Can Christians learn NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and Hypnotherapy?
Faith has the power to connect people from different backgrounds.
Among Christians, it’s not uncommon to form deep, trusting relationships where almost anything can be shared. Just like everyone else, Christians also face setbacks in life. It’s perfectly natural for brothers and sisters in Christ to confide in each other.
Have you ever experienced a moment when someone kept venting their frustrations to you, leaving you feeling at a loss for what to say?
For example, what if a close friend called you up, sounding frustrated and saying:
“I really don’t want to keep doing this anymore! I’ve revised that proposal for my boss again and again with no clear direction. My boss keeps changing their mind, and after all the revisions, they’re still not satisfied. Maybe I’m just not capable of doing this job at all—I used to think I had such a strong passion for this industry. Maybe I’ve just been lying to myself!”
How would you respond to that?
According to principles found in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), language has a significant impact on a person’s thinking. By carefully examining the blind spots in someone’s words, we can guide them to step out of their negative, subjective emotions and objectively assess their situation.
By using the Meta Model (a questioning framework) and Milton Model (hypnotic language patterns), we can help reduce a person’s anxiety by shifting their thinking from seemingly “factual” self-denial to recognizing that these thoughts might just be speculations or distortions.
A skilled NLP practitioner not only analyzes how language affects others, but also uses language to support and uplift, motivating the person toward positive change. Additionally, learning NLP helps us become more aware of the representational systems people rely on (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic), as well as subtle cues in body language, allowing us to build rapport more naturally and effectively.
Isn’t learning NLP just a way to learn how to control others?
The techniques and effectiveness of NLP have raised concerns for some Christians: Isn’t learning NLP essentially about gaining tools to control others? Similarly, in a hypnotic state, a person’s defenses are lowered—does that mean they could be easily manipulated?
Indeed, God has given us free will, and any act of manipulating someone else’s thoughts clearly does not align with what the Lord desires. However, looking back at the earlier scenario—if you are able to use words to help someone get out of a difficult situation, or even inspire them toward positive action—does that count as manipulation?
If you believe it doesn’t, it’s likely because you recognize that the intention behind the use of language matters more than the power of the language itself. The heart of the helper is key: if their sole purpose is to use their knowledge of language to assist others—without seeking personal gain—then that guidance is constructive, not controlling.
In fact, a person with integrity will remain upright whether they understand NLP or not; whereas someone with malicious intent can misuse any tool to harm others.
The Apostle Paul reminds believers in Colossians 2 to be “rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith” (Colossians 2:7), and to be vigilant:
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Back then, many philosophers used their reasoning and rhetoric to mislead people. Yet Paul himself, a highly learned scholar, used logic and reasoning as tools to defend the faith. This shows us that although certain forms of knowledge can indeed be misused, a person who carries God in their heart can turn such knowledge into a vessel for glorifying God and benefiting others.
Does the Spirit of NLP Violate Biblical Teachings?
The Bible instructs us to be cautious and discerning when it comes to worldly knowledge, so let’s explore whether the spirit of NLP violates biblical teachings. Christians’ doubts about NLP arise not only from concerns about “thought manipulation” but also due to the presuppositions it carries. Some believe that the idea of “one’s own efforts can change the current situation” elevates human abilities excessively, even leading people to feel they can “play God.” For example, the statement “everyone already possesses all the resources needed” seems to ignore the spiritual shortcomings of humanity.
However, before criticizing these presuppositions, there are two important points to understand. First, these are merely presuppositions set up to encourage individuals to break out of their blind spots and view things from a different perspective. Even the founders of NLP referred to them as “presuppositions.” Second, these presuppositions are general in nature, not specifically targeting spiritual needs, nor do they deny them. The responsibility of interpreting these presuppositions lies with the users of NLP. Therefore, the “resources” referred to are not predetermined as worldly resources. Christians can consider prayer and God’s promises as the resources that one possesses.
You might still question whether treating prayer and God’s promises as resources diminishes God or is overly self-centered. If the term “resources” makes you uncomfortable, you can replace it with words like “gifts” or “grace,” because NLP offers a positive and flexible mindset.
NLP promotes positive messages, and Christian thought is also filled with hope. The Bible teaches us, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Of course, the source of a Christian’s hope and joy is Christ’s salvation, not any worldly knowledge. But we all have experienced how God has used different people and situations in the world to help us solve daily problems: when we are sick, we receive treatment from doctors and medicine; when we face academic or work challenges, we benefit from the guidance of teachers, mentors, and reference materials. Learning NLP and hypnotherapy to improve communication skills, reduce stress, break bad habits, eliminate negative emotions, or treat insomnia is similar in nature.
We Know That All Things Work Together for Good for Those Who Love God
“Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.” Many of the worldly fields of knowledge are neutral. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The focus of this verse is not so much on “all things work together,” but on how all things work together for the good of “those who love God.” As long as we make Christ the center of our lives, follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and do not exalt worldly knowledge or our own abilities above God, with humility and a heart of gratitude, remaining open-minded, we can confidently learn and apply NLP and hypnotherapy!