Vol. 8, No. 1, 1991

Articles on the New Age

Rick Branch

In the quiet little town of Marlow, Oklahoma, where things move slowly, people know each other by their first name and they like it that way, the local High School held a demonstration for the 400 students on what many authors warn is a dangerous New Age / occult practice - hypnosis.

Sponsored by the Student Council, "Noted psychologist/ hypnotist Dr. R.E. Bellows performed for the student body....

"Following the very entertaining performance, Dr. Bellows talked to the audience about the importance of understanding the power of the mind and of realizing that drugs and alcohol can have very damaging effects on the mind," (Marlow Review, 22 November 1990, p. 9).

Curious about how Marlow High School would come into contact with a noted psychologist/hypnotist, Watchman Fellowship contacted the high school by phone and spoke briefly with Susan Petersen, Advisor for the MHS Student Council.

It was learned that Petersen had attended "several" of Bellows seminars and that Bellows had been the guest of Marlow High on a number of occasions.

When asked about the content of Dr. Bellows' message on The Power of the Human Mind, Petersen's reply was, "The power of the human mind... [then stopping abruptly said] I'm really very uncomfortable with this line of questioning, why don't you call Mr. Bellows. He lives in Edmond, Oklahoma."

As the conversation had suddenly arrived at an unanticipated end, her suggestion seemed like sound advice. After several attempts, connections were finally established with Bellows.

A graduate of the University of Hawaii, he has been a "practicing clinical psychologist for about 27 years."

He explained he has spoken in about 80 high schools and 30 colleges and universities during 1990 and is scheduled (as of press time) to be in approximately 62 during 1991.

His geographic area includes Alabama to Minnesota and west to Colorado.

In addition to speaking in high schools, he holds "stress reduction and motivational seminars around the country."

He was also quick to note that he has been a guest speaker at several Christian churches and week-long church camps.

However, he is best known for his work among the schools, such as in Marlow, Oklahoma.

When asked about hypnotism's connection with the New Age and/or the occult, Bellows politely replied, "It is not so."

He explained, "The mind becomes much more keen and alert under hypnosis."

He then continued by explaining, a person who is hypnotised "won't do anything against their morality."

In light of a great deal of contradictory evidence to these claims, Watchman Fellowship felt it was necessary to let parents know what has been happening in the public school system.

When re-contacted, Micky Hoy, Principle of Marlow High School was available for comment.

When it was explained that the Watchman Expositor was doing a story on "hypnotism in the school system," Hoy was quick to respond, "We are not teaching hypnotism to our students."

This is technically true. No teacher on the staff of Marlow High is teaching hypnosis in their classroom.

However, to have a faculty-sanctioned program, in which hypnotism played an intregal part, presented to the entire student body is a very fine line indeed!

It is worth asking the question, would a Tarot Card reader or Crystal Ball gazer be allowed to provide an entertaining pro¬gram for the student body if they, too, spoke against drug and alcohol abuse?

When asked about Bellows' Power of the Mind lecture, Hoy explained that the basic message is to "reaffirm that the mind should be clear of drugs and alcohol."

He added, however, that "Depending on one's beliefs, one could find negative or positive in Dr. Bellows message."

Unfortunately, Hoy did not elaborate.

What, then, does this article on hypnotism in the school system mean?

Is it intended to say that Marlow, Oklahoma is becoming the next New Age capital of America?

Quite the contrary. Marlow will undoubtedly continue to be numbered among the other tens-of-thousands of friendly small towns throughout the U.S.

What this article does demon¬strate is that New Age teachings are not just to be found in the large cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Dallas and New York.

The New Age teachings are slowly spilling over into the rural communities.

No longer can people in the small towns say, "It's a Big City problem."

Parents need to be aware of what is being taught at their children's schools.

The best way to acquire this information is not to wait for it to be announced in the local newspaper, or read about it in the Watchman Expositor.

The best way to know is to TALK to the children and youth. Find out what is happening and what is going to happen in the future at their schools.

In short, get involved. Parents need to have a voice in their children's education.

(Editor's Note: Because the New Age is creeping into the education system across the country, WF has made a commitment to feature a monthly article for the 1991 year on the New Age and how it effects your children. This article is the first in this series.)