Visualizing Jesus

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..." 2 Cor. 10:4-6

Many sincere Christians are being taught by some popular books that through visualization techniques they can imagine they are having a nice conversation with Jesus. For example, here's what Richard Foster teaches...

"As you enter the story, not as passive observer but as an active participant, remember that since Jesus lives in the Eternal Now and is not bound by time, this event in the past is a LIVING PRESENT-TENSE EXPERIENCE for Him. Hence, you can "ACTUALLY"* ENCOUNTER THE LIVING CHRIST in the event, be ADDRESSED BY HIS VOICE and BE TOUCHED BY HIS healing power. It can be MORE THAN AN EXERCISE OF THE IMAGINATION it can be a GENUINE CONFRONTATION, Jesus Christ will actually COME TO YOU."
-Richard Foster, p. 26, Celebration of Discipline (www.biblebb.com)

(See more quotes at A CRITIQUE ON THE MINISTRY OF RICHARD FOSTER.)

BUT...is this kind of visualization Bible based or occult based? Here are some other quotes and things:

"Occultism has always involved
three techniques for changing and creating reality:
thinking, speaking, and visualizing."
(Dave Hunt - Occult Invasion)

"...imaging and visualization are increasingly appearing as Christian meditation, "mind-stretchers," or a consciousness-awakening experience in Christian workshops, and you'd better believe that visualization as a cultivated exercise comes with all sorts of metaphysical and spiritual baggage in tow."
— Visualization and Imaging, Jon Trott

"It's not difficult to trace the practice of meditative imaging and visualization back to the mystics."— Visualization and Imaging, Jon Trott

SOURCE: Visualization, The New Age and Christianity @lighthousetrailsresearch.com

I know quite a few Christians who like to access Jesus in a nice place through their imaginations. He even tells them nice things that they write down in their journals, believing these to be the very words of God. But here's the thing... is this Jesus they are having a conversation with in their imaginations, or are they coming in contact with an impostor in the spiritual realm?

The following are examples of people who were seeking God but came in contact with spirit guides:

"The Great, Subtle Lie" of Contemplative Spirituality"
(An Open Letter - July 30, 2004)
The Testimony of Cassandrah Batya
www.christian-mommies.com

Imagination and Visualization
by Dave Hunt
www.ankerberg.com

The Beautiful Side of Evil-Johanna Michaelson
endtimesdeception.com

(Order The Beautiful Side of Evil @ www.lighthousetrails.com HERE.)

Kathryn Kuhlman and Her Spirit Guide
www.pawcreek.org

Now don't be freaked out about praying...but do be careful about visualization methods and relaxation exercises which are not techniques taught in the Bible. After all, what is the point of prayer? To have a nice experience? Or is prayer one of our weapons to use as the spiritual battle rages all around us? As we read in Ephesians 6, put on the whole armor of God, and pray at all times in the Spirit, in order to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

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Related:

REDEFINING JESUS CHRIST?
The Biblical Jesus Versus The Counterfeits
www.spiritual-research-network.com

Contemplative Prayer
Seducing Spirits and a Doctrine of Devils
By Christine A. Narloch
www.crossroad.to

Visualization
www.letusreason.org

Divination Finds Further Expression in the Evangelical Church
by Orrel Steinkamp
www.erwm.com