  “energetic presence.” However, “the Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones prefer to remain anonymous so that we will learn to rely on the energy of the Records rather than on specific identities in the Records” (p. 7). 

A basic and core understanding of the Akashic Records is the doctrine of reincarnation and that all “souls” are eternal. Also, it is understood that the Records “hold the archive of each soul as it has existed from lifetime to lifetime as different human beings on the earth plane while evolving throughout time and space” (p. 7 and 8). 

Linda tries to ‘de-religionize’ the Records, teaching that any religion or spirituality may make use of them. We have also found that this concept is embraced even by those sitting in the pews of Christian churches. Those who identify with Hinduism, Buddhism, and any and all occult-oriented spiritualities may indeed incorporate the Records into their thinking and experience without much sense of contradiction. However, no biblically oriented Christian would ever do so, except under a cloud of confusion and deception. 

Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) gave out daily Akashic Records readings, more than fourteen thousand of them, which are yet accessible. Besides Cayce, others engaged in occult-oriented spiritualities also intersected with the Records. Now, the Records are seeing a revival across America. 

Linda Howe subscribes to the “Pathway Prayer Process” as a means of access to the Akashic Records. “While some people use prayers to access the Records, others gain access through hypnosis. Still others have been able to tap into the Records by using the symbols of the healing practice known as Reiki” (p. 12). Also, some are able to do so by means of various meditation practices and other forms of consciousness development. 

We would agree, based upon our own experience, that these people are accessing “something.” But what is that something? Almost any form of meditation that moves a person into what may be known as a shamanistic or altered state of consciousness may be wide open to demonic deception. There is a spiritual presence and power in the occult world, and in practices like the Records and Reiki, but it is not holy; rather, it is devilish, which may not be apparent for a long period of time. 

How can we speak in this very dogmatic manner? The answer is simply that, over the years, we and many others, have cast demons out of those who have engaged in such practices, despite how very sincere and dedicated they may have been. Entering into the so-called “meditative” state actually opens up a means whereby demonic spirits enter in, and these disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Yes, there is the element of power and knowledge, the cornerstones of the devilish kingdom,  but the end is worse than imaginable. 

Linda, on page 14, notes that there are not many books written about the Akashic Records, and she states that her book is one of the first of its kind. 

Today channeling of various sorts, psychic therapy, maneuvering energy, tarot card reading, astrology, etc., are growing in popularity. In fact, there are multitudes of people who make a living applying these esoteric forms of healing. These people have learned how to “channel” the energies they encounter “to move through our bodies, hearts, and minds” (p. 15). Those in Linda’s field “channel energy and information directly from the Akasha, not from entities or personalities from other dimensions,” which she believes is a far better and safer mechanism. 

Linda’s book is designed to use the Pathway Prayer Process to ”Access the Heart of the Akashic Records.” This is the primary reason for the writing of her book. She then asks the reader, “Why use a prayer to access the Akashic Records?” Her answer is, “Since they exist within the realm of spirit, they are considered a ‘spiritual’ entity, so this particular domain of consciousness is best accessed and achieved through the spiritual action of prayer” (p. 17). 

Perhaps it is here where some are lured into using the Records, since it appears to be religious, with an emphasis on prayer and meditation. That old enemy, that lying serpent, that master of disguise, has made good use of the Akashic Records. 

From our personal perspective, we can see why occult/spiritual practices are growing in popularity. For several decades past and perhaps many decades to come, there has been a downturn in Christianity of all forms— Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, and other. During such periods, something always comes along to feed the spiritual need, since we are all made in the image of God and are at our core hungry for what is authentically holy and spiritual. Eagerly waiting is a clever substitute, unhappily a demonic one. Of course, atheism satisfies some, especially if it can be linked with charitable causes. We would be atheists ourselves, if we were not Christians, but atheism does not fill the need for most of us. 

On page 31, Linda Howe explains the core dynamic behind engaging with the Akashic Records: “The first thing that will happen while you’re accessing your Records is that while you speak the Opening Prayer, you’ll shift out of your ordinary human consciousness and into the Divine universal consciousness.” 

This is exactly what happens to a person who carefully attends to the Pathway Prayer Process. 

And just what is the “Divine universal consciousness?” It is direct contact with the demonic kingdom ruled over by Satan itself. It is very spiritual, 67 

having direct contact with evil spirits, who will not usually be experienced as evil, and which are not in some other worldly realm, but are actually resident within that person. It is called “demon possession.” This is clear from the Scripture, has been so understood by Christians of all stripes down through the ages, and is widely known today. 

Does Linda Howe know what we are talking about? Yes, she does, as evidenced on page 32 in her strict denial of this possibility. She writes, “At this point, you may be wondering if any ‘negative’ energy or ‘dark’ entities can enter your consciousness or attach to you while you’re in the Akashic Records. My answer to you is no–unequivocally, unmistakably no.” 

Shamans, in their trance state, believe they leave the body and travel to the lower or upper word to do their work, perhaps retrieving a “soul” from the lower world and transporting it to the upper world, usually for a fee. But they have gone nowhere—it is all in their minds. It is the same with the Divine universal consciousness—it is all in the mind. Yes, a person entering this consciousness by means of the Pathway Prayer Process will “see” things in their mind’s eye. Linda writes, “You may see colors, auras, or energy fields, images, symbols, or shapes or ‘streaming video’ of a particular event” (p. 34). 

Such things may be seen but they are demonic illusions intended to convince the person so possessed to think something far different. And these events, as we have found so many times, are sufficient for evil spirits to capture their prey. 

Supposedly, by means of the Pathway Prayer Process, one may read his or her own Akashic Record or the Records of other people. There is a caveat, however, as Linda makes clear: “When opening another person’s Records, you must have his or her consent” (p. 66). And this is possible, says Linda, by following directives explained on page 48, which has nothing to do with contacting that person in real time. 

Then, even more remarkably, one can read the Records of animals or pets, as Linda assures those who have had strong attachments to deceased pets. Not only that, but the Records of public monuments, buildings, parks, cities, towns, or areas of land can be read. And more, also the Records of a company or a department within a company can be read. For those who use their craft for others, as counselors or chancellors, etc., they may obtain a patient’s or client’s Records as well. 

It is even possible to heal your own past lives in the Akashic Records, since the Records have a record of all our lifetimes, a search may be made to discover how things went badly in previous lives, and these traumas can then he healed. But this can only be done with the “permission of the Lords of the Records who then allow the Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones to share information that we are ready to hear” (p. 135).  

At the conclusion of her book, Linda lays out what she calls the “Absolutes,” which are “absolutely true of absolutely every soul, absolutely all of the time.” They are: 1) There’s always more than meets the (human) eye; 2) We are all One; 3) Everything and everyone is Divine; 4) Everyone is always in active pursuit of peace; 5) Reincarnation is not about “good” and “bad” lifetimes, and 6) Karma is not about reward and punishment. 

In closing out this piece on the Akashi Records, we want to make clear that we have found practitioners, professional or not, who have committed to the use of the Records, to be sincere and loving people, who mostly desire to help others and heal themselves from whatever trauma they are experiencing. We are friends with some of them who make their living using the Records. Our prayer for them is that the Holy Spirit of God will open their eyes and that they be freed from the enemy’s grasp. 

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Excerpt from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia December 21, 2021 

In the religion of theosophy and the philosophical school called anthroposophy, the Akashic records are a compendium of all universal events, thoughts, words, emotions, and intent ever to have occurred in the past, present, or future in terms of all entities and life forms, not just human. They are believed by theosophists to be encoded in a non-physical plane of existence known as the mental plane. There are anecdotal accounts, but there is no scientific evidence for the existence of the Akashic records. 

 Chapter 30 

George Müller of Bristol

Before my days as a Jesus freak, a fellow student at Golden Gate Seminary gave me a book by Arthur Tappan Pierson about George Müller, the German Christian who began an orphanage in Bristol, England. 

What impressed me about the life of Müller was how God met his financial needs. Müller wanted God alone to be thanked and praised for this, so he would not let others know of the content of his prayers or otherwise broadcast the often dire circumstances the orphanage faced. His prayer requests would be specific about the amount needed and when it was needed. The prayers were answered just as specifically. The answers to prayer were a continued source of strength and encouragement for him and a clear and unequivocal statement about the God who answers prayer. 

After I left the seminary and began my work in the City, I also had to leave my job as a shoe salesman at J.C. Penney, and the money I received each month as part of the G.I. Bill came to an end. I had no income, no savings, no credit card, and a family of four. Müller came to mind, and I began copying his approach. 

My experience mirrored Müller’s. I told no one, not even my parents, of what I was facing, but I instead simply asked God to meet the needs. He did, and right on time. I know it sounds incredible, and I would not be upset if someone doubted the truth of it all.¹ 

1 Somewhere in my archives I have prayer lists I kept at the time which give credence to how our needs were met. Though it may seem contrary to the objective, Müller also eventually had to describe what happened. 

So I prayed, and praying has never been a strong suit of mine. I am a reluctant prayer, but in this period I set aside time, usually in the morning, for what I called “devotions.” I adopted the Billy Graham practice of reading two chapters in the Old Testament, three Psalms, and at least two chapters in the New Testament. In the back of my Bible I had a prayer list divided into columns, with the date on the left, the request in the middle, and the answer with date on the right. I could then track what was going on. 

I continued the practice when the Christian houses started. Today we read in the newspapers about a “fiscal cliff,” and I faced many of them, one right after the other, yet we never one time fell over the cliff. I thought it might be nice if God would simply lay on us a large lump of cash, but it never happened. For most of that time, actually all the way to 1980, I had no checking or savings account. I lived month to month, and even today it is not much different. 

A Shift in Procedure 

I hope this does not sound pretentious or otherwise haughty, but about 1969 I started being noticed by the media, and invitations began to arrive. So I began to travel about the country, sometimes alone with my guitar, other times with Joyful Noise, flying here and there like a celebrity of sorts. What I did on these travels was collect names and addresses of people I met along the way who seemed interested in the work in California. My recollection is that in 1970 I began to send out a monthly newsletter to people I thought might be interested in following what was going on with me and might even contribute some money. 

We did have a non-profit corporation, Christian House Ministries. Chuck Kopp, an attorney whose wife Nancy was involved in our work, did the paper work. So I was able to send out tax deductable receipts. With over two hundred on the mailing list, we were able to get a bulk mailing permit. I had a big, old Royal typewriter, and eventually a mimeograph machine, and the letter went out, and money started coming in. By 1972, the average income from the letter was $800 a month. Bobbie was working at Marin General Hospital, and though it was still month-by-month, we were doing fine. It was about this time that I ceased doing the Müller imitation, but I missed it. My thinking was that the newsletter was God’s way of meeting our needs, and it also meant I was developing an account of my years as a Jesus freak by way of the monthly newsletters. 

The title of this essay may seem a bit unusual, and a reader may wonder how I could know much about this subject. Therefore, let me describe an event that occurred around twenty years ago, at the time of the first Gulf War.

My son, Vernon, was a military policeman in the U.S. Army, and he was stationed in Saudi Arabia even before the military action began. When it did, his unit’s job was to move prisoners of war from the front battle lines to the rear. One of the processes was to take away from each prisoner, and they were all Muslims, what they had on their person, and that included their wallets. To their shock and surprise, these MPs found the photographs of these men’s boyfriends—their lovers—within the wallets. Vern even mailed to me one of these photo envelopes, which had about six or seven photos of young Muslim men.

After contemplating what this all meant, it occurred to me that, due to the social circumstances in Muslim-dominated countries like Saudi Arabia, young men had little or no access to Muslim women. The older Muslim men, those with authority, wealth, and power, had multiple wives. Therefore, many of the young men had only one another. My opinion was, and is, that these guys were not truly homosexuals, as one might suppose.

It was about this time that I began to reach out to Muslims. I even, and on only a few rare occasions, was I able to ask Muslim men what this was all about. I would tell the story about my son Vern and the wallet contents. Every time, these guys flatly stated that they were ashamed about it but did admit that it was often so. They made sure that such was not the case here in America. And I believed them, to a point.

I then began to think about Muslim women in Muslim-dominated countries. In the process of writing my two books on Islam, If Allah Wills and Islamic Studies, and in talking with Muslim people following the Friday Jummah prayers, I saw, not so much heard, that relations between the males and females were carefully monitored and directed. And this is the case here in the good old USA. What then about Muslim-dominated countries?

What was revealed by means of conversations, was the extent of the troubled sexual relations that the young women also experienced. They were trapped by the men and separated from the outside world, and even if they did appear in public, they would have only their faces showing, often with a kind of net over their faces. For a period of two years, I conducted a kind of class situation at the church I pastor in Mill Valley and frequently invited guest speakers. Some of these were local Muslim leaders from both Sunni and Shiite mosques, in addition to former Muslims now believers in Jesus as Savior. And as best I could, I would ask these representatives to speak about how things were between Muslim men and women. There were some red faces and quite a bit of taqiyya(h), which means “permission to deceive.” And this lying is even emulated, as made plain by one of Allah’s 99 names, which is “The Greatest Deceiver.”

A Muslim man can have four wives, and one can only surmise what might be taking place, as these wives are secluded and watched carefully. I have personal knowledge of a Muslim man, now elevated to the position of mufti, meaning one who can issue fatwas, who has four wives, but only one here in America. He travels year-round visiting three other wives and families who live in three different Muslim-majority countries.

Sexual repression gives birth to sexual perversion, for men and for women. It is all undercover, and again, it is an embarrassment to most Muslim people. Normal human beings have a sexual drive, a need for sex. It is common to us all, and when this God given gift is denied or prevented from being expressed, irregular sexual activity should be expected.

During my thirty-five years at San Quentin Prison, which is about six miles away from where I am right now, I have encountered numbers of young men who have engaged in homosexual relationships either willingly or unwillingly. It is just a reality. For three years, I led a Bible study in the Protestant Chapel, and for fourteen years I visited inmates in their cells, either in West or North block. Then came eighteen years coaching the baseball team.[1] This experience helped me understand the plight of some Muslim men and women.

The reason for the inclusion of this essay is to expose the reality of sexual repression for far too many young Muslim men and women.

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[1] We have recently published the first of three books I wrote about baseball in San Quentin: Strike Three, You’re Out!: Baseball at San Quentin: The 2010 Season.