Third Eye Awakening

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 79 

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.80 

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 81 

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.82 

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. 84 

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”.

Thirty-two

Coping with Failure

“I’m not a cry-baby or a whiner, but this is awful. I

don’t think I’m going to be able to make it. Even my

kids want me to quit. Tell me, Kent, you have been

through desperate times, how do you keep going?”

         

I wish I had the statistics on the attrition rate in the

pastoral ministry. I’ll bet it is high, maybe

staggeringly so. It’s no job for those who are afraid of

failure. Certainly “success” is not the goal, but coping

with failure is a skill to be learned.

Pastoral ministry is open ended and never ending.

I never have the sense that I have completed my work

and thereby can take my ease. Any sense of success is

a fleeting one at best. Often I have a sense of guilt

over the work left undone. At times I have even felt

overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy and failure. For

instance, I can preach two or three good sermons and

feel extremely good then follow those up with sermons

I think are awful. I have been through dozens of

sequences like that.

Worse still is the following scenario. Someone will

inform me that one of our members is in the hospital

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Coping with Failure

and has been there a whole week. I respond, “I never

knew it,” only to hear, “But I left a message on your

machine.” Somehow I did not get the message, or if I

did, I forgot. One time I knew in advance someone

was going to be operated on, I knew the date, time,

and place. Still I let it get away from me. I wanted to

pray with and be present with the individual, and, oh,

does the guilt come flooding in.

It is not pleasant to preach bad sermons. I have

preached some awful sermons, real stinkers! There

have been more than a few Sunday evenings when the

notion of quitting crossed my mind. Most pastors feel

like they want to quit once in a while.

Though this may embarrass me later, but for the

sake of others who might be like me, I do admit to

having walked out of a couple of church council

meetings saying, “I am out of here.” I have done it. I

hate to admit it, but I have done it. It occurred at times

when I was very low, after having preached four or five

poor sermons in a row and had a person or two leave

the church. I felt like I was failing in my ministry. In

one instance, I had found out that so-and-so was going

to leave the church, and one of my closest partners in

the church had attacked me in public. Suddenly there

it was: “I am out of here! I am not subjecting my family

and myself to this anymore!”

However, a pastor can not easily walk off and leave

a church. Though there may be a certain number of

people in the congregation who are against a pastor,

there are others who are supportive and appreciative.

A pastor must be careful about declarations of

resignation, let me tell you. There will be times when

a sense of inadequacy is strong and there are prolonged

streaks where nothing seems to go well—do not be

surprised or easily shaken. I do not say these things to

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For Pastors

discourage, but to encourage. Pastors who feel unique

in their experience are the most vulnerable to

discouragement and error. It is better to know how it

really is. And, we must remember that we endure all

things in order to preach the free grace of Jesus Christ.

If the pastor has a family, there will be people who

will attack it. If the pastor has a dog, the dog may be

maligned. Who knows? Once there is a “dragon” in

the congregation, the whole family is open for attack. I

am amazed at what some of “God’s people” will do to

and say about the pastor’s family.

James Chuck, forty years the pastor of the First

Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, tells the story

of a young seminarian’s disappointment in the progress

of his first pastorate. He found many of the people in

the church to be less than faithful. Dr. Chuck’s

response—”We’ve known about this phenomenon for

some time.”

The very people we count on will suffer a lack of

faith, often at critical junctures in the life of the church.

And when one person’s faith slips, it is not unusual for

it to turn into a kind of epidemic. What a

disappointment it can be, especially in the small church

where a little ripple makes a large wave.

It is this sort of thing, maybe more than anything

else that has caused me pain and distress. Just when it

seems we are being blessed by some growth, a key

member or two will suddenly disappear. Week after

week will go by and it begins to appear that they have

left the church. And when I reach out to them, they

avoid me. This does not go unnoticed, of course, and

people began to ask, “Where is so and so?”

My tendency is to blame myself. If only I had kept

in better contact, or, If only I could make people more

excited about coming to church, or, If only I could

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Coping with Failure

preach better, or, If only, so on and so on. Usually the

problem is more akin to a personal faith crisis on the

part of the person or some kind of family or job problem

that causes a person to want to hunker down at home

on Sunday morning. But I tend to assume the worst.

Certainly, sometimes my fears are well grounded.

This, however, is the ordinary flow of ministry; I

am never very far away from it happening to me—a

couple of weeks or more, at best. Despite every effort,

I know now that it goes with the territory.

Probably the greatest sense of guilt comes from my

seeming failure to add numbers to the church.

Someone recently said to me, “Kent, how come the

church is getting smaller?” I had to spend a lengthy

period of time explaining, and before it was over we

began to see that, in fact, the church was growing a

little after all. However, it was a very unpleasant time.

It took forty-five minutes to present the reason for the

tact I was taking. Afterwards, tired and frustrated, my

feelings got the better of me and I felt low for several

days. It is at times such as this when I have to be clear

about whom I am serving and why.

Pastors are tempted to quit as I spoke of earlier,

and sometimes they actually do quit.

A pastor may be forced to resign. Pastors may realize

the church ministry is hazardous to their health, even

potentially deadly. If so, it may be time to get out. I

have seen a number of ministers literally lose their

health, their sanity, and almost lose their relationship

with God because of what they experienced in a local

church. It is not the end of the world to resign from a

church, but I would do it very carefully, not suddenly.

If necessary, take a week or two off. If that will not do

it, take a short sabbatical (if possible). Find an

experienced pastor to talk to; consult with someone

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For Pastors

from the denomination (if there is one). If leaving is

the only choice, so be it. But do it in such a manner

that a new pastor will not be sabotaged and the church

family will not be damaged. Strive for dignity and

calmness so that there is a fitting closure. Neither one

pastor nor one church does the kingdom of God make.

Yet, each pastor is precious in God’s sight and each

church belongs to the King.

Pastors who survive and flourish will learn to deal

with the temptation to succumb to guilt and a sense of

personal inadequacy. Ultimately our survival and health

are based upon our relationship with Jesus. He is our

righteousness, He is our strength, and we need not be

superstar pastors to earn His love and acceptance.

Never give up!

         

  How do you react to failure?

  Have you ever been an unfaithful church member?

  Can you imagine a legitimate reason to resign from

a church?

  Have you ever done so?

 Kundalini Awakening

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.70 

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.”71 

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 72 

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 73 

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).74 

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).75 

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 76 

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 77 

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.

Thirty-one

Recognition and Rewards

“You did not mention me in your newsletter. I did as

much as anyone else.”

No question, I had inadvertently left his name out.

I apologized and righted the slight during the

announcements the very next Sunday morning. But

he was not there to hear it. In fact, I have not seen him

since.

         

There is something in my flesh that loves to be

noticed and admired. I want to be appreciated,

talked about, lifted up, and applauded. How I enjoy

recognition. The flesh cries out for it, yet, God’s glory

will not be shared. So many of us have fallen so very

far when we were so very well known.

The gospel preacher, as anyone else, must face the

desire (need even) to be noticed and recognized. Some

will say these are normal needs and perfectly

acceptable. In any case, a great deal of energy goes

into recognizing people’s efforts and contributions.

What recognition does the servant deserve? We are

called to be servants of Jesus; Paul referred to himself

as “a slave of Jesus.” It is biblically legitimate to refer

145

Recognition and Rewards

to all Christians as “slaves of Christ.” (see Ephesians

6:6) What kind of recognition is due the slave?

There were some religious people of Jesus’ day

who liked to be noticed. They wore special garments

that marked them as religious people. They made long

prayers in public, and Jesus said, “They have received

their reward in full” (Matthew 6:5). Not much of a

reward, is it? —to be honored by people for appearance

and performance. Preachers of the gospel must not

relish dressing in religious garments and esteeming the

“salutations in the market place”.

Praise and adulation sought from people seem so

unbecoming the gospel minister. I do not see in

Scripture that we are called to seek attention and

recognition. Paul said that apostles had “become the

scum of the earth, the refuse of the world” (1

Corinthians 4:13). Paul may well have had a need for

recognition but he saw it for what it was—something

inconsistent with servant-hood. Pastors, as well as

apostles, may have the same view of themselves. The

call to be a slave of Jesus is the highest of callings and

is its own reward.

People can be manipulated because of their desire

for attention and recognition. At Miller Avenue I

attempt to avoid using recognition processes in such

ways. However, people will be recognized in the

normal course of things without intentional promotion.

Service done in the name of Jesus and for His glory

may, in fact, be recognized. We know this by looking

at the history of the Church. Many faithful men and

women are yet recognized for their service to Christ,

long after their death. Certainly this is the exception

rather than the rule. Most Christians live out their

entire lives in obscurity. Many Christians have labored

long years in mission fields with little outward results.

146

For Pastors

Their names are lost to us today and more than likely

lost to the generation that immediately followed them.

In most instances heroes of the faith (from a heavenly

point of view) were unknown during their own time

and perhaps were even despised or ignored, but they

continued to labor. I doubt these served Jesus in order

to obtain recognition or attention. The Christian worker

takes on the “easy” yoke of Jesus for the sake of Jesus

Himself and for His glory. Striving for recognition and

earthly reward is vain and in vain.

People’s need for recognition may become a

problem in the church. When a system of rewarding

service is in place, people may become confused about

why they are engaging in ministry. This may seem to

be a harsh analysis. I must admit that it has not always

been true, in my own personal experience, that

recognition processes become problematic.

The “reward and punishment” process is a

powerful one. When people are rewarded and

recognized for the time and/or money they give they

may come to depend on that. If the reward system fails

somehow, this person may feel punished. To be quite

clear, I have found some workers in the church will

“pick up their marbles and go home” if they do not

receive what they consider to be sufficient reward.

When someone begins to serve in the church I wonder

if they will continue if they are unrecognized for it.

So many of the ministries of the church are not

public. Few of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are

expressed, are public in their application. The ministry

of administration, helps, mercy, these and others are

largely behind- the-scene ministries where there may

be no public recognition at all. The person whose

service is done to honor God is the kind of person a

pastor appreciates working with. To make the point

147

Recognition and Rewards

one more time, people who have a constant need for

attention and recognition are people to beware of,

because they will never receive enough. It must be

enough that we are counted worthy to share in the

ministry of Jesus simply for the privilege of being able

to honor our Lord with our lives.

For a few years I was not in ministry, and I found

that to serve the Lord was the one thing that I loved to

do above all things. To be able to preach the gospel, to

teach the Scripture, to serve other Christians—these

are the precious things. And whether we are recognized

is not essential. If attention and recognition come, so

be it, if it does not come, then with that we need to be

content.

         

  Do you know what it is to be “slighted?”

  How well do you like attention and recognition?

  Do you feel I went too far in depreciating

recognition?

 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 64 

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 65 

“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, 66 

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). 68 

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. 

******* 

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. 

Thirty

On Helping Others

“Hello pastor, my children and I are at the Fireside

Motel and we are stuck. We’re trying to get to my

parent’s home in Portland and the car won’t work. We

haven’t eaten in two days and we’re out of money. Can

you help?”

“Kent, I need about $400 to pay the rent. I’ll be

glad to do some work around the church if I can have

the money.”

“Pastor, my neighbors are out of work and their

kids need food money. Do we have a benevolence

fund?”

Every pastor is familiar with requests like those

above. For the small church pastor, especially, these

are some of the most agonizing of all situations.

         

The subject of this chapter is how giving might be

a blessing and a ministry, not a curse. Here are a

few ideas on helping others.

Miller Avenue Baptist Church is located on Miller

Avenue in Mill Valley, one of the main streets of our

town (about 13,000 people). It is a busy street and I

keep the front door open. I open it up in the morning

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For Pastors

and I close it in the evening. Anyone may come in and

pray and read the Bible. There is a small table in the

foyer with a rack that is generally filled with free

literature along with some Bibles.

Our building is small. My office can easily be seen

from the foyer; it has the word “Pastor” over the door.

The result is people will occasionally knock on my

office door hoping to receive some kind of assistance.

In times past we had a pastor’s or benevolence fund.

We put $50.00 a month into it. By the end of the first

week, generally, the fund was exhausted. If the church

committed $500.00 a month to a benevolence fund,

the money would be gone in a very short time.

Let me illustrate why I feel a benevolence fund is

problematic. The given: $50 (or whatever) to give out

each month. A person asks for some help because they

are in desperate trouble. The $50 is now gone. The

treasurer will not replenish the fund until the first part

of the coming month. Then another person comes in,

someone in the church for instance, and now the pastor

has to report that the money is gone. What suspicions

or feelings of rejection might be generated in the mind

of that member of the church family?

Our church council gives me permission to give

up to $100.00 away without their approval if there is a

genuine need. (I recently exceeded that amount and

got into some trouble.) But I do not like to have such

authority. It is so difficult to determine the authenticity

of a situation since there usually is no time or reliable

means to make inquiries. And certainly, there is no way

to run all of the requests for money though the church

council. If the council investigated all the requests for

benevolence, there would be little if any time left for

other matters.

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On Helping Others

My solution is to only give my money away. I

generally have a five or ten-dollar bill, or maybe even

a twenty-dollar bill, in my desk that I can give. It is

very hard for me to give tithes and offerings to people

who could just as easily be telling me a story. But I will

give a little of my money away.

And I give it away; I do not make a loan. Giving a

loan, particularly to somebody in the church, is a first

class mistake! People, now in debt, have a cloud and a

burden hanging over them. Additionally, people who

get themselves into financial trouble often have that

need exist for quite some time—it is rarely a onetime

fix.

It has been my unhappy experience that a debtor

will leave the church with nothing more than a note

saying they will pay the money back as quickly as

possible. I’ve had that happen enough that I learned

not to loan money. When money is handed out to meet

a need, it should be a gift, whether the money is given

to a person in the church or to a stranger who knocks

on the door.

I don’t mind giving away a five or ten-dollar bill.

And I’ve heard everything: transmission broken down,

engine blown up, electricity turned off, no food in the

house, operation desperately needed, severe toothache,

on and on. My money is not going to make much of a

difference in such a case. I do have a list of

organizations, public and private, that may be able to

provide additional assistance. But I do not make a

judgement on the worthiness of the need. Even when

I think I am being taken, I will often hand over a fivedollar

bill.

Sometimes I must simply say to a person in need,

“I wish I could help”. And I mean those words; I wish

I could fix the world and make all the pain and suffering

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For Pastors

go away. I am doing little more than taking note of the

person’s need and expressing the desire that if I could

I would do something to alleviate the problem.

I set aside roughly $50.00 a month of my own

money that I use for either offerings (giving to people

who ask for it) or I will buy things so I don’t have to go

to the treasurer all the time. Very few people know I

do this, but it has served me well for 15 years.

My favorite way of helping others is to do practical

things. Later I suggest that pastors have a pickup truck;

indeed, one of my specialties is moving and hauling

things with my truck. Sometimes a seemingly small

thing can be a great blessing. I recall a person who

needed to take dozens of plastic bags full of garbage

and other debris to the dump. The job, completed in

an hour, turned out to be a great time of fellowship.

Experienced pastors understand the “ministry of

presence”. Being there, only being present, is

sometimes the entire ministry that is needed, or

wanted. In my earlier years I was a persistent advice

giver. Now my aim is to avoid giving advice even when

it is asked for. All my supposed wisdom and profound

insight may serve only to get in the way and obscure

issues. My concern is to listen and reflect back what I

hear. Pastors are not therapists or social workers though

we dabble in both; it is better to be a loving and caring

friend who can lift needs up to the throne of God in

heartfelt prayer.

We will not be able to fill every need. The reality

is we may not be able to help even in desperate

situations. After we have done all we can we may yet

feel like we’ve failed. Hardly a week goes by but I am

confronted with a sense of inadequacy in the face of

human need. I can’t sell the building nor move

everyone into the parsonage. I am learning to face my

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On Helping Others

limitations and, at the same time, not succumb to guilt

or despair. We will always have the poor and hurting

with us, and we will do our best for them, as we are

able.

         

It is probably clear that I am far from an expert when it

comes to human need.

  Do you have ideas on how to strengthen this chapter,

perhaps some ideas on dealing with a sense of failure

and inadequacy when we have no resources?

 Reiki

This is primarily a summary of Reiki from the book Psychic Empath: 5 Books in 1, published by the Spiritual Awakening Academy with some of our own comments in this font. (No copyright date or author is given in the book.) 

Introduction 

The opening words of the introduction are, “Reiki healing allows you to connect with the energies of the universe and use it in a way that encourages the body to heal itself. It can be used to treat aches and pains, overcome allergies and headaches, and even heal chronic or painful diseases. The results depend heavily on your abilities and your mindset, as it is important to be receptive to the Reiki energies for them to result. Often the emotional and physical health problems that we struggle with stem from blocked energy channels in the body.” 

A key phrase here is “Reiki energies.” And it is the nature of these “energies” that is a core concern. Also, in the introduction we read that Reiki “is actually a powerful energy that is inside all of us.” Of chief concern is the nature of these energies, and few clues are given in the Reiki section that describe or identify these energies nor what they are or where they come from. 

It is our conviction that these “energies” are demonic spirits. 

Reiki Healing 

“Reiki is a form of therapy that promotes healing and balance in life,” per the author of the book, and “The focus of Reiki is to improve or increase the flow of positive energy through the use of energy that flows from the hands of the practitioner.” 

The word Reiki originates from the Japanese word for Rei, referring to a “higher power,” “power of the universe,” “spirituality,” or “universal power,” and Ki refers to energy or life force. Reiki therefore is associated with power and energy. 51 

The origins of Reiki are unknown but are thought to be ancient. Dr. Usai, a Japanese Buddhist monk, studied Reiki and discovered its benefits and made it known to others. 

Reiki is developed through training sessions or classes in a series of attunements. The power of Reiki develops over time as it helps to clear and heal the mind, allowing a stronger flow of positive energy transferred from one place or person to another. 

There are several forms or types of Reiki. Jikiden Reiki is the most traditional and original form of Reiki practiced today. It is also known as Eastern Reiki, as it is closely related to the way it was initially used when first developed. It is known as the purest form of Reiki. It is said that the healing process is spiritual, yet it is claimed that it does not aim to change or conflict with the different beliefs of other people and is said to work regardless of a person’s religion or faith. The core of the process is channeling energy, which energy is supposedly universal and available to everyone. 

Usui Reiki is also known as Western Reiki and is said to be a spiritual healing but through physical means. This means that light or energy is “transferred or channeled through the hands from one person to the other.” It is a process, the author states, that involves the transference of universal energy. It is claimed that Usui “is used as a way to help those who have passed away to transition or move from the current physical existence to an afterlife or spiritual existence.” 

Frequently the unknown author of the piece on Reiki states something similar to this quote: “There is no conflict with other people’s faiths or beliefs” (p. 27). It is at minimum disingenuous and at worst a complete fabrication, especially as seen from a Biblical point of view. 

Karuna Reiki focuses on developing a “deep sense of love and spreading it to others through the practice. While the first two forms of Reiki focus on the physical healing process, along with the spiritual, Karuna Reiki aims to use more spiritual healing as a way to treat or improve others mentally and psychologically.” 

There are those who combine these three forms of Reiki and those who do find that Karuna Reiki is superior to the others. Its main goal is the “extension of love and care to yourself and the people around you. In doing this, the energy transfer is of a higher level and can promote healing more effectively as a result.” 

Sekehem Reiki (also known as Sichim Reiki) comes out of Egypt and is an extension of the worship of the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet. Here the energy channeled is like vibrations full of light that reject negativity and pain. Essential oils are also used with Sekehem. It is said that the benefits of Sekehem are, one, 52 

“a deeper sense of awareness and focus in life;” two, “it promotes connections with other people, and gives a strong sense of enlightenment and spirituality along with inner peace and acceptance;” and three, “provides for stronger and faster healing” (p. 31). 

Lightarian Reiki makes use of both Usui and Karuna forms of Reiki. It is said there are eight bands or levels of energy in Reiki which create a path to higher awareness and spirituality. Usui and Karuna forms of Reiki focus on the first two bands and the other six are reached via Lightarian Reiki. These bands connect a person with the Ascended Masters, or a higher sense of being. 

The book’s author states that in Lightarian Reiki one can progress through higher forms or energy that will be of benefit for clients, since one is channeling a higher form of energy faster and stronger than other forms. 

It is concluded that Usui Reiki is the most popular method practiced in North America. But then comes praise for Karuna Reiki and for those who practice that version. Those who do so “often need to report to their Spirit Guides, Angels, and their Higher Self, and then afterwards they feel their presences at times” (p. 34). 

Two points: First, we find the connection with the Akashic Records (see the following chapter on the Akashic Records,) the Lords, Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones. “Connection” is a deceptive concept, as it really is possession by demonic spirits. The Ascended Masters, Lords, Masters, Teachers, Loved Ones are all evil spirits ruled over by the master deceiver Satan. Some who practice Reiki and the Records are aware of this but feel trapped and helpless. These sad people are forced to cope with the ravages that come from demonic invasion and will have a strong repulsion for anything that is actually holy. 

Second, over the last fifty or so years, we have engaged in the casting out of demons, and this not by elaborate rituals but by simple ministry as we see in Scripture. I have three books on this subject. The most recent and shortest is The Deliverance Handbook, which describes how demons are cast out of those who want this deliverance. 

Over the years, many hundreds of people have received this common and biblical ministry, and some via Zoom. This work is necessary, because the so-called spirit guides, angels, higher selves, spirit animals, etc. are demons in disguise. How many are caught up in this unscientific, unverified charade conducted by channelers, psychic therapists, energy workers, mediums, and life coaches who employ methods like Reiki and work with Akashic Records? Their “clients” are unaware of what they are getting into and are taken advantage of by evil spirits that only bring everlasting tragedy.53 

Benefits of Reiki 

Now a listing of the so-called benefits of the various forms of Reiki that are sprinkled throughout the book, with our comments in italics. 

1. Does not require you to convert into another religion. 

It is often said in the book that Reiki is not a religion. But no Bible-faithful Christian would practice Reiki, as it is not only another religion, but it is based on occult practices. 

1. Helps you deal with past-life issues. 
2. Helps you be more mindful and in the moment. 
3. Noninvasive. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

1. Can help ease panic attacks, fatigue, and muscle pain. 
2. Heals the body on a cellular level. 
3. Helps with self–image problems. 
4. Assist in the manifestation of goals. 
5. Improves your ‘inner light’ and your ability to sense the energy around you. 
6. Can assist a dying person’s soul transcend peacefully to the afterlife. 
7. Can balance the chakras in the body. 
8. No need to convert to other religions. 
9. Promotes wholistic health and well–being. 
10. Is sage for use by pregnant women. 
11. Gives a person the ability to heal others. 

It is made plain that Reiki will not work on someone who cannot open their mind and body to the flow of energy. This, of course, opens the door for demonic possession, as all the natural safeguards against an evil spiritual world are closed down or rejected. The passive state of consciousness, the altered state of consciousness, the shamanistic state of consciousness—these are all terms for opening up the mind and body to spiritual entities, all of which are of a demonic nature. After some period of time, the Reike practitioner realizes this, but most will not back away or attempt to protect their clients. A large motivation is greed, as many channelers and mediums and Reike counselors make a great deal of money from their clients.54 

Symbols of Reiki 

There are five traditional symbols of Reiki. These were developed in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui who received the revelation of the symbols following a 21-day fast. The symbols will be drawn or displayed by the Reiki master during treatments. 

Those who advocate Reiki healing methods believe that these symbols are essential tools in the world of Reiki healing. They are considered to be the keys to open the doors to higher levels of awareness, and thus are considered holy and sacred. The symbols are said to be “guiding tools,” so students and masters can focus on the energy they hold within them. 

First is the power symbol. It is also known as cho ku rei and represents the increase and decrease of one’s power and appears as a coil. This symbol regulates the energy as it contracts and expands. This symbol is used to begin a Reiki healing session, which is said to increase the practitioner’s power. Also, it is the power symbol to get rid of negative energy. 

Second is the harmony symbol, also known as sei hi ki, and has to do with mental and emotional healing and appears as a bird’s wing dashing on the wave flowing across the ocean. This symbol is used to help people recover from traumas and for treating addictions and depression. 

Third is the distance symbol, also know as sha ze sha, and is displayed as a tower or pagoda. It has to do with sending energy across distances. This is said to help people go over their personal issues, and also to bring energy from great distances and heal at distances. 

Fourth is the master symbol, also known as dai ko myo, and represents everything about Reiki. The symbol looks like a combination of multiple symbols and shows the users who have ascended their levels to finally becoming masters. It is used to gain enlightenment, especially for those who desire to become Reiki masters. 

Fifth is the completion symbol, also known as raku, and symbolizes the intention of closure. A lightning bolt is the picture of this symbol. At this point a person is “attuned,” the process to become a Reiki healer is complete and they will see this symbol. This symbol is used to bring closure and rise with 55 

the awakened energy. This symbol can be visualized at the ending of a Reiki session. 

Reiki and the Chakras 

It is said that Reiki is chakra work. It means that Reiki masters work on the seven main energy centers they think lie along the spine in the subtle body. Beginning with the crown chakra at the head, where light energy is absorbed, this energy then travels to the core where light is absorbed through the feet. 

Chakras are not static points but are moving light wheels, and Chakra means “wheel.” The theory is that light and energy are compromised, blocked, etc., and then physical and mental and spiritual harmony are disturbed. So, the Reiki master then goes about aligning and cleansing the chakras. 

The goal is for a free flow of energy travelling up to the crown chakra. This is also referred to as Unio Mystica and is the mystical union of yin and yang. And it is only here where Reiki folks believe is the summit of synthesis, where lasting fulfillment is possible. 

The benefits of balanced chakras are said to be the following: 

1. It releases blocked emotional and physical energy. 
2. Eliminates confusion and gives one confidence and motivation. 
3. Makes one feel and look younger. 
4. Makes one feel more in touch with your intuition. 
5. Provides for stronger emotional connection with others. 
6. Helps to overcome lying in favor of telling the truth. 
7. Makes one more comfortable and self-confident. 
8. Produces a better memory. 
9. Gives more energy and motivation. 
10. Helps one connect with their subconscious mind. 
11. Helps with dealing with stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc. 
12. Helps to think more clearly and promotes creativity. 
13. Gives one mental toughness. 
14. Improves one’s overall health. 

The core idea here is this: The trouble is always negative energy, and it is everywhere. And a balancing of the chakras means a path to a more balanced life.56 

Levels of Reiki 

Reiki comes in different levels or degrees, of which it is claimed, there are three. 

The First Level is the practitioner’s initiation. Here comes the basic instruction of what Reiki is, its history, and the methods used, along with group practice sessions. This is followed by the attunement, which must take place before moving to the second level. This state is done through the working of the Reiki master. 

Here now is the possession of the practitioner by demonic spirits, commonly known as demons. It is a spiritual experience and will not usually seem dark and dangerous by the practitioner, but it will rather be a startling and powerful experience that captivates. It is all about power, the fundamental draw of the demonic and occult world. Even the power to heal and comfort is central. This ‘otherness’ makes it all appear beneficial and good. 

The Second Level is where first level Reiki people practice on others, all the while making use of the symbols and gradually “expanding or opening more energy channels” (p. 60). 

In this level the Reiki masters provide those attuned with the symbols for power harmony, and distance. 

It is thought that some Reiki masters combine levels one and two. 

Channeling is a key component of Reiki. In the second level is where prospective masters learn various techniques to channel energy. It is really all about how to open a person to invasion by evil spirits. 

The Third Degree, otherwise known as Inner Master or Master Attunement, represents a student’s mastery and who becomes then a teacher of Reiki as well as a practitioner, and therefore acquires the means to attune others and can then open up energy channels on a much deeper level. And at this point, “you can even put up your own practice and become a practitioner like the other Reiki masters across the globe” (p. 61). 

Reike Healing Hand Positions 

How does Reiki lower stress and help the body heal? Largely it has to do with the power of the energetic vibrations in the Reiki practitioner’s hands. “These vibrations are then passed from the practitioner to the client to induce healing.” (p. 64-65) It is also true that yoga, acupuncture, qugong, and shiatsu, to name a few, do much the same. The focus of Reiki is to restore the biofield’s or unified field’s balance like those practices named above. Some say that Reiki is more similar to meditation than these other energy therapies. 

The base concept is that we humans have types of energy that run through us and around us. These can get out of balance or blocked, and Reiki, along with other processes, like those named above, are said to restore and correct these 57 

energy flows and balances. 

Reiki practice is very passive. The master’s hand does not even move for most of the period of treatment. The hands are held steady on or over and above a chakra or place of pain, and then energy flows are corrected—this is the working concept. 

The practitioner is mostly meditating as is the patient while forces work on the vibrations and energy flows. The patient, prior to this, is taught how to move into a passive state of mind and depend on unseen forces to bring about the desired result. 

Again, we call attention to the passive, altered, or shamanistic state of mind, which is what is really going on in Reiki as well as a number of other wholistic healing practices. There is no Biblical precedent for this. Christianity does not speak of mindlessness or mindfulness, but rather a simple prayer for healing and nothing more. Some will “lay hands on” but this is no transfer of power nor is it magical in any way. It is simply a time-honored way of praying. 

What is involved in a Reiki Session? 

At the outset, the “recipient” is lying down or upright in a comfortable chair. The practitioner’s hands are placed in multiple locations like the head, back, and belly, and never on any private parts. Injured areas are concentrated on. 

It is said to be a realignment of energy, unblocking flows of energy, which are thought to bring healing. 

The experience of the patient varies. Sometimes there is little to be felt, other times there is a warmness, or coolness, sometimes a pulsating effect supposedly caused by energy flows. The patient’s role is to relax and trust in the practitioner’s skills. 

The Reiki session is meant to infuse the patient with love. It is said that Reiki opens one up to the power of the universe’s unconditional love. A person is said to sense a connection to everyone and everything around them. 

It is also said that “Reiki chooses you” (p. 7). No one then consciously decides to become a Reiki healer, they are called to this by a higher power. And there are a whole host of blessings that then come to this chosen person. 

Reiki and Meditation 

Meditation is a major part of Reiki and there are two basic forms of it. One is to clear the mind of all thoughts, and the second is to focus on a specific question, concern, or situation. “With Reiki meditation, the focus is on Reiki energy rather than any other subject. During a Reiki meditation, you focus on the universal energy as it is within you, around you, and within everything around you. You want to feel connected to that energy to create a feeling of tranquility, 58 

connection, and peace” (p. 80). 

Reiki meditation also works with “affirmations,” said to be “a positive sentence that will affect your conscious and subconscious mind” (p. 93). These are to be repeated continuously and visualized so that the affirmation will become reality. Reiki meditation is also used to “heal the auric field,” which “surrounds human energetic bodies” or “energy field” and must be in sync with chakras, as well as mental, spiritual, etheric, emotional, and physical bodies. “When all the chakras and energy bodies are in harmony and are working well together you will be full of vitality and have a sense of wellness” (p. 83). 

Reiki depends upon feelings and a highly subjective and complex set of internal circumstances. There is absolutely no scientific validation for the existence of energy fields, either large ones or small ones, plus the mental, spiritual, etheric, emotional, and physical bodies. Both the Reiki practitioner and the patient must commit to a very strange and esoteric formula, and this necessity will result in demonization. It is the devil’s playground. 

Meditation to heal the karmic past 

This is intended to heal deep emotional wounds and other family patterns of dysfunction. It is intended to continue for at least two weeks. 

It begins with lying down, then bringing attention to your breathing and offer thanks to Reiki for your healing. Then ask Reiki and Universal life-force energy to guide you on your healing path. Then ask for guidance and assistance from your spirit guides and any other Masters of healing in the Universe. Close your eyes and relax, inhale and exhale. Then use your third eye to feel that Reiki energy beaming through your crown and filling your whole body. . .and it goes on and at the end the instruction is to “release the meditation and give gratitude to Reiki with a gassho” (p. 101). 

Notice the phrase “your spirit guides.” Of course, those committed to Reiki would not understand that these entities are actually demonic spirits. People committed to Reiki and other forms of occultic practices will most often state they have a spirit guide and also a spirit animal living inside of them. So at least two spirits indwell them, often more, and these are merely evil spirits. I know this, because over the decades I and many others have cast these out of people. This is well known by those who have been involved in deliverance ministry. 

Where does the Reiki energy originate? 

It comes from the Higher Power, which is found on a dimension, which is higher than the physical world that people have come to know. However, the real source of the Reiki energy is within oneself. “The energy comes from a transcendental part of oneself, which is linked to an inexhaustible healing energy 59 

supply” (p. 102). 

It is heart breaking to read this sort of deception. We live in an era of an explosion of systems and practices like Reiki, and also an era when Christianity is on a major decline. The vacuum here is being filled in with practices, however spiritual, exciting, and helpful they may seem to be, but which lead to invasion by evil spirits and also result in a separation from reality, thus opening oneself up to mental illness. 

Is the Reiki system a type of religion? 

The book’s author(s) answer “No.” Though it is spiritual, it is not considered a religion, and to practice Reiki, one does not need to change religion. 

Perhaps some would buy this, but a Christian guided by the Scripture would not. A staunch atheist would not either. Some religious forms would accept this, however, two of these being Hinduism and Buddhism. My experience is that Buddhism is often the launching pad for practices like Reiki. 

It is interesting to find Reiki adherents say their practice is not a religion. Of course, it is; in fact, it is an all-consuming religious practice. The claim that it is not a religion and that anyone can be involved in it and not lose whatever faith they have is a false and dangerous idea. 

******* 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia on December 21, 2021 

(This article is about the Japanese pseudoscientific healing practice.) 

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, which is a subset of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. 

Reiki is a pseudoscience and is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. It is based on qi (“chi”), which practitioners say is a universal life force, although there is no empirical evidence that such a life force exists. 

Clinical research does not show reiki to be effective as a treatment for any medical condition, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, or anxiety and depression; therefore it should not replace conventional medical treatment. There is no proof of the effectiveness of reiki therapy compared to placebo. Studies reporting positive effects have had methodological flaws. 60 

Scholarly evaluation 

Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. 

In criticizing the State University of New York for offering a continuing education course on reiki, one source stated, “reiki postulates the existence of a universal energy unknown to science and thus far undetectable surrounding the human body, which practitioners can learn to manipulate using their hands,” and others said, “In spite of its [reiki] diffusion, the baseline mechanism of action has not been demonstrated …” and, “Neither the forces involved nor the alleged therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by scientific testing.” Several authors have pointed to the vitalistic energy which reiki is claimed to treat, with one saying, “Ironically, the only thing that distinguishes reiki from therapeutic touch is that it [reiki] involves actual touch,” and others stating that the International Center for Reiki Training “mimic[s] the institutional aspects of science” seeking legitimacy but holds no more promise than an alchemy society. 

A guideline published by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation states, “Reiki therapy should probably not be considered for the treatment of PDN [painful diabetic neuropathy].” Canadian sociologist Susan J. Palmer has listed reiki as among the pseudoscientific healing methods used by cults in France to attract members. 

Evidence quality 

A 2008 systematic review of nine randomized clinical trials found several shortcomings in the literature on reiki. Depending on the tools used to measure depression and anxiety, the results varied and were not reliable or valid. Furthermore, the scientific community has been unable to replicate the findings of studies that support reiki. The review also found issues in reporting methodology in some of the literature, in that often there were parts omitted completely or not clearly described. Frequently in these studies, sample sizes were not calculated, and adequate allocation and double-blind procedures were not followed. The review also reported that such studies exaggerated the effectiveness of treatment and there was no control for differences in experience of reiki practitioners or even the same practitioner at times produced different outcomes. None of the studies in the review provided a rationale for the treatment duration and no study reported adverse effects. 61 

Safety 

Safety concerns for reiki sessions are very low and are akin to those of many complementary and alternative medicine practices. Some physicians and health care providers, however, believe that patients may unadvisedly substitute proven treatments for life-threatening conditions with unproven alternative modalities including reiki, thus endangering their health. 

Obviously and unfortunately, this article does not identify demonic possession as a safety concern. 

Training, certification, and adoption 

There is no central authority controlling use of the words “reiki” or “reiki master.” Certificates can be purchased online for under $100. It is “not uncommon” for a course to offer attainment of reiki master in two weekends. There is no regulation of practitioners of reiki in the United States. 

Twenty-nine

On Being a Counselor

“Kent, remember what I told you about my mother.

You’ve got to promise me that you will never tell

another living soul. I’ll just die if you do.”

“I assure you, I will never mention it to anyone,

not even my wife.”

(One month later.)

“Kent, now my husband knows. You must have told

him because no one else knew. How could you? I’ll

never trust you again.”

         

My college major was psychology. I left a graduate

program in counseling to attend Golden Gate

Baptist Theological Seminary. It seemed natural

enough to combine pastoral ministry and counseling;

I perceived of myself as a pastor/counselor.

Following my involvement in the “Jesus

Movement” I developed a counseling ministry, in the

70’s particularly, called the Marin Christian Counseling

Center. Christian counseling was a subject of great

interest during that particular time and, of course, it

continues to be. As a pastor with counseling skills I

thought I would be able to help people overcome

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For Pastors

emotional and spiritual based problems. For ten years

I spent four days a week with as many as six, seven,

sometimes eight appointments a day. All kinds of

people made appointments—people in the church,

people outside the church, Christians, and non-

Christians. I never charged a penny.

People would reveal their innermost secrets, deep

dark stuff, sometimes details of their lives they really

hadn’t intended to divulge; it would just come out. Too

often I would know way too much.

During the counseling process itself revelations of

past events did not seem to pose any threat. However,

I now had information that might prove damaging

should it get out. Even the closest relationships are

subject to strain, and sensitive, personal information

disclosed in a counseling situation may be problematic

once the strength of the counseling bond diminishes.

This is especially applicable for pastors who do indepth

(more than simple pastoral ministry) counseling

with members of the congregation.

I have discovered that when people go through a

life crisis and disclose intimate details of their lives,

though it seems okay at the time, when the crisis is

past, they may be embarrassed and uncomfortable in

the pastor’s presence. It may even be necessary for the

person to find another church. This has happened to

me more than once. Therefore, I have determined not

to be a counselor or confessor if I can avoid it.

People will confess their sins and if such repentance

arises naturally out of the Holy Spirit’s conviction, well

and good. But to set oneself up as a qualified counselor,

one ready to hear and handle the deep, dark,

complicated things—I think this is a mistake for the

pastor.

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On Being a Councelor

We are called into the pastoral ministry not into

the work of the psychotherapist, analyst, or counselor.

When, however, someone lays a problem before me

and asks for advice or counsel I respond, “I am not a

counselor, I am not a therapist, and I receive no

compensation for counseling.” (I ought also to disclose

that I have neither a license nor malpractice insurance.)

It is not unusual for a person who is not a member

of my congregation to offer to pay me for my time. My

answer is: “There is no charge. If you want to make a

donation to the church, you can.” And I will only say

that if absolutely pressed. I prefer that no money

change hand at all.

Pastoral ministry is what I will do, however. I can

tell a person what the Scripture says about a particular

issue, I can pray with and for somebody, I can relate

some of the things I have learned in my life and

ministry, but beyond that I hope not to go. I will listen

carefully, I will actively share what I feel is helpful,

and I may be able to recommend someone who would

be better qualified and trained than myself.

And so it is that I don’t want to know too much

about an individual. I want to be the pastor/teacher. I

do not want to be the counselor. Pastoral psychology

and counseling are taught in our seminaries and Bible

colleges and I am not saying that is an error or wrong.

I’m saying simply that as a pastor I would rather not

engage in it.

As I have already stated, I get to know more than I

ever wanted to know acting as a counselor, but

secondly, it is an extraordinarily time-consuming

process. Not only does counseling require large blocks

of time, it is emotionally draining as well. To hear of

the pain, suffering, and grief of others is a difficult thing.

What is it that is said, “Psychiatrists have the highest

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For Pastors

suicide rate of any profession.” Whether this is true or

not I don’t know, but I know there is an incredibly

high attrition rate for people who engage in

psychotherapeutic work.

The job of the pastoral minister is to preach the

gospel and help those who are converted to grow up

into the stature of the fullness of Jesus. And people

are to work out their own salvation with fear and

trembling. I don’t want to have a person develop a

relationship with me that they really need to have with

Jesus. I would rather have them view Jesus as their

counselor. Jesus is the Counselor, the Advocate, the

Paraclete, the One who comes alongside to help. I

would rather see an individual develop a strong

devotional life and learn to trust the Lord to be their

counselor. I am then free to be the pastor/teacher.

         

  Do you want to function as a counselor?

  Do you perceive a difference between pastoral

counsel and the counsel of a licensed therapist?

  Have you experienced the betrayal of confidence?

 Crystal Healing

The focus of this chapter is on a book by Alana Fairchild titled, Crystal Masters 333: Initiation with the divine power of heaven & earth, Blue Angel Publishing, 2014, and by going to her website, www.alanafairchild.com, it will be plain that she is fully qualified to present crystal healing. She is, however, different from many of those who identify healing with crystals. She connects with crystals via ascended masters. More on this later. 

On the back cover of Alana’s book is the following:

YOU HAVE WISE SPIRITUAL GUIDES FROM THE

MYSTICAL WORLD OF CRYSTALS AND ASCENDED MASTERS.

THEY ARE READY TO HELP YOU ON YOUR

PATH OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH NOW.

Notice the phrase “Spiritual guides” above. Notice also the phrase “Ascended Masters.” These are very real entities, but they are demonic spirits who are under the authority and control of the prince of demons, Satan. Alana is bowing down to the “god of this world” who has blinded the minds of those who submit to these guides and masters (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

On the inside cover of Alana’s book is the following:

SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

FROM THE CRYSTAL MASTERS

We, your guiding Ascended Masters, love you without condition

We help you remember and fulfill your divine life mission

We remind you to let go of your doubt and trust yourself completely

We help you remember that you, just like us, are divinity

By use of crystals one can be in touch with divine spiritual entities, and the 128 

reader must ask, what is the nature of these entities? Are they divine, angel like, highly evolved spirits, or something else? Our testimony is that they are demonic spirits pretending to be something divine and desirable. 

And how does it all work, you must ask? Supposedly, it is quite simple. All it takes is obtaining a crystal, trusting in the spiritual power flowing from it, placing it just so, and using your psychic intuition, along with meditation and mindfulness—you are now opened to receive spiritual beings, ascended masters, which are in reality evil spirits. 

We reach to you from within your own heart 

We are always with you, never apart 

We guide you to heal yourself and in doing so, the earth 

You are a sacred mid-wife, helping her rebirth 

Yes indeed, within you now, even at the core, one’s heart. And they will never leave you either. Sounds good? The only way they will leave is if someone who is a follower of Jesus, in the name and power of Jesus Christ, casts the demonic spirits out. 

We speak to you through signs, through intuition and dreams 

We call you to trust in what you feel, all is not as it seems 

We ask you to trust in the divine plan that is at play 

Surrender into it now, let the divine have its way 

The weird cacophony of the demons inside one’s body and brain distorts reality, but one is to trust in the divine plan. It can be said that demons are divine in that they are not human or animal or anything else that is tangible. Demons intend to crush and pervert human beings, since we are made in the image of God. 

It is your job to be all that you can possibly be 

To live, to feel all that you feel, to know you are free 

Choose love over fear, we’ll help you if you ask 

We are always supporting you in your divine life task 

Sounds good? Makes sense? It does, but only if one has a relationship with the Lord Jesus, but such is not the case. Instead, it is a relationship with one or more demons. (However many there may be in a person, there is usually one head demon, the first one to enter into a person who had opened up to the demonic kingdom.)129 

Over the course of four decades now, we have helped those who have unwittingly involved themselves in occultic/psychic processes and who have sought out deliverance from them. Very often, it is communicated to the one indwelt by demons that they will never leave and that no one can make them leave. This is a profound lie. We have found that, if a person begins to seek help, the demonic attacks pick up steam, since the demons know their time is now limited, and they want to derail the deliverance process. 

Fairchild writes that, to become an ascended master means to agree to be an initiate, and when that happens, one is no longer subject to “the karmic law of rebirth” (p. 11). So, rebirths no longer go on; rather, one exists in a spiritual dynamic able to help others become in tune with psychic therapies, among which are crystal healings. And one of the skills necessary to cultivate is being able to move into and out of altered states of consciousness. She says, “I had been doing it in my spiritual channelling and healing work” and the “healing” part was the use of crystals (p. 12). 

The “channelling” above was something Alana would do for hours at a time while she was writing her book. So, the material in it really comes to Alana via ascended masters. She writes, “It is channelling that has created most of this book, and so obviously I hold it in high esteem” (p. 16). 

Her experience is that not all who channel are in touch with true and mature ascended masters. To assure that she connects with only the purest, she prays, “I call upon the true Ascended Master who loves me unconditionally” (p. 16). 

Crystals and their cleansing 

“How do I work with the crystals?” is a short piece that is most relevant to what we hope to present in this chapter. The whole of it is that crystals have energy in them, and sometimes they need to be cleansed. She writes, “You can cleanse all crystals by visualizing a vibrant violet light, flecked with white” (p. 18). The cleansing removes that which is not pure in the crystal. That which is cleansed is negative energy. And one should not expose a crystal to water or sunlight. 

While cleansing a crystal one can say, “I call upon the beings of unconditional love who can assist with cleansing my crystal and transmuting negative energy into unconditional love. Through my own free will, so be it” (p. 18). 

Crystal Angels 

Every crystal has its own angel, Alana states, and may be called a nature spirit, an oversoul, or deva. “These crystal angels are the spirit, consciousness, wisdom and vibration of the entire crystal ‘species’” (p. 19). And these beings are called upon to perform healings. 

So then, when holding a crystal, one works with the energy of that 130 

particular crystal, its angel. And the practitioner calls upon the crystal angel for the healing. And it need not be that the actual crystal be present, since the angel of the crystal will be present. Alana writes, “Through connecting with the angel we can call on the healing energy of the crystal anyway” (p. 19). 

Energy healing is a term that describes working with crystals, it is all about energy, and the vibrations and energy of crystals can be the healing agent. This is the core of working with crystals, and each crystal has different energy. 

This is not dissimilar to Reiki, as it also has to do with moving energy and vibrations around, or releasing energy, or unblocking energy. 

The Crystals 

From page 23 to page 339, Alana describes one crystal after the other, 18 of them. Each section looks like these examples: 

ASCENDED MASTER LAO TZU (Eastern Wisdom) 

ZINCITE (power) 

INITIATION INTO BALANCE 

And 

BUDDHA (Compassion) 

PERIDOT (Increase) 

INITIATION OF THE BODHISATTRVA VOW 

And 

ASCENDED MASTER MOHER MARY (Protection) 

CELESTITE (Serenity) 

INITIATION OF TRUST 

The first line states the name of the personage—each one is identified with a figure in history or fantasy. The second line states the name of the crystal, here Zincite, Peridot, and Celestite. And the third line has to do with the need or act. 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia, July 4, 2022 

Crystal healing is a pseudoscientific alternative-medicine practice that uses semiprecious stones and crystals such as quartz, agate, amethyst or opal. Adherents of the practice claim that these have healing powers, but there is no scientific basis for this claim. Practitioners of crystal healing believe they can 131 

boost low energy, prevent bad energy, release blocked energy, and transform a body’s aura. 

In one method, the practitioner places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to chakras; or else the practitioner places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is purported to surround the client with healing energy. Scientific investigations have found no evidence that such “energy grids” actually exist, and there is no evidence that crystal healing has any greater effect upon the body than any other placebo. 

Where the practice is popular, it fosters commercial demand for crystals, which can result in environmental damage and exploitative child labor to mine the crystals. 

Origins 

In Plato’s account of Atlantis, crystal healing is also mentioned. According to Plato, the Atlanteans used crystals to read minds and transmit thoughts. The first historical documentation of crystals originated from the Ancient Sumerians (c. 4500 to c. 2000 BC). The Sumerians used crystals in their magical formulas. 

Writings dating back as far as 400 BC make observations about the powers different crystals were believed to emit. Often if a negative incident occurred, a specific stone would be used in an attempt to counteract the negative effect. This was done by wearing amulets or other talismans around the neck with specific stones. 

The origins of crystal healing is tied to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, India, Ancient Greece, or Ancient Rome. 

Ancient Egyptians mined for crystals and used them to make jewelry. Crystals or gemstones were also used in practice, for their metaphysical properties. Specifically, they used crystals as aids for health and protection. They often would bury a lapis lazuli scarab with their deceased, with the belief that it would protect them in the afterlife. Additionally, in Ancient Egypt amulets were used to ensure the well-being of the individual. The amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, color, material, or ritual performed with the amulet dictated its power. Amulets were worn or placed on the body, in the form of stones, piercings, rings, necklaces, or other jewelry. The Egyptians used amulets to benefit their afterlife, often representing an Egyptian deity and their specific powers. Amulets were also placed on mummies or in between the mummy’s bandages, with funerary pieces usually being larger than those worn by the living. In funeral practices they also used headrest amulets, these were full-size headrests placed in tombs to protect the dead, they also symbolized the deceased rising and being revived, and the sun rising between two hills, which 132 

symbolized resurrection and rebirth. 

The Ancient Greeks assigned a multitude of properties to crystals. The word ‘crystal’ is derived from the Greek word “krýstallos” which translates to “ice”. The Ancient Greeks believed that clear quartz crystals were a water that had frozen to the point where it would remain in its solid form. The word “amethyst” in Ancient Greek language means “not intoxicate.” Amethyst was worn as an amulet that they believed would aid hangovers or prevent intoxication. 

Precious stones have been thought of as objects that can aid in healing— in a practice known as lapidary medicine—by a variety of cultures. The Hopi Native Americans of Arizona use quartz crystals to assist in diagnosing illnesses. Both Pliny the Elder and Galen claimed that certain crystals had medicinal properties. In Europe, the belief in the healing powers of crystals (and in particular crystal amulets) persisted into the Middle Ages. The alleged medicinal properties of precious stones, as well as other powers they were believed to hold, were collected in texts known as lapidaries, which remained popular in Medieval and Early Modern Europe until the 17th century. 

Across cultures, different stones can symbolize or provide aide for different things. An example of this is rose quartz. In Egypt, it was believed rose quartz could prevent aging, but the Romans used rose quartz as a seal to signify ownership, while in the Middle Ages it was used in healing potions, today rose quartz is known as the “love stone” and is used to balance emotions and heal anger and disappointment. 

Introduction to the New Age movement 

New Age crystal healing ties to three cultures, British, Indian, and Native American. British culture has a Pagan history which has inspired many people who practice modern-day witchcraft. Indian culture uses crystal healing as a form of holistic healing and is written in the holy texts of Indian culture. 

New-age healing in the Western world has ties to the British, and more specifically paganism. While many people may not want to practice animal sacrifice, modern practices have simplified many ancient rituals and practices, making them more available and attractive to those in Western society. Western astrology is also used with crystals, and ties into modern paganism. Practitioners believe certain stones align with and share properties with certain planets. Using astrological birth charts someone may also use types of stones that are compatible with their star signs. 

In the Vedic texts of Hinduism, specifically the Garuda Purana and Graha-gocara, there is a lot of information about the importance of crystals in Indian culture. In these texts Hindu Demigods trick the Vedic demon Valla into attending a pretend sacrifice ritual and after allowing himself to be tied to a stake, Valla learns the demigods are not pretending and the Demigods 133 

dismember Valla, whose body parts turn into gem seeds which contain talismanic powers, made more powerful the purer the gem. Vedic crystal practices is still alive in modern India and are used by both the older and younger generations. 

Tibetan refugees practicing Buddhism used crystals in meditation as malas, or prayer beads and many other people in Indian culture still use crystal healing when modern medicine does not work or is unattainable. 

Native American culture and crystal healing have been passed down through generations through word of mouth, due to this many traditions and secrets have been lost due to the extinction of many indigenous languages. In native cultures there are two important principals when it comes to crystal healing, meditation, and respect. Meditation varies from person to person but usually includes good thoughts and a healthy mindset when handling crystals. In Native American culture crystals are considered an entity and you must show respect to the stones, you can also show respect to the crystals through respect of the Earth. In native traditions they can use the crystals by wearing them to benefit from healing vibrations, either one at a time or several but the stones should never touch, or tinctures can be made with the stone and water and then administered internally. 

Contemporary use 

New Age 

In the English-speaking world, crystal healing is heavily associated with the New Age spiritual movement: “the middle-class New Age healing activity par excellence”. In contrast with other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), participants in crystal healing view the practice as “individuated”, that is dependent on extreme personalization and creative expression. Practitioners of crystal healing purport that certain physical properties such as shape, color, and markings, determine the ailments that a stone can heal; lists of such links are published in commonly distributed texts. Paradoxically, practitioners also “hold the view that crystals have no intrinsic qualities but that, instead, their quality changes according to both participants. After selecting the stones by color or their believed metaphysical qualities, they place them on parts of the body. Color selection and placement of stones are done according to concepts of grounding, chakras, or energy grids. 

Crystal healing today is often featured in jewelry and is used side by side with yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. Often people turn to crystal healing when they become dissatisfied with modern medicine and people are looking to revive cultural traditions from older generations. Today the use of crystal healing is typically used by middle and upper-class individuals because they have the time and resources to seek out this type of alternative medicine. More affluent people are also able to afford better quality crystals. 

Twenty-eight

What Title to Use

“How shall we refer to you on the wedding

announcement?”

“I like ‘Most Holy Reverend Doctor’. It has a ring

to it don’t you think?”

         

Just what or who are we? The usual titles are

“reverend,” “minister,” or “pastor,” and some like

to use “Doctor” if they have an earned doctorate.

Though I have an earned doctorate, a DMin., (not an

academic, but practical degree) I do not use it. It sounds

pretentious. I reserve “Doctor” for medical doctors,

dentists, and other medical specialists. But I will use

the term, also, for university, college, or seminary

professors if they have an earned Ph.D. or Th.D., but

that is about it. I restrict my use of the title because I

noticed that I was too pleased with being called “Dr.

Philpott”.

One day I introduced myself as Doctor Philpott to

a small group that included a rather well known medical

doctor. The M.D. gave his name, Doctor so-and-so. It

embarrassed me. He intended, I felt, to embarrass me.

He knew my doctorate had something to do with

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What Title to Use

theology, and he could, I think, sense the kind of selfimportant

way in which I announced myself. That was

the last time I pulled that. I do not use the title in the

Yellow Pages of the telephone book, and I do not use

the term on my stationary or my business card. I have

no quarrel with others who do use it, however.

“Pastor” is the designation I use. I do not like the

title “reverend” maybe because I do not feel very

reverent most of the time. And I do not know what

“reverend” means exactly except that it is a ministerial

designation. The term “minister” is appropriate. When

I sign a wedding document (at least the ceremonial

certificate) I declare that I am a “Minister of the

Gospel.”

Essentially my function is to pastor a church, so

that is the title I use. When I meet people for the first

time they often don’t know how to address me. I will

generally extend my hand and say, “My name is Kent

Philpott” thereby letting them know how I prefer to

be called. If people ask “How am I to introduce you?”

or “How am I to list you on the program?” I will say,

“After my name should read, ‘pastor.’” And if they

want more than that I say, “Pastor of Miller Avenue

Baptist Church.” But generally, upon introduction, I

give my full name without title.

The question comes up, “How are kids to refer to

you?” I may not have the right spin on this, but I just

introduce myself to them as “Kent”. If a parent wants

to say, “This is Pastor Philpott”, or “Pastor Kent”, or

“Reverend Philpott” I let it go at that. However parents

wants to instruct their child to refer to me I will accept.

I will not correct a child but will let them call me

anything they want to.

Robes, clerical robes—though not the subject of

this chapter, I do not want to come up with a separate

134

For Pastors

chapter about robes—deserve some comment. I have

worn robes yet never felt comfortable with them. One

Sunday morning I tripped on the stole on my way up

to the pulpit and thereby generated a chorus of giggles.

I would not mention this topic except that I have met

too many ministers who take what I consider to be too

great a delight in dressing up in robes and other

religious garments. Robes were developed in an era

when the office of minister was undergoing a transition

from servant to shaman, or servant to magician. Special

garments symbolized extra ordinary powers. That is

one theory anyway, and another is that robes help set

the ministry apart or call attention to the specialness

of Christian ministry. I have little objection to this latter

view, but clothes should not be what makes the

ministry special.

If a particular denomination or church traditionally

uses robes, fine, ignore what I have said here all the

while keeping in mind our tendency to think of

ourselves more highly than we ought.

         

  What title do you prefer?

  What does the old term, “puffed up” mean to you?