Meditation allowed in Christianity?
By sajujohn
@sajujohn (1005)
India
May 21, 2016 7:13am CST
I came to know recently that meditation is not allowed in Christianity. The church is against people who do meditation. I am not sure why is it is so. And also I heard lot many things in fact good things about meditation. Even then I can't understand why Church is opposing meditation. Is anyone have any information about it?
2 people like this
6 responses
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
21 May 16
The Christina church is not against it absolutely. They allow meditation but not the type that buddhists does or the way yoga does it. And mediation could be done only by the person who is strong in spirit. As what I have read in a Christian book written by a church leader, they discourage meditation because when people meditate, their spirit travels. When our body is empty, it is prone to attack by the evil spirit. There is a great chance that if you don't have as strong spirit, not having a strong faith, you won't be able to go back to your body and there's a great chance an evil spirit will possess it.
1 person likes this
@sajujohn (1005)
• India
21 May 16
So you are saying there are evil spirit too. But I cannot believe that. First of all I can't imagine the spirit leaving our body and traveling when we are mediating. Does that really happen? I have read Paramahamsa's book in which he mentioned that he talked to Jesus, Shiva etc during his meditation. I don't know why but I can't just imagine that these happen in real world....
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
21 May 16
@sajujohn You have a different belief so it's natural you would disagree. But that's how Christians perceive it and there's nothing you can do about it as much as Christians can't change your belief either. I'm just stating a fact for your question, nothing else. And I cannot answer in behalf of the leaders of the church as I am not a leader myself.
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
21 May 16
@sajujohn I have to say that many Christians do NOT believe that "the spirit" leaves the body and travels somewhere else. I am a Christian and I certainly do not believe that. My question to her is: Where in the Bible would she find anything that would support that belief?
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
21 May 16
@sajujohn The Bible is the true guidebook for Christians. However, there are over 2000 different denominations of "Christians" that exist. In those 2000 denominations, a person will find that many different ideas are promoted, most of which are not supported by the Bible.
True Christians do NOT deviate from what the Bible teaches. Many people who attend so-called "Christian" churches, do not take the time to read the Bible for themselves. They, unfortunately, depend on the preacher to tell them what the Bible says, and believe me, many preachers teach CHURCH doctrines that are not in agreement with the Bible.
I have researched many of those teachings and they are NOT in the Bible. If you want to know what TRUE Christians should believe, all you have to do is read the FOUR books of the Bible that tell us what JESUS taught his disciples. READ Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
And if you want more information, read the rest of the GREEK scriptures from Matthew to Revelation.
If you want to read it in your own language, go to You will be able to read the Bible in your own language by choosing the language yourself, by changing the language in the top right hand corner of the page.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Our official website provides online access to the Bible, Bible-based publications, and current news. It describes our beliefs and organization.
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
21 May 16
Meditation (on Christian-related subjects) is one of the 'tools' of Christian worship, however, the word refers to a very different kind of meditation from that known as Transcendental Meditation and from what is practised by many Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism &c.).
I cannot say whether this attitude is right or wrong, but the thinking behind this warning is explained in this article:
What harm is there in achieving a higher state of consciousness through meditation?
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
21 May 16
And the Roman Catholic position is outlined here:
Search this site: My Accounts filter by CategoryApologeticsBibleChurchCultureEvangelizationHistoryLiturgyMarriageMoralityNon-CatholicPrayer and DevotionPro-Lifemore..filter by AuthorKarl KeatingJimmy AkinCherie PeacockMatthew E. BunsonMichael SchrauzerMark
@ChampagneGiggles (699)
• United States
24 May 16
As a born-again Christian and incredibly busy single mom, I would be completely frazzled if I didn't have my half hour of meditation each evening. The leaders at my church encourage quiet reflection, whether you use that time to pray, clear your mind, or contemplate new thoughts. I personally use my meditation time to empty my mind completely and focus on "being" not "doing." Not dissimilar to Taoist theory. In fact, I think the structure of Taoist meditation goes well with Christianity - you do not need to consciously force yourself to think of God and His teachings 24/7 if you live the Word. Your mind will usually take you there on its own. Your thoughts are formed by habit, and those who are threatened or disapproving of simple meditation should consider where their free thoughts lead and why.
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
21 May 16
True Christians do meditate on what they read in God's Word, the Bible. But, if you are talking about meditation that involves clearing your mind of all thoughts, like some religions do, then that is something quite different.
The Bible encourages us to meditate. (Genesis 24:63; Psalms 77:12; Proverbs 15:28) In the King James Version it uses the word "studieth" but the original Hebrew word means to "meditate."
However, the Bible warns us against meditating on empty things. (Acts 4:25)
So, those who read and "study" the Bible are encouraged to meditate on what they read, so as to sound these truths down into their heart.
The meditation that is taught in YOGA is about emptying your mind, not filling your mind with thoughts about God. That type of meditation promoted by Yoga, is not what Christians should be doing. Ask your Church leader.
@Bennkz03 (243)
• Zimbabwe
21 May 16
its not the entire Church or Christianity because the bible spoke about meditation upon the word of God. So i think the church can not disallow it. Maybe its just that sect of a religious people who are calling themselves as church or Christians bu they not. Meditation is allowed
