Hypnosis and Religion

I have been asked more than once if hypnosis is found to be unfavorable to mainstream religions.

In my research on the matter I found an excellent article on religion and hypnosis by Chaplain Paul Durbin. He points out several actual bible verses that can be interpreted as hypnosis in action, even in Genesis!

Apparently Seven Day Adventists have a problem with hypnosis and so do those who belong to the Church of Scientology. Interestingly enough, the latter has its formation based on hypnosis!

A couple of facts worth noting:

* The Christian Science Church was founded on hypnosis techniques. The Church's founder, Mary Baker Eddy was a client and student of hypnotist Phineas Quimby. After hypnosis helped her overcome illness, she then integrated what she had learned with her Christian faith. Later, after accusations in the New York Times that she had plagiarized Quimby, Mary Baker Eddy separated her church from hypnosis.

* The Roman Catholic Church approved hypnosis by decree in 1847. Pope Pius approved hypnosis for childbirth in 1956.

Comments

[JAM]

I would like to clarify a few points if I may.
1. Christian Science and Scientology are 2 different things. Christian Science was discovered and founded by Mary Baker Eddy.
Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard.
2. This is what Mrs. Eddy says about the use of hypnotism in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and health with Key to the Scriptures." This and the Bible are the 2 books Christian Scientists study daily. On page 181 she says, "Any hypnotic power you may exercise will diminish your ability to become a Scientist, and vice versa. The act of healing the sick through divine Mind alone, of casting out error with Truth, shows your position as a Christian Scientist."
3. The courts found no evidence of plagiarism from Dr. Quimby's work on Mrs. Eddy's part, and awarded the verdict in her favor. On page 381 of "Miscellaneous Writings" by Mary baker Eddy, this is written about the judgment, "Testimony was taken on the part of Mrs. Eddy. Later, Mrs. Eddy requested her lawyer to inquire of defendant's counsel why he did not present evidence to support his claim that Dr. Quimby was the author of her writings! Accordingly, her counsel asked the defendant's counsel this question, and he replied, in substance, "There is no evidence to present."
The stipulation for a judgment and a decree in favor of Mrs. Eddy was drawn up and signed by counsel.
Thank you!

[candace]

Very interesting details. Thanks for taking the time out to add them to my article.

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