I have just read Eli Kristine Korsmo’s article entitled «Fascinated by mysterious Jesus Blogs» (5/1/2007) regarding the «seer» Vassula Ryden. As an ex-reader and follower of Mrs Ryden’s «True Life in God» messages, I felt the urge to make some comments:
1. Regarding the beginning of the phenomenon, Mrs Ryden claims that in 1985 an invisible being, who identified itself as her «guardian angel Daniel», contacted her. The entity manifested itself by moving Vassula’s hand without her being able to control it, forming words and drawings. By these means, Vassula started to receive «messages» in English from this «angel», who then was replaced by «God the Father» and «Jesus». All the messages she receives are written down in a handwriting that is different from her own. Several experts in the occult have identified this as «automatic writing», a practice associated with spiritism and channelling, and which is condemned by the Catholic Church.
2. Although many of the contents of the messages are Christian, including many extracts from the Bible and teachings in accordance with those of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, there are other elements that are clearly unchristian and rather cultish. For instance, Mrs Ryden indicates that God has told her that whoever publicly criticizes the messages she receives and challenges their authenticity is guilty of «mortal sin» and «sin against the Holy Spirit», which means that these persons will go to Hell. (See for references: http://www.mypage.bluewin.ch/cafarus/tligmortalsin.htm). More recently, she has been «purging» the local TLIG organizations in several countries, expelling active members, accusing them of being possessed by the «Spirit of Jezebel» and therefore having become a diabolical influence inside the organization.
3. Although Mrs Ryden speaks in favour of the unity of Christian Churches, a scope I personally hope will be achieved, she herself shows little respect for the Churches. She has not been recognized by the Greek-Orthodox Church and her way of acting has been several times criticized publicly by Orthodox authorities (for references, see: http://www.mypage.bluewin.ch/cafarus/tliggreekorthodox.htm). Regarding the Catholic Church, she states in her public meetings and on her website that she is approved by the Pope and that the Notification issued against her in 1995 is no longer valid. This is all false, as the Notification (a serious warning of the Catholic faithful against her writings) is in full force (for references, see: www.mypage.bluewin.ch/cafarus/tligchurchposition.htm )
After a personal negative experience with the messages in 1994-1995, I created in 2001 a website with critical information regarding Mrs Ryden and her messages (the references above are from that website). I can only express my preoccupation regarding Mrs Ryden’s activities. Her natural charisma and a smart propaganda strategy, have opened her many doors. Unfortunately, that image is sustained by many lies, fanaticism and lack of scruples.