Ibogaine Treatment for Addiction: Benefits, Risks, and What No One Tells You

THE MIRACLE DRUG IN THE OVAL OFFICE

The Oval Office has a way of shrinking conversations down to their essence. It is not just the weight of history or the symbolism of power, but the pace. Ideas do not linger there—they accelerate. What begins as discussion often ends as direction.

On this particular day, the conversation was not about war, trade, or elections. It was about a plant. A compound derived from the bark of a tree native to Central Africa. Something ancient, obscure, and until recently, largely confined to underground clinics and ceremonial settings. And yet, here it was—being discussed at the highest level of American influence.

Joe Rogan leaned forward and described it plainly. He called it a “miracle drug,” pointing to claims that it could help people break opioid addiction at astonishing rates. Sitting nearby, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listened with interest, recognizing both the urgency of the addiction crisis and the potential implications of such a treatment. Then, in a moment that reflects the speed at which modern decisions can be made, Donald Trump responded with characteristic directness: “Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.”

With that exchange, something that had long existed on the margins suddenly felt close to entering the mainstream. Ibogaine—once a fringe, controversial substance—was now part of a national conversation.

From Ceremony to Conversation

Outside of Washington, however, the reality of Ibogaine looks very different from the language of policy and approval. Traditionally, it is administered in a setting that feels less clinical and more ceremonial. The substance itself is often prepared as a thick, bitter mixture derived from the iboga plant, and in some traditions, its use is preceded by rituals in which practitioners seek permission from what they believe to be the spirit associated with the plant.

The experience is not casual. It is intense, prolonged, and deeply immersive. Those who undergo it often describe a process that unfolds over the course of one to three days. It begins with physical discomfort—nausea, heaviness, and a sense that the body is resisting what is about to happen. From there, the experience shifts into something far more complex.

Participants frequently report entering a state that resembles a waking dream. Memories emerge not as distant recollections but as vivid, fully formed scenes. Individuals revisit moments from their past, sometimes beginning with early childhood, and in some cases, even earlier experiences that they interpret as pre-birth or womb-related memories. The progression can feel chronological, as if one is walking through an entire life story with unusual clarity and detail.

What distinguishes this experience from ordinary memory is the sense of detachment. Rather than being overwhelmed by emotion, individuals often describe observing their past from a third-person perspective. This distance appears to allow them to process events that previously felt too painful or complex to confront. In this state, many report a sense of acceptance and reconciliation with their past, as well as a release of emotional burdens that had persisted for years.

Why It Feels Like Healing

This is one reason Ibogaine has gained attention as a potential treatment for addiction and trauma. From a neurological perspective, addiction—particularly to opioids—can fundamentally alter the brain’s reward system. Substances like heroin or oxycodone flood the brain with dopamine at levels far beyond what natural experiences can produce. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing its own ability to generate pleasure, creating a cycle in which the substance becomes necessary simply to feel normal.

Ibogaine appears to interact with the same regions of the brain involved in memory, emotion, and identity. By allowing individuals to revisit traumatic experiences from a detached perspective, it may help disrupt the patterns that sustain addiction and psychological distress. This capacity to interrupt deeply embedded loops is often cited as a reason for its reported effectiveness.

At a human level, this can feel like something more than treatment. When someone who has been trapped in addiction suddenly experiences clarity, distance from their pain, and the ability to process it without being overwhelmed, the result is often described in transformational terms. Words like “freedom,” “rebirth,” and “new life” are common—not because they are metaphorical, but because they feel literal to the person experiencing them.

The Experiences That Raise Questions

However, the experience is not limited to memory and emotional processing. Many participants also describe encounters that are more difficult to categorize within a purely neurological framework. These include interactions with what are perceived as guiding presences or entities. Some describe geometric or fractal-like beings that communicate through images, movement, or an intuitive transfer of understanding. Others report encountering figures that feel nurturing or instructive, sometimes described in terms such as “guides” or “teachers.”

What is particularly notable is the consistency of these reports. Across different individuals and settings, similar types of encounters are described. Moreover, comparable experiences have been reported in other altered states of consciousness, including those induced by different substances, intensive breathwork, and certain forms of meditation. This overlap raises questions that extend beyond chemistry and into the nature of perception and consciousness itself.

For many, these encounters are interpreted as meaningful and even beneficial. They can provide a sense of direction, understanding, or resolution. At the same time, they introduce a dimension to the experience that is not easily explained or measured, and that can shape how individuals interpret what has happened to them.

A Conversation Focused on Outcomes

As interest in Ibogaine grows, the public conversation has largely focused on its potential benefits. This is understandable. The opioid crisis continues to affect millions of people, and existing treatments are often limited in their effectiveness. Any substance that offers even the possibility of significant improvement is likely to generate attention and support.

In environments like the Oval Office, this conversation naturally centers on outcomes. Does it reduce addiction? Can it be studied? Should it be approved? These are practical and necessary questions, particularly when public health is at stake.

However, they do not fully capture the nature of the experience being discussed. If a treatment not only alters brain function but also introduces individuals to vivid, structured experiences that feel deeply personal or even spiritual, then its impact extends beyond biology. It begins to shape interpretation, belief, and meaning.

Looking Beneath the Surface

The structure of the Ibogaine experience itself is also worth examining. Many descriptions follow a similar pattern: a confrontation with one’s past, a sense of symbolic death or dissolution, a guided process of reflection or transformation, and a return with a renewed sense of life and identity. This sequence is powerful, and it resonates with broader human themes of change and renewal.

As Ibogaine moves closer to mainstream acceptance, the conversation surrounding it is likely to become more focused on measurable data—success rates, clinical trials, and regulatory pathways. These are essential components of responsible evaluation. At the same time, they do not fully address the experiential dimension that many participants report.

Ultimately, the emergence of Ibogaine into public awareness reflects a broader moment in which scientific inquiry, personal experience, and cultural narratives are intersecting. It highlights both the urgency of addressing addiction and the complexity of doing so through methods that extend beyond conventional frameworks.

The Question That Remains

The question, then, is not simply whether Ibogaine works, but how it works—and what accompanies that process. As with many developments that move rapidly from the margins to the center of attention, there is value in examining not only the outcomes but also the underlying experiences involved.

In the Oval Office, conversations tend to resolve quickly. Decisions are made, and momentum builds. Outside of it, the reality is more layered. And as this substance continues to move into the mainstream, those layers may prove just as important as the results themselves.

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Should Christians Seek Healing from Buddha Bowls?

The Enchanted Church Part 5

CHRISTIANS AND FREQUENCY HEALING

CHRISTIANS ARE SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON CRYSTAL BOWLS AND RECEIVING FREQUENCY HEALING TREATMENTS. SHOULD CHRISTIANS SEEK HEALING FROM BUDDHA BOWLS?

Within the depths of our nation, a resurgence of witchcraft and spiritism has stealthily swept through the corridors of society, evading the discernment of the American church. Believe it or not, social media platforms have shockingly unveiled staggering statistics that capture Generation Z's and Millennials' fascination with all things witchy. For example, the hashtag #witchtok (according to 2022 analytics) garnered over 30 billion views!

• In 1990 a survey by Trinity College in Connecticut estimated that were around 8,000 Wicca followers in the United States of America.

• By 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed a rather unexpected figure of 342,000 adherents!

• In 2014, the Pew Research Center study expanded that projection even further, indicating that approximately 0.4% of Americans identified as pagan, approximately 1,324,000!!

• It is now being projected that by 2050, the number of Americans practicing "other religions" outside the major faiths would triple, partly due to increased individuals switching to Wicca and pagan religions.
  

America is veering away from a strictly humanistic trajectory. The influence of radical atheists within the influencer scene seems to have diminished, and the idea of a purely secular world devoid of other realms and spirits is losing its grip on popular belief.

A broader perspective is taking hold due to the rise in popularity of hallucinogenics and the persuasive voices of figures like Tim Ferris and Joe Rogan.

Sociologists even have a name for it: they say that America is becoming "enchanted."

As we observe the shifting tides of belief and the increasing fascination with the mystical, we find ourselves standing at a significant crossroads in our nation's history. Regardless of our inclinations, we cannot deny that people's enduring interest in the enigmatic and spiritual shapes a new narrative. It is a testament to the inherent search within the hearts of humanity, a longing for something transcendent and divine. This longing reflects our intrinsic need for a relationship with God and points to the eternal truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Bewitched

The rapid and drastic shift from science being America's favored religion to a full-blown embrace of spiritism has caused reverberations that undeniably influence and impact the church. If the Apostle Paul were to pen a letter to today's modern Christian, it might echo his sentiments in Galatians 3: "Oh, foolish Americans! Who has cast a spell on you? Who has beguiled you, preventing you from obeying the truth?"

To be bewitched signifies being ensnared or controlled by the allure of magic and sorcery. It implies a state of being enchanted, captivated, or fascinated by supernatural or mystical forces. When one is bewitched, it suggests a profound enthrallment or enchantment, as if under the influence of a spell or mystical power. Metaphorically speaking, it describes a deep infatuation or fascination that overwhelms one's thoughts, emotions, or actions. It can also imply being manipulated or deceived by someone or something. In essence, being bewitched entails being under the sway of enchantment or spellbinding influence, whether it be literal or figurative.

Frequency Therapy 

One aspect of this bewitchment that is permeating the Christian church is the integration of frequency therapy as a means of healing for the body and soul. This integration attempts to blend Christianity and science as a foundation for how frequencies created by singing bowls can be a significant source for healing.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the origins of this healing practice do not stem from Christianity, Christians, or even our Jewish heritage. Instead, they trace back to Eastern spiritism, and ancient occult modalities.

Singing Bowls

Singing bowls encompass various shapes, sizes, and materials, each claiming to offer unique qualities and therapeutic benefits. In this exploration, I'll show you multiple examples of bowls being utilized in frequency therapy, focusing on their claimed resonating properties and the healing energy and spiritual frequencies they generate.

Tibetan Bowls

These miniature metal bowls allegedly emit two distinct notes when struck. Curiously, it is believed that producing these notes by striking the rim rather than the bowl's bottom yields different frequencies. Proponents claim that these varying frequencies offer diverse healing modalities.

Crystal Bowls

Another category of interest is the crystal bowls, which exhibit a variety of compositions depending on the infused gems within their glass structure. Most commonly, crystal quartz finds its way into these bowls. Advocates of bowl therapy assert that crystal quartz bowls possess the unique ability to restore energy in a targeted manner. For instance, those seeking a sense of purification might turn to selenite bowls, while individuals experiencing loneliness and isolation might opt for bowls infused with morganite, as these purportedly generate vibrations that evoke feelings of love.

Himalayan Bowls

Grouping all these resonating bowls, they can be collectively referred to as Buddha bowls, owing to their historical roots in Tibet, Nepal, and India. Dating centuries, these bowls have played a central role in spiritual practices, meditation, and healing rituals.

Tracing their origins to the Himalayan region around 2,500 years ago, they earned the famous moniker "Himalayan bowls." Primarily utilized by Buddhist monks during meditation and ceremonies, these bowls were believed to induce resonance and vibrations that facilitated the opening of the mind, body, and spirit, leading adherents into trancelike spiritual states.

Hey, at least it's not morphine! 

The intention behind this article is not to express concern over Buddhist monks utilizing bowls for spiritual purposes but to shed light on a growing trend among Christians. It has come to my attention that many Christians, including many individuals I hold dear, have begun incorporating bowls into their yoga, meditation, and self-healing routines. Curiously, they argue that these practices can be reconciled with their faith. However, what raises concern is the lack of personal research conducted by these Christians regarding the origins of these spiritual practices. In fact, many deny these practices' inherently spiritual nature altogether. Instead, they rely on podcasts or ministers who market bowl therapy as a legitimate alternative medicine, leading them to simplify their perspective into a single phrase: "Hey, at least it's not morphine."

Marketing Bowl Technology

Upon delving into the realm of bowl healing, a consistent pattern emerges in the marketing strategies employed. A common tactic is invoking the words "ancient" and "healing" to confer credibility upon these spiritual practices or forms of healing. Using these terms seems to create a perception of legitimacy, as the belief persists that anything "ancient" must inherently be "valid."

Another claim often encountered is the assertion that bowl healing predates the time of Christ. This assertion is rather amusing, as it comes with an underlying assumption: the implication that since bowl healing predates Christ, it holds more trustworthiness and authority than Jesus Himself.

Well, congratulations to the marketers of bowl healing! You have succeeded in making your point. By emphasizing the practice's ancient origins, you have convinced some that it is not only legitimate but also potentially more powerful than healing in the name of Jesus or through prayer from ministry team members in a church or healing room.

I have even come across the audacious claim that the tremendous healing secrets discovered by previous civilizations render the crucifixion and the work of Jesus on the cross unnecessary.

The Role of Singing Bowls in Buddhist Practices

It is worth noting that while Buddhist monks were indeed among the early adopters of using bowls for purposes other than eating cereal, their original intent did not involve healing.

These bowls were instruments capable of producing sacred vibrations, believed to facilitate portals opening to the spirit realm. Through these vibrations, the energy portals within the human body were thought to be activated, infusing them with spiritual light. This process was associated with perceived healing, mindfulness, and a profound sense of peace, resulting from purifying these energetic centers within the body.

Consequently, a connection can be drawn between using singing bowls to create frequencies that aim to open and illuminate the chakras or energetic portals within the body.

Exploring Bowls, Energy, and Chakras

The concept of chakras finds its roots in ancient Indian spiritual mysticism, particularly within Hinduism and Buddhism. These religions propose that chakras are spiritual energy centers within the human body. The term "chakra" itself, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "wheel" or "disk," symbolizing the notion of these energy centers spinning or rotating.

In some Christian bowl therapy practices, these principles are borrowed, and individuals are taught that their bodies contain energetic portals functioning as spiritual doorways or access points. They are led to believe that "energy" or "light" flows through these portals, and therefore, they unknowingly open themselves up to these influences.

They are often told that frequency is synonymous with light, and since all light is from God, the perceived healing is attributed to God entering their being.

At first glance, this may seem innocuous, but the truth is that as people open themselves up, they become susceptible to counterfeit light. What enters is not mere energy but rather, a spiritual entity.

“…as people open themselves up, they become susceptible to counterfeit light. What enters is not mere energy but rather, a spiritual entity.”

Remember that portals serve as entry points for spiritual beings, and such entities naturally seek to inhabit humans. Consequently, individuals unwittingly become hosts for these spirits, willingly or not.

If one is willing to accommodate a spirit, a transaction takes place. The offer is to relinquish one's body in exchange for the relief of pain, sadness, or anxiety. However, this trade is transient, as the spirits rarely fulfill their end of the bargain. Instead, individuals find themselves entangled in a web of deceit.

Bowl enthusiasts assert that the human body comprises gateways that connect different realms. The feelings of peace, interconnectedness, and mindfulness experienced in the short term serve as a form of payment, enabling the spirit realm to open and exploit the individual's body as a host.

The Chakra System

The concept of chakras revolves around seven main energy centers aligned along the spine, extending from the base to the crown of the head. It is important to note that some individuals, even self-proclaimed "Christian ministers," have made claims about the spirit man being located at the base of the spine, asserting that this insight was divinely revealed to them. However, such assertions are borrowed from Eastern mysticism and occult practices.

Each chakra is believed to be associated with specific qualities and functions, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. These energy centers are interconnected and contribute to an individual's well-being and inner harmony.

Here is a brief overview of the seven main chakras and their general associations:

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): Situated at the base of the spine, it is commonly associated with stability, grounding, and meeting basic survival needs.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana): Found in the lower abdomen, it is typically linked to emotions, creativity, sexuality, and interpersonal relationships.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Located in the upper abdomen, it is often associated with personal power, self-confidence, and the expression of will.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Positioned in the center of the chest, it is commonly associated with love, compassion, forgiveness, and emotional healing.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Found in the throat region, it is typically connected to communication, self-expression, and the ability to speak one's truth.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Situated in the middle of the forehead, it is often associated with intuition, perception, and expanded spiritual awareness.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Located at the top of the head, it is commonly associated with spiritual connection, enlightenment, and the exploration of higher consciousness.

Supporters of bowl therapy often claim that the selection of bowls is related to targeting a specific chakra on a given day, aligning their choice with the associated qualities and functions of that particular energy center.

Examining Implied Parallels

Many individuals are now drawing parallels between the chakra system and Christianity.

Here are a few examples; I do not believe or endorse these parallels. I present them to illustrate the potential for deceptive mixtures:

1. Divine Energy:

One argument suggests that the Holy Spirit, representing God's divine energy within individuals, can be likened to the concept of chakras. They propose that the Holy Spirit's transformative energy aligns with and activates the chakras, bringing about spiritual growth. However, it is crucial to recognize that the Holy Spirit is not a mere energy force but the third person of the Holy Trinity.

2. Body as the Temple:

The belief that Christians view their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit aligns with the idea of chakras as spiritual energy centers within the body. Both perspectives acknowledge the sacredness of the body. However, it is vital to discern their understanding and significance differences.

3. Spiritual Growth and Transformation:

Christianity emphasizes the process of sanctification, which involves the purification and renewal of the heart, mind, and soul. Some may argue that the chakra system provides a framework for supporting this process. While personal growth and transformation are common themes, the underlying beliefs, and practices differ significantly between the two.

4. Virtues and Qualities:

Associating the virtues and qualities of each chakra with Christian virtues is another argument. For example, the heart chakra's focus on love and compassion may align with Christian teachings on love and kindness. However, it is crucial to distinguish the source and foundation of these virtues.

5. Prayer and Meditation:

Christianity places importance on prayer and meditation as avenues for spiritual connection. Similarly, practices involving chakras, such as meditation and mindfulness, are complementary. However, these practices' underlying intentions, methods, and spiritual frameworks differ radically.

The Challenge of Merging Frequency Healing and Christian Worship

In Scripture, various musical instruments such as cymbals, bells, and tambourines are mentioned in the context of worship. These instruments are utilized to direct praise, honor, and worship towards Yahweh, the Creator, and sustainer of all life.

Worship involves created beings offering their adoration to the Creator using created things. However, blending frequency healing, singing bowl therapy, and other New Age or alternative spiritual practices into one's Christian journey can present several problematic aspects.

Worship and the Sovereignty of God

For Christians, worship is primarily centered on God and His absolute sovereignty. When frequency healing, singing bowl therapy, and other external practices become intertwined with worship, the focus can shift from honoring and worshiping the one true God to seeking healing or spiritual experiences through external means.

This diversion can lead to a distortion of true worship, wherein God's power and authority are replaced with a reliance on specific frequencies or vibrations.

Consequently, it becomes a path that inclines towards self-worship, wherein pursuing a "divine self" takes precedence over reverence for God.

As believers, we must clearly understand the purpose and focus of worship, ensuring that God remains the central figure and His sovereignty is upheld.

Divine Self

As believers, we firmly reject the idea that, merely because we carry the presence of God and serve as a temple of the Holy Spirit, we possess or share a divine essence.

Our purpose as Christians is not to aspire to godhood.

While this may be a common pursuit in many Eastern religions, our journey is distinct. Instead of seeking to awaken to our inherent divinity, we focus on recognizing our dependence on God and embracing the transformative power of His grace. Our goal is to grow in our relationship with Him, aligning our lives with His will and reflecting His love and character to the world around us.

Orin, a nonphysical spirit guide that is contacted through conscious channeling, has this to say about the revelation of the divine Self.

"…your Divine Self is the Self that exists at an even higher level than your soul. It is the Divine essence of your being, the source of all light and life within you. Your soul is closer to your personality and is an intermediary between you and your Divine Self until you can directly experience and realize the Divine Self as who you are."

"Your Divine Self is always trying to reach you, to send you the power, illumination, love, and wisdom to draw higher forms, thoughts, feelings, and situations into your life. Your Divine Self is wise; it knows all and always shows you an easier, better, more joyful way to live."

Yes, we are created in the image of God and have inherent worth and dignity. However, the concept of a "Divine Self" or God-self shifts the responsibility from developing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ to simply getting to know, love, and trust your inner Self.

Under this demonic theology, one believes that they have been awakened to their divine essence. Simply stated, they believe that they are God.

Salvation and transformation do not come from discovering your God-self. It comes through faith in Jesus, who is the Son of God, our High Preist, and the mediator between humanity and God. Through this relationship with God, through Christ, Christians discover who they are in Him.

Rather than striving to realize a separate Divine Self, Christians seek to align their lives with God's will, to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and to live by the teachings of Jesus. They believe that God's wisdom, power, and love are accessible through this relationship and that God guides and directs their lives through His Word, the Bible, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Union Doesn't Make You God

Union in Christ does not elevate us to the status of being God. While some argue that being in Christ and having Him within us should allow us to receive worship, this is not the case. Our union with Christ enables us to become godly and reflect His divine attributes, but it does not grant us the authority to violate Scripture.

In Matthew 4:10, we are reminded to worship the Lord our God and serve Him alone. This commandment establishes that worship should be directed solely toward God, acknowledging His unique and supreme position.

Additionally, in Romans 12:3, the Apostle Paul advises us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to but to have a balanced and humble perspective. We are called to exercise sober judgment and recognize that our gifts or abilities are given to us by God's grace and should be used for His glory rather than for self-exaltation.

Therefore, while our union with Christ brings us into a godly and transformative relationship, it does not grant us the authority or status of divinity. Instead, it calls us to worship and serve God alone, humbly acknowledging His supremacy and relying on His grace and guidance.

Divine healing and faith

Divine healing and faith are intricately connected according to biblical teachings. Just as salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, divine healing is obtained through faith in Him. While various alternative healing practices may claim to offer physical or spiritual healing, it is crucial to be cautious about merging them with the Christian faith, as doing so can potentially undermine our trust in God's ability to heal and replace it with reliance on methods or techniques.

James 5:15 states that the prayer of faith can bring salvation to the sick, with the assurance that the Lord will raise them up and forgive their sins.

Suppose we find that operating in the authority and name of Jesus could be more effective, and we begin to incorporate substances, sounds, movements, or unique phrase structures. In that case, it is crucial to recognize that once we discover something that seems to work, our attention may shift toward the method rather than Jesus. It is essential to understand that when it comes to supernatural healing, Jesus is enough.

If, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are prompted to perform an unconventional action like spitting in mud and applying it to a blind person's eyes, obedience to that specific instruction is paramount. However, it is crucial not to elevate the substance or action as the healing source. Our obedience, guided by the Holy Spirit, brings about healing, not the physical elements involved.

Therefore, we should remember that supernatural healing ultimately rests in Jesus alone. We must avoid attributing the healing to additional elements or practices and refrain from commercializing or glorifying them. Instead, we should focus on Jesus and His power, trusting in His guidance and obeying His leadership.

Spiritual Deception

In conclusion, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential dangers of incorporating singing bowl therapy into Christian practice. The merging of frequency healing and mystical modalities can open doors to the spirit world, exposing believers to deception and influences that directly contradict the teachings of the Bible. As devoted followers of Jesus, we are responsible for remaining steadfast and unwavering, protecting ourselves from any practices that compromise the truth and power of God's Word.

The Apostle Paul's admonition in Colossians 2:8 holds significant relevance in this context. We must not allow ourselves to be captivated by the empty deceit of human tradition or by the elemental spirits of the world. Our allegiance belongs solely to the will of the Father, the centrality of Christ, and the unadulterated power of the Holy Spirit. Our commitment should be relentless and firmly rooted in the Gospel's good news and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection.

Let us not be enticed by the allure of spiritual practices that divert us from the truth. We should build our trust upon Jesus Christ, the unshakable foundation, rather than on the shifting sands of Eastern mystical ideologies. We must reject any integration that dilutes the purity of the Gospel and jeopardizes our intimate relationship with God. By remaining steadfast in our devotion to God's Word and discerning our spiritual practices, we guard ourselves against the deceptions that may lead us astray.

Should Christians Read Harry Potter?

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The Enchanted Church Part 2

When Harry Met The Bride of Christ

A commentary on the integration of the Harry Potter franchise into the enchanted Church

Recently, I became agitated and triggered, which is unusual for me. However, it has become more common since I turned forty (and, more recently, forty-one). One of the students in our church who attends a highly respected private university (our church has supported over the years) reported to us that the school integrated magic practices into its curriculum, and the school's president not only knew but also defended these practices. 

Feeling heated, I picked up the phone and called a ministry peer within our region. He is passionate, educated, and more level-headed than I am, so I hoped he could talk some sense into me before I did something foolish, such as broadcasting a Facebook Live video in which I take a verbal flame thrower to the God-fearing higher education system that appears to be integrating golden calves into its establishment.

To my surprise, my pastor friend, who is kind of a big deal (and just about as busy as I am), picked up the phone!! We had a forty-five-minute conversation about the state of the Church and the shift within our country. My friend pointed me to the work of theologian Peter Kreeft which inspired for me to do this blog series.

Kreeft argues that the influence of hallucinogens on today's modern-day influencers, thinkers, and CEO has loosened the grip of atheism on our culture. Almost everyone now admits that there are unseen realms, parallel dimensions, and ways to access these realms. Kreeft argues that America's modernist culture has now swung in the opposite direction, and that we are becoming, drumroll, please...

Enchanted.

I looked up the definition of enchanted, and the definition startled me. I discovered that the word means "to be placed under a spell or bewitched."  

Indeed, America is being hypnotized, and this may include the Christian Church. 

I was reminded of Paul's inquiry in Galatians 3:1, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified."

Paul's question was to the Church of Galatia, which had embraced the heresy of Gnosticism, dualism, supernatural formulas, and extrabiblical works to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

In this series, we will study this wave of enchantment crashing down upon our shores and, more specifically, its influence within the Christian Church. This series aims not to bash the means of enchantment (i.e., Harry Potter) or the church itself but rather to turn on the lights and awaken us out of this hex.

Harry & Jesus

In my recent discovery, I learned that our local Christian University was teaching within its literature department that J.K. Rowling (the creator of the Harry Potter religion) is a sort of modern-day C.S. Lewis, that the Harry Potter series can be fairly compared to the Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter is a typology of Jesus Christ. 

I am sure that none of this is shocking; the comparison between Harry and Jesus is so apparent. From their sacrificial and messianic qualities, their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of humanity, their cute round glasses, and like Jesus, Harry was willing to lay down his life to defeat Voldemort and save the world.  

Now, let's press pause and address this. For those believers that seriously think that a modern-day witch can point to Jesus Christ, Exodus 22:18 would say otherwise. This text tells us what God told his people to do with witches, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." There is no grace in the scriptures for integrating divination and celebrating witchcraft within the Church. None.

Harry's Hex

Since its debut in 1997, the Harry Potter franchise has "enchanted" the world with its magical world-building and bewitching characters. Over the years, the franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon, with an enormous fan base and a significant impact on popular culture. Let's look at some numbers that illustrate just how big of a deal Harry Potter really is.

First and foremost, there are book sales. According to the latest estimates, the Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling book series ever. The final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sold an unbelievable 11 million copies in its first 24 hours on sale, setting a Guinness World Record.

Of course, the books are only part of the story. The Harry Potter films have also been an enormous success, grossing over $7 billion worldwide. That makes the franchise the third highest-grossing film series of all time, behind only the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars.

And it's not just books and movies. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a themed area at Universal Orlando Resort, has been a massive hit since it opened in 2010, drawing millions of visitors yearly. A second location, Universal Studios Japan, opened in 2014.

Then there's the fan culture. The Harry Potter fan community is vast and enthusiastic, with countless fan sites, fan fiction, fan art, and fan conventions. The fan site MuggleNet, for example, boasts over 200 million page views per year.

But what about this story of a boy wizard has made it such a force to be reckoned with in popular culture?

The franchise has undeniably contributed to a broader cultural shift towards enchantment. The vivid descriptions of magical creatures, spells, and potions have catalyzed a mystical revival in America and the world. Indeed, humanity has come under a spell, hexing even the Church itself.

The Gospel According to Harry Potter

Langdon Palmer, the pastor of Leverington Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, begins his sermons with clips from Harry Potter movies and incorporates ideas from the books into his sermons to convey concepts from the Bible. 

"If something really deeply moves me, then I want to pay attention to that...there were a number of scenes in Harry Potter that struck me profoundly, so I'm just like, 'wow, that's just like this thing in the Bible." – Pastor Palmer

He compares his use of Harry Potter to how Jesus used parables. Despite initially being skeptical of the series when it first came out in 1997, Palmer changed his mind when his own children wanted to read it. He could have meaningful conversations with them about important topics such as right and wrong, bullying, and truthfulness.

Since beginning his Harry Potter sermon series in mid-March, Palmer has seen a 20 percent increase in weekly attendance at his church, composed of mostly millennials who grew up with the series.

Ancient Magic Reimagined

So, is it a good idea to integrate Harry Potter into our churches, schools, and homes? Is Harry Potter no different than a Magic Wardrobe and a talking lion? 

Whereas Rawling has stated that she never used witchcraft or the occult as an influence for her series, a British library's exhibit, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, peeled back the veil of secrecy to reveal the real history of magic and alchemy that J.K. Rowling drew upon to create her wizarding world. 

The 16th-century Ripley scroll, in the Alchemy room, contains secrets to the Elixir of Life.

The exhibit revealed how Rawling used ancient texts to craft potions and spells that are taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and displays some of the original books that Rowling used for inspiration, including a worn second-hand copy of Culpeper's Herbal, a 17th-century book on plant cultivation, that she used for herbology and naming her characters.

The exhibition also showcased Rowling's handwritten notes and ink drawings, revealing her creative process as she sketched out the geography of Hogwarts' grounds and the characters that inhabit them. Alongside ornate staffs, broomsticks, and dragon bones, visitors could see a large cast iron cauldron, which Rowling notes has had a magical association for centuries and appears in hundreds of years' worth of pictures of famous historical witches.

Gateway to the Occult

In 2001 Pastor and Author Richard Abanes wrote a book about the connection between ancient occult practices and Harry Potter. In his book 'Harry Potter & the Bible,' he provided actual page numbers and book titles where counter-biblical and harmful actions or statements are located in the Harry Potter books. Additionally, Abanes compares acceptable, "excellent Christian fantasy books" such as those by C.S. Lewis & J.R. Tolkien and contrasts them against the practices in the Harry Potter books and shows how they are full-blown occult. 

Whereas many books have been written to show how you can integrate Harry Potter into your Christianity and find the subtle gospel narratives within the series, this book serves as a tool for parents that are interested (and concerned) about their children's spiritual and supernatural health. 

"We will have millions and millions of kids getting their first look at the occult" at what otherwise may seem to be a "very endearing, fun and stimulating movie," Abanes said. "At the very least, they will be desensitized to its dangers. I think it will do a lot of harm, from a Christian perceptive."

America, Who Has Bewitched You?

There is an enchantment agenda at work that I do not consider to be benign. Supernaturally illiterate educators and pastors are playing with loaded guns in front of congregations and classrooms. I am deeply concerned about those who call themselves Christian educators and ministers and yet do not believe in the power of God, nor do they challenge people to follow Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.

Dear pastors, educators, overseers, establishment board members, and denominational leaders. If you are majoring in eloquent speech but no supernatural demonstration, you are in error and are vulnerable to being unwittingly used by the enemy.

Two Revivals

America is amid two revivals. A revival of darkness and a revival of light. We living in the midst of Romans 5:20, "…but where sin increases, grace overflows much more."

The 2023 Asbury revival was a Christian revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. The revival was sparked by students spontaneously staying in Hughes Auditorium following a regularly scheduled chapel service on February 8, 2023.

The Harry Potter franchise is not just a harmless work of fiction. Instead, it was a part of a more considerable coordinated revival of darkness aimed at conditioning American culture and the Church to accept and integrate magic theology and mixture into our beliefs and practices.

If enabled by a powerless Church, the franchise's promotion of witchcraft and sorcery practices condemned in the Bible will ultimately lead people away from Jesus into the seduction of spirituality outside of Jesus. As such, we must be vigilant and discerning about what we allow into our minds and culture, guard against the insidious influence of the occult, and engage with the kingdom's dimensions through the blood of Jesus.

This is not about Harry Potter but about a battle between two realms; two contrasting Kingdoms; two opposing powers; and an oblivious Church. 

I look forward to diving in deeper with you as we study the influence of darkness upon our theology, methodology, and ecclesiology, and I look forward to the testimonies of all that will occur as we combat this assignment of darkness with a revival of supernatural and holy light.

Why some Christians getting witchy

The Enchanted Church Part 1

The Shift from a Disenchanted Culture to Enchanted

Supernaturalism is back, and it's hotter than ever!

People have been fascinated by the unknown and otherworldly for centuries, but lately, there's been a resurgence of interest that's even catching the attention of the Church. And it's not just the hippies and new agers who are getting in on the action - this time, it's the modernists and atheists who are joining the party.

It seems like everyone is jumping on the spiritual bandwagon these days. Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation are as American as apple pie, and now we're even turning to psychedelics to help us connect with the divine. That's right, folks, according to today’s hottest cultural influencers - the spirit world is just a pill or a mushroom away!

Some of the biggest names in our culture are speaking out about their experiences with these mind-bending substances, including Tim Ferriss, Michael Pollan, and Joe Rogan. They're all advocating for using psychedelics in certain contexts, claiming that these substances can enhance creativity, focus, productivity and even provide profound spiritual experiences.

America is becoming "Enchanted"

In his book, "The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind The Lord of the Rings," philosopher and theologian Peter Kreeft argues that the use of hallucinogenic drugs is responsible for our society's increasing embrace of "enchantment" and magic. He claims that because of the disenchantment within our culture, we have an openness and obsession now with psychedelics that is leading us down a dangerous path.

So what does all of this mean for the Church? How will an enchanted culture affect the way we practice our faith? These are important questions that we need to start asking ourselves. We need to explore the positive and negative effects of this trend and figure out how to maintain the integrity and purity of the supernatural without falling prey to the temptations of magic and counterfeit mysticism.

Over the next few months we will take a journey together and explore the fascinating world of supernaturalism and the Church. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, there's something for everyone in this conversation. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

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Do we really need MORE rules?

Little Bobby is angry because his mommy has just informed him that it’s time to turn off Octonauts. Bobby identifies the closest weapons cache he can find, a bucket of blocks. In his indignation he begins World War III, hurling the wooden projectiles at his mommy while repeatedly yelling, “TV ON!”

Mommy lunges for the cupboard and pulls out a lid that belongs to one of her largest pots, flexing it as if she were Wonder Woman and this was her shield. Diverting the flying blocks she slowly makes yardage towards her son while screaming unloaded threats, and after calculating the distance and risks, she throws away her shield and pounces on her son like a cheetah, pinning his throwing arm under her mommy belly. He begins to cry (an adorable little boyish cry) in defeat. He’s so cute when he’s humble.

Meanwhile, daddy selfishly works in his quiet cubicle, sipping on a green tea latte, listening to his favorite Deftones album that is discreetly playing in the background. It’s too much for mommy to think about that right now. Bobby’s behavior is undoubtedly an indicator that daddy works too much.

Mommy slowly unpeels herself off of little Bobby who is still sobbing.

“Honey,” she calmly speaks. “We don’t throw things.”

One last bolt of anger rages shoots through Bobby, and he lunges back for the blocks. Mommy once again pounces like a ninja.

The blocks aren’t the problem.

They are just toys that have become weaponized. If Mommy throws away the blocks in hopes of having a safer home, Bobby will only find something else that can be thrown.

Throwing the blocks isn’t the issue either.

If mommy punishes Bobby for throwing things, next time, his method may adapt, and mommy may have to face an evolved form of retaliation, like a homemade catapult.

Well then, should mommy put on her psychologist hat and go five kinds of Doctor Phil (or Danny Silk if that’s more your thing) on her son; diving into the layers of generational issues that may be accounting for little Bobby’s behavior? Probably not.

What then is a better solution?

Determining and creating the kind of culture that you want in your home – preferably using Heaven as your blueprint.

Life can become a series of compounding widgets and apps; little hacks in behavioral modification and cultural manipulation that make life tolerable and yet desperately unfruitful.

Surface level tweaking demands no accountability, and yet significant micromanagement. At a certain point, a parent won’t even be able to keep track of all the rules they have to create to maintain order.

Consider the marketplace. Many times job descriptions are used to control people’s production versus empowering it; barking orders and delegating tasks lists in the same way that one may command Siri (the robot lady who talks to you on your iPhone) to send a text message.

Treating people like artificial intelligence only prepares them to be replaced by AI in the coming years. Healthy cultures and corporations celebrate one's freedom to make choices, be creative and break through barriers thereby making history.

We’ve got to get out of the weeds and start seeing things from Heaven.

What is the culture of our home, work, church, neighborhood, city, and nation going to look like on our watch?

Don’t begin at home, start in Heaven.

What does the culture of Heaven look like? Now reverse engineer it, frame it and state it.

Leaders don’t need to wear themselves out trying change the culture when they can create new contrasting cultures.

I often tell my children, “In our family, we don’t throw fits. If you were in a different family, then you might get away with it. We are Stotts, and God has big things in store for us.”

My destiny is not personal at all. It’s corporate and generational. The call of God on my life isn’t individualistic; it’s apart of a legacy linage. I have to create a culture in my homes because the culture we create is what will hold me accountable.

When our leadership consists of mostly behavior tweaking, we are passively teaching people how to hack standards and perform at the minimum level required, but when we communicate our desired culture, and then uphold the measures necessary to achieve that result, we are actively displaying the dynamics of the Kingdom that can transform nations.

We don’t need more laws or more swimming pool rules. We need culture creating leaders. It's time to engage heaven for the transformation of the Earth.

Culture > Behavioral Tweaking.

Culture > Behavioral Tweaking.

When our leadership consists of mostly behavior tweaking, we are passively teaching people how to hack standards and perform at the minimum level required