Question: What is "mind-mapping"?

Question: What is the technique that is referred to as “mind-mapping”? Is it legitimate or is it considered an occult technique?

Response: The concept of mind mapping is interesting, and introduces some good suggestions for organizing one’s efforts to prepare a talk, to increase the efficiency of a discussion group or board meeting, or for other pursuits of a similar nature. The terminology, however, is very misleading. “Mind mapping” has nothing whatsoever to do with mapping one’s mind, using both sides of the brain, or with tapping into that “90 percent” of our brain that we allegedly never use.

There are no brain cells lying around idle. The entire brain is being used continuously, though not all at one time, because different parts of the brain are involved in different processes and functions. Some make references to “brain power,” but what does that mean? Are we talking about intelligence? If so, then according to at least one article, each of us is potentially 1,000 times more intelligent than we ever act—and greater intelligence simply involves turning up the power level in the brain.

That theory is absurd. Such “experts” seem to equate “brain” with “mind,” which is a common fallacy. One is physical and the other is mental, and, in fact, spiritual. The brain is neither intelligent nor does it even think. It is merely the computer that the mind uses to control the body in order to interface with the physical universe. As for using both sides of the brain, this is another popular fallacy that not only the human potential gurus use but even some Christian leaders (psychologists in particular) have mistakenly adopted. It offers an appealing substitute for the biblical solution to human problems. Developing (what does that even mean?) or using the right side of the brain has nothing to do with being loving or kind, which are spiritual qualities. Some charismatics have even suggested that developing the right side of the brain will help one to speak in tongues, work miracles, etc.

Actual scientists who were involved in research on the left/right brain functions call such delusions “whole-brained half-wittedness.” Yet many Christian “counselors” promote this apostasy as scientific fact.