Whenever the Christian idea of meditation is taken seriously, there are those who assume it is synonymous with the concept of meditation centered in Eastern religions. In reality, the two ideas stand worlds apart. Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind [of personality]; Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind [with God's Spirit and Word]. The two ideas are quite different.
Richard Foster "Celebration of Discipline"
I thought it was important to focus on a practical distinction between Christianity and Eastern Religions because of the influence Eastern religion has on America. Its influence is so prevalent it is easy to overlook its impact on our lives. Yoga, Pilate's, Kung fu Panda, The Force, etc. are words and concepts that have become part of American pop culture. As a result, many don't repel this way of thinking because they don't see a difference between it and the way Americans traditionally thought. Think about this! If the goal of Eastern religion is to become one with the universe, there is no point to setting goals in life, why? Because the logical conclusion of this belief is that your life is an illusion; therefore, you need to let go of the deception and embrace the reality... "Your life has no purpose." However, Christianity says the exact opposite. Christianity says every human is made in the image of God and as a result he or she needs to be filled with God's Spirit and Word so that they can begin living out their eternal purpose. Quite a distinction.
2 comments:
To the point and very good!
to the point and very good. Like the post!
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