genuine spirituality

This evening I finished reading a book titled The Beautiful Side of Evil (1982), by Johannna Michaelsen. The odd, but appropriate title refers to her experiences of sincerely seeking Jesus within the context of occultic spirituality; and a testimony of eventually finding spiritual freedom by renouncing her occultic past and committing to a personal relationship with the very different Jesus of the bible.

Having myself attended a "personal and professional development" seminar in Rochester that utilized the same "tools" that Michaelsen terms "Mind Control," the book helped me think through some of what I already believe to be true about God and reality. By not applying the wisdom found in the bible, I feel that many good-intending secular, and even Christian programs easily adopt variants of what the bible forbids as alternate spirituality. These beautiful, scientific spiritualities seem to have potential for very deceptive and/or destructive ends while sincerely attempting to expand one's mind or develop one's personality.

As of late, I have found that expanding one's mind and developing one's personality are important goals in life; but that Christians should be wary of doing so outside the context of the exclusive Lordship of Jesus Christ in their life. Michaelsen uses her personal experience to explain how to discern between these two diametrically opposed world views and remain committed to Christ.