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The term spiritual metaphysics references the study of human nature and human experience from a spiritual, non-physical standpoint to understand how everything in life is connected. Spiritual metaphysicists perceive the material world not as “physical” but as “non-physical” or “spiritual” and the true nature of human existence as a union of mind, body, and spirit in one interconnected reality. The pursuit of spiritual metaphysics is often motivated by a desire for personal growth and fulfillment or as part of a physical or emotional wellness journey. Unfortunately, spiritual metaphysics leads down a path away from biblical truth.
The term metaphysics (literally, “beyond the physical”) refers to the study of the basic principles underlying reality, existence, and knowledge. Metaphysics is the philosophical exploration of the ultimate nature of life, consciousness, and reality. In its most fundamental sense, it attempts to answer questions about what is real, what exists, and what that existence is like. The term spiritual generally refers to those aspects of human experience that pertain to the invisible, immaterial world—the non-physical. Spiritual metaphysics, thus, encompasses a belief that the true nature of human existence is, at its core, spiritual and not physical. Everything that exists in the physical world has its basis in the spiritual world.
Corresponding with the spiritual metaphysical viewpoint is the belief that there is no real disconnection between individual aspects of our nature. Likewise, any perceived separation from other beings, from God, and from any aspects of the physical universe is merely an illusion. Spiritual metaphysicians generally claim that the ultimate reality is one uniform human experience—body, mind, and spirit. All things visible and invisible are part of that same collective truth. Thoughts are perceived as “energies” that can shape and manipulate one’s reality to bring healing, inner peace, self-discovery, and growth.
As a science, there is no clear, widely accepted definition of spiritual metaphysics. The philosophy is not associated with any specific church, religion, or belief system, although it is compatible with New Age thought. Most perspectives involving spiritual metaphysics reject traditional Christian doctrine in favor of holistic, New Thought, mystical, and transcendent belief systems. For example, a pantheistic worldview aligns closely with the “all is one” belief.
Several schools, such as the International Metaphysical Ministry (IMM), the University of Metaphysics, and the University of Sedona, offer non-accredited ministerial degrees (including bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs) in metaphysical science. A career in spiritual metaphysics might involve becoming a wellness coach, spiritual counselor, retreat facilitator, spiritual ceremonialist, or metaphysical parapsychology researcher.
Some spiritual metaphysical therapies include meditation, Reiki, energy healing, and mindfulness. Popular authors who explore the field of spiritual metaphysics are Deepak Chopra (The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success), Eckart Tolle (A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose), Michael Newton (Journey of Souls), and Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist).
Spiritual metaphysics is neither well-defined nor objective, and it effectively describes nothing. Even “theocentric,” or (seemingly) God-focused, metaphysical forms of spirituality present a dangerous threat to the Christian mindset. Similar false philosophies threatened to derail the Colossian believers from the truth, and Scripture’s warning is clear: “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ” (Colossians 2:8, NLT). Paul called such nonsensical teachings “foolish ideas of what God was like” that cause people’s minds to “become darkened and confused” (see Romans 1:21, NLT).
