Question 96 – Can a Christian go to healers?
In previous discussions, we have explored what lies behind the popular methods of alternative medicine. We demonstrated that these methods are often not rooted in natural or scientifically explainable means, but rather in pure religion and the practical application of various spiritual philosophies. It may not surprise you that many healers use precisely these methods. To illustrate, let's consider how a visit to a healer might proceed: Upon arrival, you are diagnosed in some fashion (through hands, a pendulum, evaluation of your aura, conversation, etc.). Often, you receive some true information about yourself that the healer could not possibly know on their own, thus earning your trust.
Following that, the actual healing occurs. If necessary, you'll visit more frequently, or the healer will provide distant healing. Healers often claim their abilities are inherited from their ancestors, which, in essence, amounts to what is often called a generational curse. The longer the family history of healing, the deeper the demonic bondage, and as a result, the more effective the abilities.
How Does It Work from a Christian Perspective?
For Satan to gain influence over our minds, he must attract us in some way. He does not have the right to enter our lives whenever he pleases. From birth, every person is under a measure of divine protection. This is the issue that demons struggle with the most. We generally do not come under the power of the occult unless we voluntarily relinquish divine protection (even if mostly unknowingly). This entire process can take many years. To renounce it willingly, we must usually gain something from it. Thus, Satan often demonstrates seemingly good deeds and offers real results. After all, otherwise, no one would visit healers. Whether it is for healing, excitement, unusual abilities, or prestige, we come to an unclean source for healing or power. By doing so, we bring away demonic spiritual influence, affecting our psyche, character, and life. When a person leaves a healer or stops practicing healing themselves, they often trigger a series of very peculiar "coincidences" and negative consequences in their life. This deepens spiritual bondage—those who bind do not want to relinquish their control...
Thus, we can already declare that no Christian (and certainly no non-Christian wishing to protect their spiritual health) should visit these healers, as otherwise, they risk grave consequences. If these methods are indeed backed by unclean and human-hostile spiritual forces, such healing sessions are an outright gamble with one's life. This holds true even if you encounter charlatans who have nothing to do with spirituality. Merely by intentionally opening your mind to foreign influences, you risk unpleasant repercussions. The Ministry of Health has even established a special information hotline to document a vast number of complaints, where people describe how healers have harmed or inadvertently killed many of those in their care (e.g., by discouraging them from visiting conventional doctors). Thus, healing is not as safe as many believe. A former occultist who also engaged in healing warns after their conversion:
"If an occultist 'heals' someone, it will significantly harm that person because it places them under the influence of demons. Though this may seem odd, it would be better for that person to remain sick." [16]
The answer to our question is thus a resounding no to spiritual forms of alternative medicine. In practice, it can sometimes be challenging to discern where one may tread without venturing onto dangerous spiritual ground. Therefore, it is advisable to closely investigate all healing methods. The helpful questions provided in previous answers can be of assistance here.
Christian Healers
Allow me to touch upon the subject of so-called Christian healers once more. I consider this topic to be highly significant. The reason is frighteningly simple—for many people, it is enough for a healer to display an image of the "Virgin Mary" and Jesus in their "office," to use the word God, or even to pray, for them to believe that the healer's abilities come from "the Lord." However, if these healers employ occult methods and practices, it is merely a form of Christian spiritualism, which is detestable to God. Let us recall here the terrifying words of Jesus:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" (Matthew 7:21–23)
Do these healers operate with ulterior motives? Very often, they do not! On the contrary, they are genuinely convinced that they are doing the right thing, and often truly believe that God works through them. They even often offer their services entirely free of charge. How, then, could they harm people? The issue is not with these individuals, but with the power to which they unknowingly submit. If the source is unclean, neither can the result be pure. These people are simply deceived. And this includes those who place their trust in them. Their main problem is that they do not know God or His will. For this reason, they easily swallow the shiny bait that promises them a harmonious, healthy, and balanced life. However, once they take this bait, it becomes firmly entrenched and cannot be removed without divine intervention.
God Has His Own Solution
If I were to limit myself to mere criticism without offering an "alternative" to alternative medicine, my answer would be severely lacking. Let us now briefly consider God's response and solution regarding healing. I believe that in carefully reading this book, you have not missed the fundamental meaning of God's dealings with humanity—God loves us, cares about us, and wants to address our lives comprehensively. This includes healing as well. The Apostle James writes these words:
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:14–16)
The Christian community, in which we can freely share our problems, help each other, encourage and admonish one another, or pray for one another, holds great significance and spiritual power for individuals. God does not abandon His children. He hears our cries and often our prayers for healing. This might involve the activation of the natural healing mechanisms of our body (which God, after all, created) or even supernatural healing. God is capable of this and does it, provided we approach Him with a sincere heart and humility. However, I consider it important to remind you that God primarily wants to address the issue of our heart and sin. As insensitive as it may seem to some, reconciliation with God and the acceptance of forgiveness is far more important than resolving physical problems. If, therefore, God does not answer our prayers for healing, we may be focusing on an issue that is merely substitutive and needs an entirely different resolution. Or we might be coming to God solely for physical healing, without caring for Him at all.
Above all, I wish to emphasize that God has a comprehensive solution for a person's life. He desires to heal not only our bodies but also our spirit, our psyche, our lifestyle, our relationships, and our entire personality. He also seeks to resolve the issue of our separation from Himself. Demons may offer fleeting physical or psychological healing, but they always exact a cruel toll. Only in God can one find deep inner fulfillment and peace. And that is true even amidst physical ailments, for which He provides us with the strength to fight. If you are seeking help, healing, and fulfillment, or merely understanding, know that God is there, where you can find all of this.
Summation
Within alternative healing, there are many different methods and approaches to our illnesses and problems. We have stated that a large portion of healers use methods that are based on anti-Christian philosophies, and belief in their effects is to some extent the practice of a given religion or philosophy. By participating in these healing sessions, we open ourselves to the influence of demonic forces.