The Telepathy Tapes – A Biblical Perspective Suggests Choice D

I recently had to fill out an application that contained a question with multiple choices. The problem was that none of the options were correct. I had no choice but to either abandon the application or choose the best of the bad choices-- A, B, or C, which one should I choose? This same frustrating scenario surfaced in my thinking once again when someone brought to my attention the Telepathy Tapes, a podcast by Ky Dickens, featuring nonverbal autistic individuals who communicate remarkable knowledge through various forms of facilitated communication (referred to as Spelling). The demonstrations of supposed telepathy and messages from another realm have intrigued the masses, currently making this the number one podcast in the world. 

For those unfamiliar with the method of spelling the podcast features, here’s a brief overview and the reasoning behind it. Many non-speaking autistic children understand language but can’t coordinate the complex motor movements required for speech, so spelling provides a simpler motor pathway for communication. It often takes a year or two to become proficient, but a non-verbal autistic child sits with a facilitator who holds a letterboard or keyboard out in front of them. A facilitator asks the child a question, and the child points to letters to spell out the answer. The facilitator does not guide the child’s finger but stabilizes the board, prompts the child, and reads letters aloud as the child selects them. Through this technique, many claim that these handicapped children can communicate. In the Telepathy Tapes the additional claim is made that this technique allows some children to demonstrate a possession of nonlocal awareness. To explain the phenomenon, the producers propose choice “A”: autistic brains are wired differently, giving access to extra-sensory perception through universal consciousness (energy).

As would be expected, many secular skeptics discount the suggestion of the paranormal with conventional explanations offering us choice “B” to consider—the facilitator unknowingly gives subtle cues that influence the autistic speller in how they respond to a question. This involuntary cueing is known as the ideomotor effect. Through countless hours of therapy teaching the motor skills necessary to point at spelling boards, it is proposed that the nonverbal individual learns associations and responds in kind to the facilitator. This option suggests that anything communicated is actually from the facilitator’s thoughts rather than the nonverbal child. Indeed, the explanation is worth considering as there are many instances of the facilitator saying certain things at times and not others or moving the spelling boards in certain ways when the individual has trouble choosing or pointing to a letter. However, in general the child does seem intent on the letters they choose and words they spell.

I was intrigued to understand more about this method of communication I had never heard of before and watched the Spellers Documentary and numerous testimonies. I won’t lie. I marveled at this seemingly miraculous form of communication that appeared to reveal the brilliant minds of severely autistic, non-speaking individuals. I wondered how critics could possibly discount such evidence of communication. How dare they seek to continue to imprison these misunderstood souls by squelching this method of conveying thoughts!

However, to my great surprise, upon further research, I discovered that no forms of Spelling through a facilitator hold up to double-blind scrutiny. The scientific evidence strongly suggests that the facilitator, not the nonverbal individual, is communicating. So, perhaps choice “B”-- the ideomotor effect, is worth considering? 

But here’s where things get interesting and why the Telepathy Tapes have taken the world by storm. The spellers appear to have abilities that defy conventional understanding. For example, ten-year-old Amelia, a nonverbal autistic child knows multiple languages she has never been exposed to including Hebrew and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Mia and Akhil telepathically know randomly generated numbers with a high degree of accuracy (90% or better). Houston, John Paul, and Lily describe through spelling how they gather with many autistic individuals at a metaphysical place known as “the hill” where it is claimed they communicate with one another telepathically. Ky Dickens, and those she interviews or works with in the podcast suggest the higher cognition of the spellers allows them to tap into universal consciousness or energy.

At this point, my discernment alarms began firing, but to my surprise, I discovered two pastors boldly placing a “Christian” spin on the topic by bringing even more spellers’ stories into the mix to promote the supposed validity of their “gifts.” One of the pastors is the father of a young autistic man named Cody, who is the primary subject of the newly published book, Decoding Cody by pastor Joe Infranco. Pastor Joe has been a recent guest on several podcasts, including episode 7 of the Telepathy Tapes, and shares many details from the spelling sessions with nonverbal individuals from around the world. It is clear he chooses option “C” to explain the telepathic phenomenon—spiritual gifting from God. Although Infranco emphasizes the need for discernment, as well as the importance of proper interpretation of the spellers’ spiritual encounters and messages, he appears to wholeheartedly believe that what they communicate through spelling should be believed. 

As I watched video footage of the tests intended to prove the spellers’ telepathic abilities, memories of my own former involvement with energy medicine called a previously unmentioned option D to mind—demonic involvement intended to deceive and distract. You see, after almost two decades of dealing with ever-worsening health conditions that eventually brought me to live as an invalid, I became involved in the practice of muscle testing and NAET (an energy-based therapy to reverse supposed allergies). After experiencing a dramatic reversal of hypothyroidism following that protocol, I ignored the unease I felt and became convinced that those practices were a “gift from God.” Sound familiar? Like Joe Infranco, I ignored option D and so came to a false conclusion.

I learned how to do these energy-based practices myself, taught my family, and in time began using my new skills to “minister” to others who suffered physically. It seemed clear to me and others that I had a special “gift” for muscle testing. After almost two years of daily use of these practices, I developed telepathic abilities. I could “know” with certainty the source of someone’s symptoms without touching them or being in their presence. (This is a common occurrence with experienced muscle testers and allows for remote testing.)

I also had a profound and disturbing incident of hearing a detailed conversation between my husband and son before it happened! My son, who had also developed a remarkable “gift” of intuition in muscle testing, had a prophetic dream that came true followed by a similar but terrifying dream that tormented him because it was of a school bombing, and he feared it too might come true if he didn’t take action to stop it. God used those events, along with doors in my house slamming when no one was nearby, to open my eyes to the true demonic nature of the energy-practices I used. What I experienced during that two-year period revealed much to me about the character and nature of Satan’s deception that brings bondage and destruction. (1)

Just as an author, composer, or artist has their own unique style with common characteristics that run throughout their work, so also Satan has tells that point to his authorship or involvement in the affairs of men. Directing our thinking in this way aids greatly in discernment, and so I wish to discuss some of these traits that are also seen in the claims from the Telepathy Tapes and related podcasts. 

Because the Bible offers much insight, let us begin there. John 10:10 tells us Satan has motive and purpose-- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 also describes the modus operandi employed by the enemy of our souls-- For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness… (NKJV)

When discerning between truth and deception proves difficult, it is helpful to consider whether there is evidence of motive because this is a battle for souls, and Satan is the master general with strategy and purpose. Pastor Joe supposes these spellers are receiving messages from angels and Jesus because the messages are generally good, encourage biblical ideas of intercession, and are all about love. Some spellers describe the being they encounter on “the hill” as calling himself Jesus and having eyes full of love. According to 2 Corinthians 11 you SHOULD expect a demon to portray itself falsely as an angel of light and goodness. Many who have channeled spirits, say the spirit guide identified itself as Jesus. A quick ChatGPT search on famous individuals who have claimed Jesus as their spirit guide includes many prominent names. 

List of Individuals Claiming a Spirit Guide Identified Itself as “Jesus”

1. Helen Schucman – A Course in Miracles

2. Jakob Lorber – “The Jesus Voice” mystic writings

3. José Luis de Jesús Miranda – “Jesus reincarnated,” visions/communications

4. Various ‘Sananda’ channelers (New Age mediums claiming the ascended Jesus)

5. Edgar Cayce – channeled teachings connected to “Christ consciousness”

6. Johanna Michaelsen – formerly guided by a deceptive spirit that claimed to be Jesus (exposed in her book The Beautiful Side of Evil)

   
   

The apostle Paul warns of being deceived by a different Jesus in the same 2 Corinthians passage I quoted from earlier, But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. (NIV)

Therefore, one hallmark of Satan’s strategy as the master deceiver, is that he and his cohorts won’t hesitate to masquerade as Jesus or angels. Another strategy these verses point to is the devil’s propensity to infiltrate and deceive the church using those who are influential in the church. Most Christians readily reject the pagan teachings of divination, mediumship, astral projection, and spirit guides that the Telepathy Tapes promote, but if a prominent pastor says it’s okay and puts a biblical sounding spin on it by calling them spiritual gifts, then Satan gains a significant footing in the lives of believers. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing in Matthew 7:15.

Never forget that Satan knows Scripture and won’t hesitate to twist it, as evidenced in the strategy he employed three times in tempting Jesus. It wasn’t that the devil misquoted Scripture, but that he twisted the meaning by taking it out of context to tempt and deceive. Therefore, when we hear statements that promote biblical ideas or even Scripture quoted, but they are being used in a context that is forbidden by God, then we know Satan is up to his old tricks.

In light of this, consider a few of the many examples from the Telepathy Tapes and statements made by Joe Infranco describing the abilities of the non-speaking autistic individuals.

• Houston, who first mentioned “the hill” is drawn to crystals because he strongly feels the energy from them. (Crystals have strong occult & New Age associations for invoking power.)

• Lily spells that she communicates daily with the now dead John Paul with whom she previously had a telepathic romantic relationship. (The Bible forbids communicating with the dead.)

• Amelia spells of her encounters with ghosts, spirits, and an angel who took her to see God and the Dali Lama. It is also purported that she is clairvoyant and season 2, episode 2 highlights her increased contact with and messages from the dead. (The Bible condemns mediums and false prophets.)

• Cody and Houston describe their trips to “the hill” as out-of-body experiences, also known as astral projection.

All of these describe occult or New Age practices involving demonic power and hidden knowledge, which is off-limits for the child of God, as written in Deuteronomy 18:9-12. When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord… These practices cannot be made acceptable by simply putting Jesus’ name on them.

It is also worth noting that the “experts” that are called on in the Telepathy Tapes have strong associations with New Age teachings and practices. The main scientist called upon, Diane Powell, is deeply embedded in parapsychological research and wears a massive crystal around her neck. The name Depak Chopra, a famous New Age guru and expert on alternative therapies is readily bantered about by Ky Dickens. Suzy Miller, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, evidences a highly mystical worldview in her comments during the podcast and bonus materials. These individuals, unlike Pastor Joe, have no interest in reframing what they’re witnessing in a biblical context.

Perhaps it is helpful at this point to describe how choice D—demonic intervention, easily explains apparent telepathy and the various phenomena described and tested in the Telepathy Tapes. Satan and unclean spirits (demons) are not omniscient or omnipresent. However, God allows the prince of the power of the air to work in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2 NKJV). When people open spiritual doors to demonic activity, they give entrance to the power and work of demons in their lives. Because of the nature of severe autism and the common conviction by their parents that mainstream medicine hurts not helps, they are understandably inclined to seek alternative practices. This often leads them to a heavy reliance upon energy medicine, muscle testing, homeopathy, etc., which can open dangerous spiritual doors. So, it should be no surprise that evidence of spiritual power surfaces.

Although unclean spirits cannot read minds, they can certainly influence and suggest thoughts. For telepathy to occur, all that is needed is for demons to suggest the same thought to multiple people at the same time. Demons have also existed since creation and have knowledge that humans may not commonly possess, such as ancient languages an autistic child has never learned and uses with proficiency. The unclean spirits can easily read the randomly generated number and influence the mind of another to “know” that number or to “know” the mathematical solution to a high-level math problem, as is demonstrated in the podcast. Demons, masquerading as angels of light, can promote consistent imagery of a metaphysical location like “the hill.” The Bible warns us that in the last days God will allow Satan to use his energy to deceive people through counterfeit signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). These kinds of manifestations should not be surprising to the Christian but must be called out for what they are.

Many occult practices have similarities and overlap with one another providing further tells that Satan is the manipulator of them all. For example, like spelling, muscle testing does not hold up to double-blind clinical studies and yet evidence shows much power that it “works.” Furthermore, muscle testing is often done through a surrogate on babies or the infirm, like how spelling must always be done in the presence of and through direct involvement with a facilitator. The practice of automatic writing is an occult practice where demons give individuals copious information to write down that includes much detail that the individual could not have known without spiritual involvement. All of these demonstrate the same author (2).

A further consideration from Scripture is the criteria for recognizing whether a message is from God or from Satan. The messages from God must be 100% accurate! (Deuteronomy 18:22, Jeremiah 28:9) In the discussion of the messages from the autistic individuals featured in these podcasts and by Pastor Joe, it is mentioned that their messages and abilities fall short of this perfect standard, and, therefore, we can conclude that they are not messages from God.

I said earlier that Satan’s motive is to steal, kill, and destroy, so is there evidence of this motive in the Telepathy Tapes? Proponents would argue that they are “presuming competence” and by doing so they give a voice to those who have been wrongly characterized by society. Proponents state the beautiful improvements in relationships between parent and child where no means of communication once existed. Surely these good things justify the practices. 

However, if what is going on is not true communication, but an innocent individual who has been hijacked to be a mouthpiece for evil purposes, then what good will come in the end? Parents who become involved in spelling with a focus on the paranormal turn their attention from proven therapies that could bring true improvements that allow for real communication and functioning in the real world. By doing so, has not Satan succeeded in stealing through distraction? Although episode 4 of the Telepathy Tapes frames the unexplainable death of John Paul into proof of their worldview’s version of an afterlife, it should not be ignored that he suddenly and tragically died. My experiences with and knowledge of those who get involved with demonic power include many similar examples of tragic deaths.

Furthermore, the world, and more concerning, the church, becomes more accepting and even inclined to seek out spiritual practices that God has forbidden. The Bible teaches that God allows Satan’s deception as a means of exposing the true loyalties of every heart. The apostle Paul writes, And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Beware, my brethren, that you do not trade the truth of God for a lie.

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Footnotes:

(1) For further details of my story of involvement with muscle testing and why I concluded it is demonically empowered, see this blog series or this YouTube video.

(2)  Although current clinical research strongly suggests that spelling-board-facilitated communication is generally unreliable, I’m not convinced that the practice is without scientific merit. My main concern within the scope of this article is that regardless of whether spelling boards themselves are a source of spiritual danger, handicapped children are being used as purveyors of biblically forbidden activities, and Christians approve.