Some of my Christian friends violently object to any form of meditation, but specifically think that to "Clear one's mind" in meditation is opening yourself up to the influence of Satan.

On the other hand I find that "Clearing my mind" helps me hear what God has to say to me.

What do people think?

TUT317

I don't know the answer to that but I do no that meditation before I play tennis helps my game.

TUT317

Sorry, know

ETWolverine

I guess it would depend on how one defines "meditation".

Prayer can be a form of meditation. When one is concentrating one's entire self into making a connection between himself and G-d with prayer, and ones entire "intent" is on that prayer, that is a form of meditation.

Meditation has many forms, some religious, some non-religious in their nature.

I happen to meditate as a way of preparing to lead prayer services at my Synagogue. My meditation consists of breathing and trying to make a connection to G-d. I would not be surprised if there were Christians who did the same.

On the other hand, there are Buddhist, Shinto, Zen, and other religious/pseudo-religious forms of meditation that may require a certain mantra to be repeated that may be in direct violation of Christian teachings. These forms of meditation would probably be prohibited.

So again, it depends on what you mean by "meditation".

Elliot

cadillac59

I think one of the most annoying things about religion is how it leads people to constantly ask questions like, "Is it okay for me to do XYZ?" It's the perpetual asking for approval of one's conduct from others that is so bothersome. Rules and regulations do not a spiritual experience make.

elscarta

Hi Elliot, as you can see from my original post it is the question of "Clearing one's mind" that I am specifically interested in. I understand that repeating a mantra that is not Christian would certainly be prohibited and have no problem with that.

cadillac59

It would be prohibited? Why? Is that all your religious dogma consists of, a set of do's and don'ts?

TUT317

Hello cadillac59. I don't want to try and answer for someone else or simplify the issue too much but I think the answer o your question goes back to naturalism and non-naturalism in ethics. With religion there is no if's or but's the standards set are absolute. God's say on the matter is the last word.

With naturalistic ethics there is some room to manoeuver because naturalistic ethics consists of is ought statements. If some fact is the case then we ought to do such and such. Ought implies some degree of choice.

In this regard ethical standards can be seen as absolute or flexible.

This is an oversimplification and I don't want to offend anyone but it may help to see way people see things in this world differently.

TUT317

Sorry for the typing errors but my connection still keeps dropping out. I am trying type too quickly for may skill level......TUT

xoxaprilwine

It is clearing your mind. Jesus use to go to the Desert and I think he was there for a while and talk to God? Satan also approached him but Jesus refused his temptation. I don't get it? What would be so wrong to relax?