How I Escaped the Egregore of Christian Fundamentalism
In this video, I share my journey of leaving behind the rigid and ritualistic practices of Christian fundamentalism that I adopted at a young age. I explore how these practices were influenced by the phenomenon of entrainment and the occult concept of the Egregore, a collective thoughtform that shapes and controls the behavior of a group. I also question some of the common assumptions and interpretations of fundamentalist Christianity, such as praying in Jesus’ name, and offer a more authentic and liberating way of relating to God and others.
More on the idea of the Christian Fundamentalist EGREGORE
There are times in my journey out from Christian fundamentalism where I sincerely ask, “What in the world happened to me?”
I assumed another persona within fundamentalism and behaved in a manner that (I suppose) was expected of me for the most part. Raising my hands in worship, speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, praying in Jesus name, pleading the blood of Jesus, binding Satan, etc. I am sure readers may have a few more additions.
I did this for decades. These and other practices are what I saw modeled for me; behaviors that were practiced, accepted, encouraged, and admired – so I adopted them at a very, very young age.
Entrainment. Have you heard of it?
What is an example of entrainment?
Entrainment is a universal phenomenon for example when two identical pendulum clocks are mounted next to each other on a wall, their swings eventually become synchronized, swinging in opposite directions or when fire flies light up together, simultaneously.
“Entrainment: the adjustment or moderation of one behavior either to synchronize or to be in cycle or rhythm with another behavior.”
"Joseph Jordania recently suggested that the human ability to be entrained was developed by the forces of natural selection as an important part of achieving the specific altered state of consciousness, [the] battle trance."
Entrainment happens when numbers of people do the same thing, and one is expected to do the same.
Individuality becomes lost and group action becomes the norm. I am sure that worship is a form of entrainment. If God is internal then why are hands extended upwards and eyes focused on the ceiling?
This reminds Joseph Jordania of the concept of the Egregore.
Here is the definition if you don't already know it:
Joseph Jordania continues: “Egregore (also spelled egregor; from French égrégore, from Ancient Greek ἐγρήγορος, egrēgoros 'wakeful') is an occult concept representing a distinct non-physical entity that arises from a collective group of people.
More contemporarily, the concept has referred to a psychic manifestation, or thoughtform, occurring when any group shares a common motivation—being made up of, and influencing, the thoughts of the group.”
Jordanian says that “…the symbiotic relationship between an egregore and its group has been compared to the more recent, non-occult concepts of the corporation (as a juridical person or legal entity) and the meme.”
In other words, a corporation (and logo) and its employees that believe in the mission, the university and its students and alumni, a pro sports team and its fans, and a mega church and its followers etc., represent a more modern view of what an Egregore actually is. These aforementioned contain certain behaviors that are derived from viewing the acceptability of actions that are practiced and observed. They are adopted as a form of allegiance.
What are your thoughts on entrainment as it pertains to worship, praying in Jesus' name, praying before meals, baptism, communion etc., as it pertains to trance like states and the Egregore?
*I add praying in Jesus name as the letter "J" was not in use until 1500 CE and yet it is observed and mimicked ad nauseam within fundamentalism and is erroneous nonetheless. When challenged on its use there is usually a backlash. The literal interpretation of a modern translation is adhered to regardless of the evidence procured. Pray in my "NAME" most likely should be interpreted, to pray while behaving like I (Jesus) would behave which brings a level of accountability that is somewhat rejected.
It makes sense then to understand that we have power and authority over these principalities and powers. They must obey the creative principles within all - the creative principal, that may be activated when we follow the “way” that is the pattern of the Christ.
There are times in my journey out from Christian fundamentalism where I sincerely ask, “What in the world happened to me?”
I assumed another persona within fundamentalism and behaved in a manner that (I suppose) was expected of me for the most part. Raising my hands in worship, speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, praying in Jesus name, pleading the blood of Jesus, binding Satan, etc. I am sure readers may have a few more additions.
I did this for decades. These and other practices are what I saw modeled for me; behaviors that were practiced, accepted, encouraged, and admired – so I adopted them at a very, very young age.
Entrainment. Have you heard of it?
What is an example of entrainment?
Entrainment is a universal phenomenon for example when two identical pendulum clocks are mounted next to each other on a wall, their swings eventually become synchronized, swinging in opposite directions or when fire flies light up together, simultaneously.
“Entrainment: the adjustment or moderation of one behavior either to synchronize or to be in cycle or rhythm with another behavior.”
"Joseph Jordania recently suggested that the human ability to be entrained was developed by the forces of natural selection as an important part of achieving the specific altered state of consciousness, [the] battle trance."
Entrainment happens when numbers of people do the same thing, and one is expected to do the same.
Individuality becomes lost and group action becomes the norm. I am sure that worship is a form of entrainment. If God is internal then why are hands extended upwards and eyes focused on the ceiling?
This reminds Joseph Jordania of the concept of the Egregore.
Here is the definition if you don't already know it:
Joseph Jordania continues: “Egregore (also spelled egregor; from French égrégore, from Ancient Greek ἐγρήγορος, egrēgoros 'wakeful') is an occult concept representing a distinct non-physical entity that arises from a collective group of people.
More contemporarily, the concept has referred to a psychic manifestation, or thoughtform, occurring when any group shares a common motivation—being made up of, and influencing, the thoughts of the group.”
Jordanian says that “…the symbiotic relationship between an egregore and its group has been compared to the more recent, non-occult concepts of the corporation (as a juridical person or legal entity) and the meme.”
In other words, a corporation (and logo) and its employees that believe in the mission, the university and its students and alumni, a pro sports team and its fans, and a mega church and its followers etc., represent a more modern view of what an Egregore actually is. These aforementioned contain certain behaviors that are derived from viewing the acceptability of actions that are practiced and observed. They are adopted as a form of allegiance.
What are your thoughts on entrainment as it pertains to worship, praying in Jesus' name, praying before meals, baptism, communion etc., as it pertains to trance like states and the Egregore?
*I add praying in Jesus name as the letter "J" was not in use until 1500 CE and yet it is observed and mimicked ad nauseam within fundamentalism and is erroneous nonetheless. When challenged on its use there is usually a backlash. The literal interpretation of a modern translation is adhered to regardless of the evidence procured. Pray in my "NAME" most likely should be interpreted, to pray while behaving like I (Jesus) would behave which brings a level of accountability that is somewhat rejected.
It makes sense then to understand that we have power and authority over these principalities and powers. They must obey the creative principles within all - the creative principal, that may be activated when we follow the “way” that is the pattern of the Christ.
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