Kundalini Chaos

Some Christians are quick to demonize Holy Spirit manifestations unfamiliar to them such as people shaking. A few of these watchdogs accuse certain ministers of allowing a Kundalini spirit at their meetings. Kundalini is a yoga term whose origin is the Sanskrit word for snake. One dictionary defines Kundalini as “latent female energy believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine” and “a system of meditation directed toward the release of kundalini energy.”

In response to a YouTube video posted to “expose” one well-known evangelist/pastor, I pointed out these Kundalini hunters don’t know how to test the spirits. 1 John 4:2 says, “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” The minister in question has altar calls for salvation that include leading newborn believers to say, “I confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.”

One critic responded, “So did Jim Jones. What does that prove?” I replied by asking him to provide proof of that but he refused (possibly because he didn’t have any and simply repeated what somebody else said). Would a minister supposedly under the influence of a demonic spirit preach that Jesus is the only way to the Father? Would he encourage newborn believers to attend a Bible-believing church, read the Word of God for themselves, and go out to win souls?

It’s true demons tremble in the presence of God (James 2:19) but that doesn’t mean all supernatural shaking is of demonic origin. In Matthew 28:4 following the resurrection, “…the guards shook for fear of him [the angel of the Lord], and became like dead men.” Hosea 11:10 says, “They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall come trembling from the west.”

People respond differently when God’s power manifests. During my early years as a street evangelist, I had returned from one outing when my fellow soul winners gathered in the church lobby to pray. Someone laid hands on me and I fell to the floor shaking uncontrollably. Despite forgiving those who had hurt me in the past, deep wounds still festered in my soul. God needed to perform “spiritual surgery” on me so I would be a more effective minister.

All the Kundalini warnings against certain preachers is reminiscent of how the Pharisees often accused Jesus of having a demon. Instead of focusing on outward manifestations like shaking or falling, one should look at the results of those manifestations. Often you'll find people healed and more at peace.

“You will know them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:16

Music That God Likes

Have you ever wondered what music in heaven will sound like?  People who go to mainline traditional churches might assume they will listen to organ music or angelic choirs for eons.  Others might believe they will hear Black & Southern Gospel like they do now in their congregations.  On the other hand, individuals who received glimpses of eternity testified of hearing sounds unlike anything on earth. 

There’s an old saying, “Music soothes the savage beast.”  This is some truth to that.  Songs played by God’s people can dramatically change the atmosphere we are in.  1 Samuel 16:23 mentions “…that David would take a harp and play it with his hand.  Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.”

On the other hand, music played for ungodly purposes can have a negative effect.  During the late 1980s and early 1990s I listened to a lot of New Age music.  The genre’s dreamy mixture of natural and electronic sounds is intended to bring serenity to the listener.  Unfortunately most musicians categorized as New Age promote ideas contrary to Scripture.  A couple years ago I was sharing some old New Age favorites with a friend via YouTube.  Then one afternoon, a pastor pointed out I was acting tense and pushy at times.  When I sought the Lord about that, He reminded me how I must be cautious of the music I listen to.  Jesus warned us in Mark 4:24, “Take heed what you hear.”

This is not to suggest believers must boycott all secular music.  John Scotland says, “God can put His anointing on secular.”  The Lord has sometimes used popular songs to minister to me especially in my dreams.

Throughout history, believers have debated whether or not it’s okay to listen to certain styles of music.  What make songs “holy” are not so much the actual sounds but the lyrics and the intent of the musicians playing.  One of my favorite bands is ApologetiX.  This Pittsburgh-based group specializes in taking secular hit songs and rewriting Christian lyrics to them.  They have received testimonies from people who came to know Jesus through their concerts and recordings.

The Bible says in many places to “sing a new song” (Psalm 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1; 144:9, 149:1, Revelation 5:9, 14:3).  Whatever genres of music you enjoy, any of them can be used to glorify the Lord.  Don’t let religious people tell you otherwise!

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.  Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.  Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” – Colossians 3:16 (NLT)