Mysticism is a work of the flesh
A quick lesson on sorcery
Did you know that the Bible considers sorcery to be a “work of the flesh,” and not a spiritual practice?
In our growing “Age of Re-Enchantment,” psychedelic drugs are considered a powerful tool for unburdening the soul and achieving a state of enlightenment. It’s being advertised through alternative media as a shortcut to spiritual empowerment. DMT is literally called the “Spirit Molecule” and Ketamine is being pushed as a mental health recipe. But look what the Bible says:
(Galatians 5:16-23) I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall by no means fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these things oppose each other, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: adultery, fornication, immorality, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery [Greek: pharmakeia; meaning drug use and induced mystical experiences], hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envies, murders, drinking bouts, revelries, and the like; which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control--against such things there is no law.
Why would the Bible list sorcery as a work of the flesh, if it alters one’s consciousness and involves spirits?
Currently I’m reading a book on modern gnosticism and finding an interesting discussion of the role of altered states of consciousness. I have yet to learn the exact relationship between gnosticism and the New Age movement, but I’m getting closer.
For now, I thought it was worth mentioning that even the magical arts are considered a fleshly practice by God. Do not be fooled.
It was a Christian mystical experience when Peter and James and John witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus and saw Moses and Elijah. Peter was so overwhelmed by the mystical experience that he wanted to put up three tents. He didn't really know what to say or do. Prayer and fasting can lead to positive Christian mystical experiences and there is quite a voluminous literary tradition handed down to us by the Christian Saints and Mystics who didn't use any drugs.
I think its interesting and revealing and to your point, to note the material trappings of the modern new age via "manifesting". It's always a manifesting of the individuals will which suggests a reallocation of limited resources in favor of the manifestor. Oprah and celebrity athlete self help authors never ask whose meal is missed due to my excessive hunger... Only God can create from nothing and provide for his children without the need for reallocation... loaves and fishes etc. and so we are taught "don't worry what you will eat" along side the command to "not store up treasures". Only God is actually capable of creative magic. The enemy can only sway human action to favor his "children". A work of the flesh in deed.