Meditation ~ Is Meditation a Non-Christian
practice?
Is meditation something the Bible clearly
encourages us to do?
Many people view meditation as a means to
develop their natural and psychic powers. In other cases, people practice
meditation with the goal of self-relaxation. Whatever the case may be,
the fact is, this kind of meditation -- that is, Eastern meditation
-- is characterized by self-centered objectives. It employs techniques
like concentrating on objects, exercising "controlled" breathing, and
uttering mantras -- all this with the purpose of emptying the mind of
all kinds of distractions which supposedly will enable a person to reach
an altered state of consciousness, a state of harmony with himself and
the universe.
Eastern meditation is very dangerous, to say
the least, because it draws people away from God by encouraging them
to look inwardly to themselves rather than to God. Additionally, the
kind of meditation we are talking about right now is intimately tied
to Eastern philosophies which run counter to biblical teaching. Not
only that, but the notion of emptying one's mind opens up the possibility
of demonic deception, manipulation, and yes, even possession.
Now, we have to be careful not to write off
meditation itself simply because it's practiced by Eastern mystics.
Keep in mind that the Bible in no uncertain terms encourages us to meditate
on God's law day and night (Josh. 1:8)! However, biblical meditation
doesn't involve looking within ourselves or emptying our minds for selfish
reasons. Rather, it urges believers to contemplate and deeply reflect
God's Person and faithfulness -- not only that, it also calls us to
look to His Word (Psa. 119), and His creation (Psa. 19, 104).
In fact, Christian meditation calls us to
look upward and outward to God so that our minds may be filled with
godly wisdom and insight, and so that our hearts may be filled with
comfort, happiness, and joy. To echo the opening words of the Book of
Psalms: "Blessed is the man...[whose] delight is in the law of the Lord,
who meditates on his law day and night." (Psa. 1:1-2 NIV). And remember,
there is a quantum difference between getting into the Word of God and
getting the Word into you -- so let me encourage you to hide God's Word
in your heart.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
We recommend the book Encyclopedia
of New Age Beliefs by John Ankerberg and John Weldon (Harvest House)
(B372/$20.00). This resource is available through CRI. To place a credit
card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. For shipping and handling
information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To receive
a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (949) 858-6111 or write
us with your request at P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000.
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