Editing Neuro-linguistic programming (section)

== As a quasi-religion ==
Sociologists and anthropologists have categorized NLP as a quasi-religion belonging to the [[New Age]] and/or [[Human Potential Movement]]s.{{sfnm|1a1=Cresswell|1a2=Wilson|1y=1999|1p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=egbKOokRqB0C&pg=PA64 64]|2a1=Edwards|2y=2001|2p=573|3a1=Clarke|3y=2006|3pp=440–41|4a1=Walker|4y=2007|4p=235|5a1=Hammer|5a2=Rothstein|5y=2012|5p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=XnD-fAPCb2UC&pg=PA247 247]}}

Medical anthropologist Jean M. Langford categorizes NLP as a form of [[folk magic]]; that is to say, a practice with symbolic efficacy—as opposed to physical efficacy—that is able to effect change through nonspecific effects (e.g., placebo). To Langford, NLP is akin to a syncretic folk religion "that attempts to wed the magic of folk practice to the science of professional medicine".{{sfn|Langford|1999}}

Bandler and Grinder were influenced by the [[shamanism]] described in the books of [[Carlos Castaneda]].{{sfnm|1a1=Grinder|1a2=DeLozier|1y=1987|1p={{page needed|date=May 2024}}|2a1=Grinder|2a2=Bostic St. Clair|2y=2001|2p={{page needed|date=May 2024}}}} Concepts like "double induction"{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} and "stopping the world", central to NLP modeling, were incorporated from these influences.{{sfn|Grimley|2013|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ncPP-6AGIJkC&pg=PA31 31]}}

Some theorists characterize NLP as a type of "psycho-shamanism", and its focus on modeling has been compared to ritual practices in certain syncretic religions.<ref name="Tye-1994"/>{{sfn|Fanthorpe|Fanthorpe|2008|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=c2xkzYS1z_AC&pg=PA112 112]}} The emphasis on lineage from an NLP [[guru]] has also been likened to similar concepts in some [[Eastern religions]].{{sfn|Hunt|2003}} Aupers, Houtman, and Bovbjerg identify NLP as a New Age "psycho-religion".{{sfn|Aupers|Houtman|2010|p={{page needed|date=May 2024}}}} Bovbjerg argues that New Age movements center on a transcendent "other".{{sfn|Bovbjerg|2011|p={{page needed|date=May 2024}}}} While monotheistic religions seek communion with a divine being, this focus shifts inward in these movements, with the "other" becoming the unconscious self. Bovbjerg posits that this emphasis on the unconscious and its hidden potential underlies NLP techniques promoting self-perfection through ongoing transformation.{{sfn|Bovbjerg|2011|p={{page needed|date=May 2024}}}}

Bovbjerg's secular critique echoes the conservative Christian perspective, as exemplified by [[David Jeremiah]]. He argues that NLP's emphasis on self-transformation and internal power conflicts with the Christian belief in salvation through divine grace.{{sfn|Jeremiah|1995}}