Why Christians Must Avoid Erhard Seminar Training and The Forum
The Hidden Dangers of EST and The Forum: A Christian’s Guide to Discernment
The pursuit of self-betterment is a deeply ingrained desire in human nature. New Age philosophies have capitalized on this longing in recent decades, merging spirituality with psychology to form seductive self-help systems. One such system is Erhard Seminar Training (EST) and its evolution, The Forum—programs that claim to unlock personal potential but often lead followers into spiritual deception.
Founded by Werner Erhard (born John Paul Rosenberg) in the early 1970s, EST was marketed as a life-altering experience, guiding participants toward personal transformation through intense, confrontational sessions. The Forum (now under the brand Landmark Forum) replaced EST in the 1980s, continuing Erhard’s legacy under new leadership and packaging. But behind the promises of clarity, purpose, and personal power lies a dangerous blend of Eastern mysticism, New Age philosophy, and humanistic self-idolatry.
How Does It Work?
EST and The Forum use long, exhausting seminars that often span several days. Participants are
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subjected to rigid rules—no watches, limited bathroom breaks, no talking unless prompted. The process is emotionally intense, stripping down personal identity and belief systems to “rebuild” a new sense of self based on personal responsibility and inner power.
The core idea is that “there is no reality—only what you make of it.” This principle rejects objective truth and moral absolutes. The participant becomes their own authority, capable of creating meaning without external guidance—even from God.
These methods create emotional upheaval. Participants often experience breakdowns, tears, and extreme mental vulnerability—all touted as progress. This breakdown and rebuilding process subtly rewires one’s worldview. In effect, the program becomes a religious experience disguised as personal development.
Why Christians Should Not Dabble in EST or The Forum
From a biblical standpoint, these programs are deeply incompatible with the Gospel. EST teaches that truth is subjective, that you are your own god, and that transformation comes from within—not through repentance, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Christianity teaches denial of self (Luke 9:23), not glorification of the self. It emphasizes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—not subjective perception or inner enlightenment.
Participating in these programs can open the door to:
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Mental torment through identity confusion
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Emotional exhaustion from manipulative tactics
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Spiritual deception by accepting counterfeit beliefs
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Separation from Christ due to idolatry of self and false spirituality
Could It Open the Door to More Torment?
Yes. Many who leave EST or The Forum report ongoing confusion, emotional distress, and feelings of spiritual emptiness. The seminars break down mental boundaries and replace them with unstable philosophies that can lead to anxiety, narcissism, or despair.
Participants are told that all answers lie within them. But when crises arise, they are left without true spiritual anchoring. They turn inward instead of turning to Christ, and that inward search can spiral into torment when the answers never come.
Moreover, these teachings create a false sense of enlightenment. Those who embrace them may become hostile to biblical truth, mocking faith in Christ as “limiting” or “naïve.” This delusion is exactly the kind of deception warned about in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.
Who is Behind It and What Religion Were They Into?
Werner Erhard, the founder, was influenced by Zen Buddhism, Scientology, and New Thought metaphysics—all religions and philosophies that are at odds with the Christian faith. His spiritual journey was rooted in Eastern mysticism, the idea of transcending the ego to reach a god-like state. These worldviews deny sin, the need for a Savior, and the sovereignty of God.
The structure of EST closely resembles cult-like behavior, emphasizing total submission to the program’s leaders and discouraging independent thought or criticism. It demands loyalty and often alienates participants from dissenting family or friends—hallmarks of spiritual abuse.
A Final Call to Discernment
Christians must test every spirit and every teaching (1 John 4:1). EST and The Forum may wear the mask of personal development, but underneath lies a counterfeit gospel. One that exalts man, denies the need for repentance, and leads seekers away from the only One who can truly transform them—Jesus Christ.
If you or someone you know has been involved in EST or The Forum, there is hope. Repentance, renouncing the false beliefs, and seeking deliverance and healing in Christ can bring restoration. God is merciful and delivers those who cry out to Him in truth.
Methods of discernment:
• Who was the founder of this modality?
• What was his/her spirituality?
• What culture did it come out of?
• What were their beliefs?
• Who is their God or gods?
Many occult practices in Christianity need to be discerned. Another method of discernment is the Word of God. The word of God is our measuring stick. The more we read the word, know the word, and have a relationship with the Lord, the more we discern right and wrong. We perish from a lack of knowledge.
Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”
By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance. See list of occult practices.
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