Back in the early 19th century a French physician named Franz Anton Mesmer (from whose name the word mesmerize is derived) caused people to laugh, fall into trances, and jerk spasmodically by simply gesturing in their direction. Dr. James Braid, who has been credited with coining the word hypnosis, discovered that through mental manipulation he could alter a patient’s state of consciousness to such an extent that he was able to perform surgical procedures that were virtually painless.

In recent history pseudo-Christian cults have seized upon these principles. J Gordon Melton underscores this reality by correctly associating mesmerism (hypnotism) with mind science cults. Mesmerism was developed into a new healing system by Phineas Parkhurst Quimby (1802-1866), a professional mesmerist who felt that many diseases could be cured by suggestion and were therefore essentially illusory. As shocking as it may seem, what was once relegated to the ashrams of cultists is now replicated at the alters of churches. And the experiences are so “real” that many key evangelical Christian leaders are convinced they cannot be explained apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. People in crowded churches are particularly susceptible – a fact that has been capitalized on by dictators, political orators, and regrettably by those who take the sacred name of Christ upon their lips. The effect of suggestion on crowds seems virtually without limit.  Todd Bentley (Lakeland, Florida Revival 2008) kicked a man in the gut to heal him of colon cancer. The man bent over in pain from the obvious assault. Todd Bentley said, “I had to be obedient to the Lord sir. But I believe the colon cancer is coming right out of your body now. You’re probably feeling a little more pain." I suppose he would feel a little more pain being kicked in the stomach. Todd went on to say, “But were dealing with cancer and sometimes it is a spirit that has to be driven out.” Bentley claims all kinds of resurrections from the dead without proof.  He claims to have seen Jesus Christ face to face. People are being hurt spiritually and physically by this false prophet. Bentley took the legs of a crippled woman and banged them on the platform like a baseball bat. He also kicked a woman in the face with his biker boot because the Holy Spirit told him to. Ever wonder why the world looks at Christians and thinks were nuts?  [ 1 ] 

Matthew 24:24

For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Titus 1:10-11

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach

Video - Hank Hanegraaff on Todd Bentley - Hank Hanegraaff

Video - TODD BENTLEY VICTIM SPEAKS! 

Video - F4F | Todd Bentley Was Never Qualified - Chris Rosebrough

Cited Sources: Aping the Practices of Pagan Spirituality by Hank Hanegraaff [ 1 ]