“Watch The Watch”

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Is it all right for a christian to receive hypnotic treatment as a medical procedure?

Sincerely,
Droopy Eyes

Dear Droopy Eyes,

The ethical issue that is commonly raised with hypnosis is whether or not it has occult roots to it.  It would be wrong for a christian to take part in something that involved idolatry – even if it was for their health.  Some christians believe that hypnotism can be traced back to the occult, and that it is intrinsically tied to things like witchcraft and devil worship… we personally have not found enough evidence to substantiate that position.  Nonetheless, if that is the case, it would definitely be wrong for a christian to take part in any form of hypnosis (1 Cor 10:20-21).

However, not all people feel that hypnosis is an occult practice.  Many christians, in good conscience, feel that hypnosis is a legitimate medical field that helps people with a myriad of ailments.  A number of medical associations at least tacitly approve of hypnosis as a form of treatment for various ills.

In the end, each christian must study and come to a conclusion for themselves on this issue. If a christian does something they believe is sinful – even if it isn’t – they are violating their conscience, and that is wrong (1 Tim 1:5).

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