A recent letter writer declares herself a Christian, quoting Ephesians 6:11-13. These verses admonish individuals to “put on the full armor of God…against the devil’s schemes.” Few disagree with these sentiments. Yet interpreting scriptures is always a sticky business. So let’s do a little research.

Relevant entries from Dictionary.com define the two key terms of “armor,” and “schemes” as “any covering worn as a defense against weapons,” and “a secret or devious plan” respectively. So, the writer urges “Christians” to put on a covering as a defense against secret and devious plans. Bravo.

She further defines the armor of God as for fighting through prayer and speaking out against evil practices. No argument here. But what are these nefarious plans which require the armor of God as protection? To her they are the practices of Tarot, Palm Reading and Reiki. Gasp! Do you know how many people were killed in the name of these tools? Zero.

Let’s tackle Reiki. Anyone who knows their bible will tell you that healing by the laying on of hands has been done since before the time of Moses. In fact, Jesus healed a leper, blind man, and even resurrected by this power. To wit, Genesis 48:13-15 and Acts 8:14-19. Reiki means universal life force and was discovered in its current form by a student wishing to learn how Jesus healed.

Usui, founder of the most well known school of Reiki fasted and prayed for 21 days in the wilderness before God revealed to him the techniques enabling him to share this gift. Most who oppose this and other forms do so out of ignorance. Do we hate a knife because a demon wields it and then persecute a surgeon for use of the same? Some obviously do.

I urge us as Christians and other faithful servants of God to put on His armor. And that armor is wisdom. Tools in and of themselves are neither evil nor good. The use and the intent define the action. So before we attack any given tool, it is best to learn what it is.