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Paul Hughes | PentecostalTheology.com
It is undeniable that Contemplation (Meditation), though it be called “prayer” in some circles, is a psychosomatic methodology which too many Christians, such as Augustine and the Mystics, have sadly confused with Christian spirituality. The worst part is that it aims at a sense of well-being and even god-realization (apotheosis) while completely bypassing Christian doctrine and Spirit Baptism.
Isaiah White Theologian [01/25/2015 3:00 AM]
Should Christians pray or not then…
Or it is about the HOW?
Paul Hughes [01/26/2015 9:07 PM]
Meditation/contemplation of this type (Neoplatonic) is not prayer but a methodology intended to transcend humanity and ascend toward God (hence “apotheosis”).
The article linked below describes the difference between this type of Mysticism and NT Pentecostal worship.
https://biblequestion.wordpress.com/2013/12/21/notes-on-pentecostalism-versus-mysticism/
Howard Gardner [02/03/2015 2:03 PM]
I remember a couple years back we had this lady speak at the Assemblies of God General Council. I have forgotten her name but she was advocating something called contemplative prayer, repetition and emptying your mind, There was a huge outcry against her even being invited. I also remember watching one of her YouTube videos and all I kept thinking was “This is Buddhism.”
Paul Hughes [02/04/2015 12:00 PM]
Contemplative Prayer is Neoplatonism, which goes back at least to pagan philosopher Plotinus, who was a pupil of Ammonius Saccas, who was also Origen’s teacher. The essential idea is that thoughts are the real world, from which physical elements have fallen, and that through contemplation one can ascend back toward godhood.
I made a chart which demonstrates that CP has been handed down through various Christian mystics and contemplatives throughout church history, including such influential figures as Augustine, Meister Eckhart, and Thomas Aquinas..
https://biblequestion.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/pagan-origins-of-sacramentalism-part-6/
Dan Irving
A good subject for study and discussion.
Street Preacherz
You guys make me feel really dumb sometimes. If you ever met Jesus of course your spirit and mind and soul just kinda goes back to him. I mean he kinda leaves a impression on you. Or when you get to the end of the book and there he is eyes of fire, feet like brass in the furnace pure like gold. Of course you maybe bowed down under a heavy load but you’re gonna peak up to heaven once in awhile. Look up your redemption draweth nigh! I will look up to the hills from whence cometh my help. Man am I stupid or what? Well maybe but I gotta tell you hope and peace is strong in a man that turns his heart and mind towards Christ. He’ll meet you alright. And how!
Ira Huth
Troy Day can not open up any links to read.
Street Preacherz
Brother Ira Huth
there are a few statements on contemplate meditation and it’s description. I believe it’s a recycle from earlier in the year. I’m sure you are aware Judeo-Christian meditation is about filling our hearts and minds with the precious words of God. As we have them recorded in the Bible. Not emptying our minds or mantras.
Ira Huth
Absolutely, I was just wondering and curious if this article was comparing Judeo-Christian meditation with mantras. In addition to to any thoughts, insight and language that I could use in the future concerning the realm of the Holy Spirit versus any other realm without the Trinity.
Street Preacherz
Jesus said consider the lilies.
Ira Huth
Absolutely, pure white unsullied!! Did you know in the Dictionary it also means in bowling a split in which the 5, 7 and 10 pins remain standing! Lol!!!
Street Preacherz
The thing about it Jesus said, God is able to clothe you. I always think his provision of the Spirit. To be clothed and covered first by the cleansing atoning blood and maybe not second but also clothed and covered by His Holy Spirit.
Ira Huth
For sure my Brother there is nothing that compares to being clothed and covered in the blood and covered by his Spirit. It is so awesome!!
Street Preacherz
Life giving. Did you see any of the world summit on the persecuted church our brother Franklin Graham just had. Awesome. VP Pence spoke also. Ravi Z. used the illustration of a survivor covered in blood who a terrorist thought was dead and left him alive on the floor.
Ira Huth
No is it on his website?
Street Preacherz
A friend just received the DVD. I think God was somewhere in the room.
Ira Huth
Hey Brother I have a special prayer request that I feel in my Spirit to ask you to join with me. Where 2 or 3 our gathered!
Which is unity in the Fruit of the Spirit according to the simplicity of God’s Word. Especially within our Group, our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ and the Body of Christ as a whole. 2 wrongs 2 negatives does not make things right. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is the only way. This is something that I have always been concerned about even as a Prodigal, but especially now!! I’m in tears just thinking and typing about this issue. If it grieves me my Brother how does it grieve our heavenly Father. Just pray that some of our fellow Brothers and Sister’s through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit realizes whether any issue is right or wrong our hearts thinking and tongues has to line up with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise they are doing a lot of damage, more bad than good if any.
Thanks my Brother!! Appreciate you and love you in the Lord!
Street Preacherz
Dear brother Ira Huth of course you are right.
In some of the presentations here in our own group outrage and scandal and offense are the only offering. I’ve been drawn in myself. I’m sorry. Please forgive me?
Ira Huth
Nothing to forgive I’ve also been drawn in on a occasion and I’m sure you’ve asked the Lord’s forgiveness as have I.
Thanks my Brother be blessed and give God the Glory!!!
Street Preacherz
“The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”
– Psalm 111:7-10