Meditation (grace, church, Revelation, experience, pray)

[Mystic-als]

I agree, But the way meditation is portrayed these days in the movies (general education) is something buddists, karate guys and loonies do.

This is very unfortunate, because it is a great life tool to become better as a person and more in touch with what the great divine wants from us.

[ChrisP]

I'm sorry for intruding, but as a former Christian and a current practitioner of mind-no mind I have one question that I hope can be answered.

In the OP you've requested Biblical scriptural reference for this claim (from wherever it comes).

At this point there has been nothing beyond "my pastor/spiritual leader says so"

Are there any scriptures that prohibit no-mind meditation?

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by Mystic-als

I was raised in a church that totally disregarded meditaion as a form of connecting with God. They told me that to clear your mind of everything was to make space for the devil to enter.

I don't know much about meditation in Christianity, but it may have been just an expression of contempt or a warning against eastern religions which heavily endorse meditation.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Sasa

I think that many people consider meditation to be associated with New Age belief systems. This is unfortunate, because as a Christian I have found Meditation to be wonderful.

For those people who believe that a cleared mind will allow Satan to enter - pfft - trust me, he can enter a cluttered mind much more easily.

Very well said! I personally use meditation as a 'focus', and as a way of concentrating. As you say, the cluttered mind is easy prey.

[Mystic-als]

ChrisP - That is why I asked the question. Because I cant find anything in the bible that tells us not to meditate. This is why I asked for scripture.

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by Mystic-als

I agree, But the way meditation is portrayed these days in the movies (general education) is something buddists, karate guys and loonies do.

This is very unfortunate, because it is a great life tool to become better as a person and more in touch with what the great divine wants from us.

Also jumping in, I apologize but this struck me as odd. What exactly do you mean by "loonies"?
Meditation, as it is popular today, comes from the eastern traditions and not western ones, so obviously that is the context you will see it in. That doesn't mean that people who follow western religions should be forbidden to meditate, but I think that it's important to honor the origins of the traditions and rituals you do.

[Mystic-als]

Loonies to me means people who are mad to some extent. But it is no mentally handicaped or Downsyndrome people.
On some TV programs or in movies its usually the stupid people that meditate. This is bordering on offensive to me. As I have found meditaion to be a huge turning point in my life.

As to your comment MaddLlama. I totally agree. You can never really know a thing or practice it fully without knowing it's origin or roots.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by Mystic-als

ChrisP - That is why I asked the question. Because I cant find anything in the bible that tells us not to meditate. This is why I asked for scripture.

But this has been turned into concentrated meditation not mindless meditation? Is there a distinction made in scripture? Is there anyone who can answer this?