Western Christianity and Meditation
The Oxford Handbook of Meditation March 10, 2021 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198808640.013.7 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractChristianity has a two-millennia-old tradition of contemplative meditation. The central insight is that, through grace, all are united in the mystery of God in Christ, but most people live in ignorance of this. Contemplation aims to heal that ignorance and the inner noise it generates by training the mind to abide in silence, which fosters a loving mind that sees through the illusion of separation from God. The chapter examines teachings from five key authors or traditions spanning the fourth to fourteenth centuries to learn how to bring the mind home to itself, a self hidden in the mystery of God.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | Argues that Christian contemplative practice trains the mind in silence to heal ignorance of union with God and overcome the illusion of separation. |
Abstract
Abstract Like other religions, Christianity has its own tradition of meditation, the practice of contemplation, that has evolved over two millennia. This tradition has a core celebration and a core problem. The core celebration is that by grace we are all one in the ineffable mystery of God in Christ. The core problem is that we live most of our lives in ignorance of this. The practice of contemplation aims to heal this ignorance and the inner noise it generates by training the mind to abide in silence. The silent mind is a loving mind that sees through the illusion of separation from God. This chapter examines the teachings of five key authors or traditions from the fourth to fourteenth century so as to learn how to bring the mind home to itself, a self hidden in the mystery of God in Christ (Col 3:3).