Why Do Christians Use Language From The Occult?

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of words and terms in the church that are taken from the occult and pagan mysticism. Here are three examples

‘Soaking’ Prayer

The term 'soaking' started in the occult and refers to the practice of self-emptying so that the divine energy (aka Kundalini spirit) can fill a person. The term was NOT stolen by the enemy from the church as the Bible has NEVER condoned such a thing in any way, manner or form. The enemy can’t create something tangible out of nothing, but he can steal and then twist the Word of God because he is a liar, thief, and a murderer (Gen 3:1; Jn 8:44).

It is true that King Saul laid down in the presence of the Lord on his back for 24 hours. King David created choirs to fill the temple and his adjoining house with 24-hour worship music and wrote: "Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still" (Psalm 4:4, NKJV). However, why do Christians use words taken from the occult to give fundamental Christian practices and beliefs a new modern hip emerging spiritualized sound? Shouldn’t they use the ‘renewed mind’ Jesus gave them to speak the language of His Word, the Bible, so they can worship Him in spirit and truth?

If God wanted Christians to call prayer and worship 'soaking,' He would have used the word and defined it in the Bible, but He didn't. It is not used anywhere in Scripture, and there is no historical evidence that the term was used in reference to prayer in the early church.

Thinking about, and meditating on Jesus is not remotely similar to the occult practice of 'soaking.' The ‘word ‘meditate’ is translated from the Hebrew word ‘hagah’ which means to “moan, growl, utter, speak." It is an onomatopoetic term, reflecting the sighing and low sounds one may make while reflecting on or about something, such as when one is awestruck when they consider (Heb: ‘biyn’) something of amazing beauty, be it a sound, person, or thing. It has absolutely nothing in common with any occult practice.

When a person honestly and reverently takes the time to focus on the Creator of all things mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and humbly consider His loving character and nature, His beauty, trustworthiness, faithfulness, mercy, and kindness, they can’t help but bow or fall prostrate, lying stretched out before Him in reverent amazement, wonder and thankfulness. When they do that, the Bible uses the Hebrew word, ‘shachah,’ and the Greek word, ‘proskuneo,’ to describe WORSHIP!!

However, that being said, there are examples of true ‘soaking’ in the Bible, and that is when God was soaking in His own blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, and when He was beaten and whipped, and then nailed to a Cross as the final sacrifice for the sins of every human being. That is why He is worthy of all WORSHIP, HONOR, and PRAISE!

‘Mystickal’ Prayer

It is a very good thing that there has always been interest within the church for a deeper prayer life and communion with God.

Prayer is the dynamic that gives the ability to do those things that can’t be done naturally. It is a spiritual umbilical cord to our heavenly Father! It is an act of worship, the communion of one’s soul with God. It is a person's own spirit working with Holy Spirit to make changes and fine-tune those changes so that they might "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

A few hundred years ago there was a group of Christians called mystics that began what is now called contemplative prayer. Many of them wrote profound books of deeper spiritual understanding and wisdom. However, there was also a great deal of things written that were, and still are, considered heretical and even dangerous.

One of the methods used by some of the mystics, in order to enter into contemplative prayer, was to lead people through a man-made maze or labyrinth to “connect” with the God who “lives way out there” as prayer was “performed” in dimly lit candle filled rooms with single words and phrases “chanted” through “centered” deep rhythmic breathing, as a kind of ethereal mental exercise of mystical introspection and spiritual ascent.

The Bible implores every Christian to practice three things daily because it is God’s will. First, "Rejoice always.” Second, “pray without ceasing.” Third, “in everything give thanks” (1 Th. 5:16-18 NASB). Prayer should be as natural as breathing. The daily walk of every Christian should be joyful in thanksgiving to God, first and foremost, for who He is, and for all that He has done!

To pray “without ceasing” includes the thought of using various ways to worship God in thanksgiving and praise. It can be through music and words, as well as how a person makes a living or raises their children. Prayer is to be active and spontaneous throughout the day, not some repetitive ritual, or breathing exercise, such as those of eastern mystical manmade religions.