Positive Energy & “Vibes” Language: A New Age Lie in the Church

In recent years, phrases like “sending good vibes,” “shifting the atmosphere,” or “releasing positive energy” have moved from New Age circles into mainstream culture—and sadly, into Christian vocabulary as well. While they may sound harmless, these expressions come from spiritual frameworks that are far from biblical. They replace the personal work of the Holy Spirit with an impersonal force, blurring the lines between Christianity and mysticism.

Let’s break down the roots, the disguise in the church, and the biblical response.

Occult Root: Eastern Religion and New Age Mysticism

The concept of “positive energy” or “vibrations” is not neutral. It stems from Eastern mysticism—Hinduism, Buddhism, and later the New Age movement—where the universe is seen as made up of spiritual “frequencies” that can be manipulated through meditation, chanting, or crystals.

In these systems:

Good thoughts or rituals are said to produce “positive energy,” attracting blessings.

Bad thoughts or actions produce “negative energy,” bringing curses, sickness, or bad fortune.

Reality is reduced to vibrations that can be influenced apart from the will of a personal, sovereign God.

This worldview denies the biblical Creator and replaces Him with an impersonal energy field. It shifts the focus from God’s holiness and sovereignty to human control through mystical techniques.

Disguise in the Church: “Good Vibes” in Christian Language

Today, some churches and Christian leaders adopt this mystical language without realizing its roots. Phrases like:

“Send good vibes my way.”

“Let’s shift the atmosphere with our energy.”

“Release positive thoughts over your situation.”

At first glance, these phrases might seem like innocent metaphors. But in reality, they mirror New Age teaching rather than biblical truth. Prayer is replaced with “vibes.” The Holy Spirit’s power is reduced to a mystical “energy.” God’s sovereign presence is redefined as an impersonal force we can manipulate with emotion or willpower.

Even in worship gatherings, it is common to hear people equate God’s presence with “atmospheric energy.” This can lead believers to chase feelings and experiences rather than grounding their faith in God’s Word and His Spirit.

The Biblical Contrast: The Holy Spirit, Not “Energy”

The Bible never speaks of “vibrations,” “energy fields,” or “positive vibes.” Instead, it emphasizes the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit. God is not an impersonal force that can be shifted or manipulated; He is the living Lord who dwells with His people.

John 14:26 — “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” → The Spirit is a Person, not an impersonal vibration.

Acts 1:8 — “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” → Power comes from God’s Spirit indwelling believers, not from sending or receiving “energy.”

Philippians 4:6–7 — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” → Peace is not about energy, but about trust in the God who hears prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” → Prayer is relational, not mystical.

Why This Matters

Language shapes belief. When Christians use phrases like “good vibes,” we normalize occult ideas and blur the line between biblical truth and pagan mysticism. If “vibes” replace prayer, we end up relying on human emotion rather than God’s Spirit. If “energy” replaces the Holy Spirit, we fall into idolatry, making God into something less than who He truly is.

The enemy’s strategy has always been subtle. He doesn’t always deny God outright—sometimes he distorts God by mixing truth with lies. Christians must therefore remain alert, discerning not only false doctrines but also false language that shifts the focus away from Christ.

A Call Back to Biblical Faith

Instead of speaking of “positive energy,” let’s return to biblical language:

Pray, don’t send vibes.

Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence, not an “energy shift.”

The world seeks power in impersonal forces, but believers are called to a living relationship with the God who speaks, guides, and saves. Our words should reflect that truth, bearing witness to the reality of Christ rather than echoing the language of the New Age.

Trust God’s sovereign will, not mystical vibrations.