Why Some Christians Are Turning to Meditation

In recent years, a growing number of Christians have embraced meditation, a practice once viewed with skepticism in certain denominations. This essay explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and places it within the historical and spiritual context of Christian tradition.

Understanding Meditation in Christianity

Meditation is often viewed as a time-honored practice among Christians, deeply rooted in their spiritual heritage. The term meditation encompasses a variety of practices, including silent reflection, contemplation, and prayer, aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God.

Historical Precedents in Christian Spiritual Practice

Orthodox Tradition: Meditation and contemplation have been integral to Christian spiritual practice, particularly among the Orthodox. From the Desert Fathers to the Jesuits, Christian monastics have long utilized these practices to achieve communion with God. The Desert Fathers, known for their extreme asceticism and isolated meditation retreats, set the stage for a tradition of contemplative spirituality.

Jesuit Spiritual Retreats: The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, formulated in-depth spiritual retreats that included meditation as a central feature. These retreats were designed to help seekers develop a deeper understanding of their faith and a stronger connection with God.

Reclaiming Root Practices

Many argue that Christians are returning to their root practices, which were likely abandoned during the Protestant Reformation. This period of religious schism emphasized theology over contemplative practices, leading to a cultural disconnection from these ancient traditions.

The Protestant Reformation, with its focus on doctrine and theology, caused a shift away from the contemplative practices that had been a hallmark of Christian tradition. As a result, many Christians have now sought to reconnect with their spiritual heritage, recognizing the value of meditation and contemplation in their faith journey.

Modern Context: Acknowledging Scripture and Reason

Many logical and rational Christians have come to the realization that the stories in the Old and New Testaments, while rich in symbolism and spiritual truth, are not necessarily historical accounts. Names like Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Lucifer are understood by many to be allegorical figures representing deeper spiritual truths rather than literal, historical individuals.

For some, this shift in interpretation has led to a reevaluation of traditional Christian practices, including meditation. They believe that focusing inward and seeking personal peace and spiritual growth is a logical and natural extension of their faith.

Meditation and Contemporary Christian Experience

The decline of traditional practices in contemporary society has fueled a desire for seekers to go beyond the external and focus on their inner spirituality. The phrase "the kingdom of heaven is within" from Matthew 13:11 inspires many Christians to embrace meditation as a means of experiencing peace, quiet, and freedom within themselves.

David's encouragement to wait upon God and strengthen the heart through meditation (Psalm 27:14) provides a biblical precedent for incorporating meditation into Christian practice. This guidance existed long before the New Age movement gained prominence, making the practice of meditation a natural and integral part of Christian faith.

Conclusion

Meditation, when understood within the rich tapestry of Christian history and tradition, is not a new or foreign practice. It is a time-honored tradition that allows believers to reconnect with their spiritual roots. As Christians continue to explore their faith and seek meaningful, personal connections with God, meditation presents a valuable tool for spiritual growth and introspection.

By reclaiming their spiritual heritage, Christians can find a deeper appreciation for meditation and its role in their journey of faith.