Ever since I started reading material written by Contemplative Spirituality (going by the terms Contemplative Prayer; Centering Prayer; Meditation; or Contemplation) advocates in the 1990s, I have come across their […]
So far, no biblical passage cited as support for these practices has held up under scrutiny. What God’s word does do is that it supremely sheds light on the misunderstanding or misuse of such passages.
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.
Why so much about the body in the spiritual disciplines (Spiritual Formation)? One reasonable conclusion is that since prayer (and many of the disciplines) are elaborate practices involving the body in Contemplative teachings, a theology around the body is constructed to hold up the Contemplative edifice (since this edifice is not held up by Scripture). The attempt at scanctification via methods from men includes the attempt at sanctifying the body. But the fallen body is not sanctified nor can it be in this life for the Christian. That is why it will be made into a new glorified body, as was the body of Jesus upon his resurrection, in a future time.
Do certain scriptures in the Bible indicate that God may pass by if we are not trained to hear him? Is God’s “native language” a whisper? This message from Tyler Staton is examined, along with the Bible passages he cites, in this article.
Tyler Staton has increasing influence. As a contemplative who attended Ruth Haley Barton’s Transforming Center, Staton displays many of Barton’s traits such as misuse of Scripture and the belief that mystical contemplation is superior to normative prayer.
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.
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 […]
Tradition and Wisdom This is from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation website: “Shalem is grounded in Christian contemplative spirituality and, at the same time, draws on the wisdom […]