In a recent Charisma News interview with Pastor Mike Shreve, the dangers of engaging in practices like astral projection and mantra chanting are brought to light from a Christian perspective based on specific chapters in the Bible.
It is essential for Christians to understand the spiritual risks associated with these activities and how they conflict with biblical teachings.
Astral Projection: A Deceptive Spiritual Realm
Pastor Shreve shared his personal experience with astral projection during his time as a yoga teacher. He described spending long hours in meditation, chanting mantras and attempting to explore the supernatural world. He explained that he had left his physical body and entered a spiritual realm.
This experience led him to a profound realization: there is a realm that exists between the heavens and Earth, a realm never explicitly addressed in Scripture. This realm, often overlooked, is described as the second heaven. The Bible explicitly refers to Satan as the “prince of the power of the air.” This implies that Satan operates in a spiritual realm that is subtly higher than the Earth’s physical atmosphere. Any pursuit of supernatural experiences outside of Christ opens the door to satanically inspired deceptions.
In Pastor Shreve’s understanding, this second heaven is a domain dominated by angelic and satanic activity. It is a realm where spiritual battles unfold, and demonic influence is pervasive. Attempting to penetrate this supernatural world through practices like astral projection inevitably leads to deception, as the realm is ruled by Satan.
Mantra Chanting: A Misguided Path
Chanting mantras is another practice that appears harmless on the surface to many who practice it. However, Pastor Shreve draws a parallel between mantra chanting and the Bible’s warning against “vain repetitions.” In Matthew 6:7, Jesus specifically cautioned against using empty, repetitive words in prayer, as the heathen do.
The core of the issue with mantra chanting is the belief that it can control an impersonal force or power. This practice treats God as if He were a machine, responding to the right code or incantation. However, the Bible teaches that God is a personal being, not a force to be manipulated.
When we pray and communicate with God, it should be a dynamic, creative expression of our thoughts, needs and worship. God is not swayed by monotonous repetition; He desires a genuine, personal connection with His children.
The Biblical Way: A Personal Encounter with God
Pastor Shreve emphasizes that rather than attempting to penetrate the supernatural through astral projection or manipulate divine forces through mantra chanting, Christians have a unique and true path to God.
When one is born again in Christ, the Holy Spirit enters their heart, bridging the gap between humanity and divinity. God’s longing for a personal relationship with humanity is evident, as stated in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This highlights His unwavering love and desire for an intimate connection with us.
The dangers of astral projection and mantra chanting are clear when viewed through the lens of biblical truth. These practices can lead to spiritual deception and undermine the unique, personal relationship Christians have with the living God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible warns against engaging in occult practices and emphasizes the importance of seeking God in the way He intended, through faith in Jesus Christ. {eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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