Meditation

[FaithT]

Haha! Well, I can't speak for everyone else, but I've just had a very busy month, so I actively tried not to log onto the forums so that I could focus a bit better.

Ok

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

It has roots in Buddhism. At least it was frowned upon when I was Catholic. Not sure about LCMS. Anyone know?

Buddhism is more a philosophy than a religion, like stoicism. Of course, if one buys completely into a misunderstanding of "emptiness" that is not good.

 

[Daniel9v9]

It has roots in Buddhism. At least it was frowned upon when I was Catholic. Not sure about LCMS. Anyone know?

Well, the LCMS believe and practice the Biblical form of meditation, but not the kinds you find Hinduism or Buddhism, of which New Age draws upon. These are practices that come out of very different religious thought, and I don't believe we have much to gain from borrowing their practices, even if we try to strip it of their religious or philosophical thought. I think the LCMS, and I'd be inclined to agree, would see it as a mild form of Syncretism (an attempt to harmonise two opposing religions or worldviews).

The good news is that God can help you with your anxiety! Pray and find the comfort He brings through His Word. And don't forget that all of your brothers and sisters in Christ are also called to bear your burdens and share in your struggles, so there's great comfort in that as well.

Blessings +

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

The concern about the difference between Biblical/Christian meditation and Eastern meditation as in Buddhism, Hinduism or even what we sometimes call New Age is understandable. We are not interested in emptiness, Nirvana nor disappearing into the cosmic ocean. But that does not mean we should avoid inner silence, stillness and peace when it comes our way. There is great healing to be found in it.

Science is now backing up the benefits of almost any kind of meditation. Our mind are habitually in what they call the Default Mode Network. In that we ruminate on all the stuff of the ego. I the DMN we also experience anxiety, worry and stress. If, however, we were to focus on a verse from scripture and engage our heart and mind on it and simplify what is going on within us, we then become more attentive to the presence of God in the here and now. That also modulates our limbic system. We have greater and more rapid amygdala recover. The amygdala is involved in or avoidance of things we don't like. It also eases our nucleus accumbens. that is the part of the brain that moves us toward pleasure.

This is a place where secular science and meditation can synergize with our faith. we can bring our faith into a natural process of relaxation and attentiveness for healing and health.