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.
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.