Christian Contemplation

I have been looking over this stuff about christian contemplation or christian mysticism. I thought it would be relevant to discuss because it is not very well understood. Furthermore, experience driven christianity is a horrible abberation of the truth of God as reveal in the word. God specifically calls for Christianity driven experiences.

From my readings, some of this christian contemplation, (which is really not an action of active contemplation but a grace from God) runs parallel to charismatic occurences and experiences. Different language but same thing among non-charismatics. In short, the charismatic areas that fall into christian contemplation are that which follows: Being filled with the spirit/Infused contemplation. Presight of God/heaven from afar (everything leading up to the Beautific vision.), Apo-'something' prayer/praying in the spirit. (not tongues), etc.

Evidences of such are scattered among various writers There are often the evidences of the Holy spirit in their life. Not just normal means but evidence of a real active relationship. It shows up in diverse places with the impression that it could not be from any other source originally but God. I have come across such instances even from John Owen. Perhaps you know what I mean. It is like reading A.W. Tozer at times. It is as if a truth and conviction was so specific and strong that he would have had to encounter God to be so moved to write it. It is as though it was seared into his heart and memory by his union with God. This essentially is a mark left by Christian contemplation or charismatic encounters with God.

Yet, lets talk about the terms. Christian contemplation is hardly something one contemplates. Many try, but it is grace. Yet, not all of the practices of Christian contemplation fall in this definition. There is a large gap that forms, especially when it comes to the relevance of truth in practice. Various contemplation and meditation techniques that are not explicitly christian slip in. People seek the experience without the truth. This includes subjectivity but is not limited to it.

They say meaningless words and sounds (mantras) over and over. They rock back and forth. They do things merely physically like Yoga. Or try things that are merely psychological. They may also do things that are truthful and right but not motivated by the truth or that which is right. This is phariseeism or living the quiet life of monasticism. It now appears that christian contemplation is not something you do but, more or less, live according to the truth. It is something that must follow from worshipping in both spirit and truth. Being close to God and feeling our union with Him does not come from mediation, active contemplation, and doing good deeds. It comes from devotion specifically towards the truth and God. Some doctrine is needed. It is called doctrina sacra by Thomas Aquinas. Or sacred doctrine. It has roots in all good theology.

It is for this reason that C.S Lewis wrote: "For my own part I tend to find the doctrinal books often more helpful in devotion than the devotional books, and I rather suspect that the same experience may await many others. I believe that many who find that "nothing happens" when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand."

Yet, theology is dead bones without the spirit. All theology is be circular. It must lead away from the cross and back to it. The spirit at times must show us the way back. As for most Christian contemplation, it is stuck by its narrow focus on love. It is also stuck on catholic doctrine. I think love is important but not like the gospel which shows us love and much, much more like holiness, justice, power, grace. etc. It is not our will but His.