| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Is Lectio Divina problematic? | Carol | Sunday, October 21, 2007 |
Question: My church just held its annual parish mission, the topic of which was centering prayer and contemplation. With great sadness, my family declined to attend because we couldn't justify exposing either ourselves or our children to what is considered an occult practice. Friends who did attend mentioned that Lectio Divina was also taught as a contemplative method in combination with centering techniques. I have noticed that some Evangelical Christian websites devoted to halting the spread of centering prayer and New Age errors criticize Lectio Divina with equal vigor, claiming it, too, can lead to awakening of kundalini energy and is essentially pagan. Having been taught in Catholic circles that Lectio Divina is a good alternative to more dangerous forms of contemplative spirituality, I am nevertheless left wondering if there might be any basis for such concern. Could you please share your thoughts on this matter? Thank you so much. And know that I am praying for your health problems. You have such a wonderful, helpful ministry! |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Carol: You were wise to refrain from attending this mission that included such non-Catholic garbage as Centering Prayer. Combining Centering Prayer with the Lectio Divina does not remove the danger of Centering Prayer. Doing this merely contaminates Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina, done the way it is suppose to be done, is an ancient form that has been the backbone of monastic formation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with properly done Lectio Divina. Those non-Catholics who criticize it probably criticize it merely because it is part of Catholic tradition. They do not know what they are talking about. Lectio Divina as been vetted over nearly 2000 years. There is nothing new age about it. With that said, however, people can always bastardize a good thing, such as your parish mission adulterating Lectio Divina with the poison of Centering Prayer. God Bless, For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.
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