“it’s difficult to get past that to the truth of the matter. “experiences” are tough to work around because they seem so real to the individual who wants them to be real...or at the least he’s had a “special” encounter.”
Charismatic Christianity seeks to indoctrinate (usually) young people through sleep deprivation and then suggestions of things they should see or dream about. It works on some. Mormons do it by rote over long periods of time during with young people in impressionable times and also social pressures where young folks are also vulnerable. Others use combinations of things.
I know Charismatic folks rely heavily on demons to manipulate - along with things like “speaking in tongues” that invokes group hysteria, with humorous results.
Some folks genuinely seek answers. There are charlatans everywhere willing to give them “AN” answer that bears no relation to Truth. Demons are just another tool a charlatan uses to get the tithe from the gullible. They also “speak to God” and utilize “prophets” or other fake supernatural practitioners.
You’re exactly right....
Even in Evangelical churches today there are attempts to “set a mood”, candles, soft relaxing music, and comfortable chairs to position people....these “tactics” are very common with New Age and various Hindu and Buddahists. Unfortunately most people who go think it’s just an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. They could not be more wrong.
Sleep deprivation takes may forms...often with a leader speaking softly...or chanting....and even without that the participant is often being coached, as you say to invision.
This is nasty stuff and should not be within the churches...but it’s creeping in non-the-less.
I had a neighbor in the Charismatic Movement...tongue speaker as well....it was not hard to see that their faith rested in these experiences and feelings evoked....and when they don’t have their own they “ride” on the testimonies of others experiences. I ended up not allowing my sons to go there she got so “dumbstruck” and empty headed.