Interview on the late Thomas Keating as guest of Dave Jenkins of Contending for the Word discussing mysticism and Centering/Contemplative Prayer. You can listen to audio or watch video. CANA […]
The following is an account of a talk and meditation session led by Rev. Thomas Keating in 2005 (Keating died in 2018). This is based on my notes and observations […]
Note: There is a CANA article on the misuse of Bible passages to support the alleged practice of silence. This article addresses the misuse of certain passages to claim that […]
This article has two parts. The first examines some of the Sayings of the Desert Fathers; the second part looks at the book by John Climacus, The Divine Ladder. […]
Most of the book, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, by Tyler Staton, is not about Contemplative practices. Staton uses what is often called the Lord’s Prayer as a template […]
What this adds up to is mysticism, and a mystical view is a natural result of contemplative practices that apparently have captivated Mackie. Mysticism is not a matter of transcending logic or thought; it is actually contra logic and thought. This is why all contemplative teachings downgrade the mind . It is always found in esoteric teachings that there is something profound beyond words and reason that one can experience – a hidden or secret experience and/or wisdom. This is exactly how I thought for over 20 years.
Mackie is planting not only the idea that gaining perception of “another reality” or a “super reality” is positive, but he is offering the means for it through the contemplative practices, which will alter perceptions over time.
Peter Greig, the founder of the 24/7 Global Prayer Movement, and author and teacher on prayer, is heavily promoted by JOHN MARK COMER. The term “24/7 Prayer” sounds good until one investigates what Greig teaches about prayer.
The practice of Lectio Divina, or “sacred reading,” is a monastic practice that officially started in the 6th century and developed in the Middle Ages into a process of four […]
Dallas Willard (1935-2013) was a highly regarded pastor, professor, and Christian philosopher. His main influence has been on what I call Contemplative Spirituality. He partnered with Quaker Richard Foster […]
What is taught in the videos on prayer and solitude on John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way Website? Read this article to get some thoughts on these two videos.