Is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) compatible with the Christian faith?

Answer

Neuro-linguistic programming is commonly described as a type of psychotherapy that can alter behavior patterns and address issues like phobias, depression, and learning disorders. It has also been categorized as a quasi-religion associated with the New Age or Human Potential Movements. However, neuro-linguistic programming can also be covert, and it is the secretive nature of this method that gives rise to troubling applications.

Specifically, neuro-linguistic programming is a form of verbal and nonverbal hypnotism utilized by certain public speakers—such as politicians. In such instances, neuro-linguistic programming is employed to psychologically influence the listener without their awareness. It is probable that variations of neuro-linguistic programming have been employed on individuals throughout history. Neuro-linguistic programming utilizes elements like tone of voice, vocal inflection, pacing, guiding, and anchoring to implant a suggestion directly into the subconscious, circumventing the critical thinking processes of the conscious mind. Some speakers rely on a teleprompter instead of written notes or memorization, as this technology can assist in prompting the user’s speech patterns, timing, hand gestures, and more, in addition to the actual content.

The “effectiveness” and “success” of neuro-linguistic programming stem from the practitioner’s capacity to implant suggestions directly into the recipient’s subconscious mind. The subconscious mind does not independently assess the validity or truthfulness of ideas; it depends on the critical and logical thinking of the conscious mind to reject false or inappropriate concepts or suggestions. An individual will embrace the ideas transmitted to the subconscious so strongly that questioning them can lead to cognitive dissonance, resulting in feelings of anger, fear, or even aggression.

This form of hypnosis, whether overt or covert, is incompatible with the Christian faith.

With faith, we don’t need hypnosis or any kind of pseudoscientific behavioral modifications. Our behavior is transformed progressively as we are sanctified in Christ. Moreover, Christians should diligently compare what we hear and see with the truth of God’s Word. As stated in 2 Corinthians 10:4–5, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Our thoughts are therefore something we must conquer with spiritual weapons.

Always, Christians should safeguard themselves by contemplating “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” «Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. », (Philippians 4:8). Believers are to depend on God for all things, including behavior transformation.