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Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality
The spiritual practice of mindfulness has continued to gain popularity throughout the years. But what exactly does this practice offer to Christians?
In Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead explores how practicing mindfulness can help Christians better live out their faith. Stead explains what mindfulness is and what is beneficial about it. He also reflects on how it can impact what and how we believe and seeks to find how mindfulness enables our Christian faith to work for us. Mindfulness practices that are designed to help readers make space for God in their everyday lives are included.
In Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead explores how practicing mindfulness can help Christians better live out their faith. Stead explains what mindfulness is and what is beneficial about it. He also reflects on how it can impact what and how we believe and seeks to find how mindfulness enables our Christian faith to work for us. Mindfulness practices that are designed to help readers make space for God in their everyday lives are included.
162 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2016
49 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Tim Stead
3 books1 followerTim Stead is an ordained Anglican priest and is currently Vicar of Holy Trinity in Headington Quarry, Oxford. He is also an accredited mindfulness teacher with the Oxford Mindfulness Centre.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 25, 2017
I am not a mindful guy though I try to pay attention. I do like the idea of mindfulness however. I've read some Thich Naht Hahn and find the idea of becoming more aware of my world and myself to be important disciplines. While the language and a lot of the concepts come from the Buddhist tradition, much of it is compatible with the Christian tradition.
Tim Stead discusses the benefits of mindfulness practice, and the mindfulness group he leads in his Anglican parish (where he's a priest). He doesn't attempt to make mindfulness a 'Christian discipline,' though he does show how how mindfulness intersects and augments Christian spiritual practices. For example, he doesn't describe mindfulness as prayer, though it may be a precursor to prayer.
My occasional evangelical angst about mindfulness, is that it seems too me focused instead of God focused (i.e. what's going on in me vs. where the Spirit is moving). My spiritual director agrees that ultimately cultivating a mystical awareness of God is more fruitful, but he says this always begins with something like mindfulness practice (and he has assigned me practices like this to do for myself). So a book like this that connects the dots is helpful.
Tim Stead discusses the benefits of mindfulness practice, and the mindfulness group he leads in his Anglican parish (where he's a priest). He doesn't attempt to make mindfulness a 'Christian discipline,' though he does show how how mindfulness intersects and augments Christian spiritual practices. For example, he doesn't describe mindfulness as prayer, though it may be a precursor to prayer.
My occasional evangelical angst about mindfulness, is that it seems too me focused instead of God focused (i.e. what's going on in me vs. where the Spirit is moving). My spiritual director agrees that ultimately cultivating a mystical awareness of God is more fruitful, but he says this always begins with something like mindfulness practice (and he has assigned me practices like this to do for myself). So a book like this that connects the dots is helpful.
April 8, 2020
It is a really understandable and easy to read book about mindfulness. Examples for daily life and exercises to practice make the text more clear. I recommend for those who are always busy and do not find the time for God. You will discover the right and appropriate way of doing it.
January 2, 2025
In Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead, an Anglican priest and mindfulness teacher in the UK, explains how mindfulness can benefit Christian spiritual growth. With touches of humor as well as deep insight, the author shows us how mindfulness can help us flourish as Christians, with more peace, gratitude, awareness, and joy in our everyday lives.
When I started practicing mindfulness a couple of years ago, it made a big difference in my life, so as a Christian I naturally wanted to understand how it related to my faith. I developed my own ideas based on what I’ve studied about mindfulness and what I know of the Bible and the Christian faith. Reading this book, I found that Tim Stead both agreed with and expanded upon the same ideas. So it was very helpful to have these ideas affirmed and developed by someone with more knowledge of mindfulness.
The book describes in detail how mindfulness enriches several aspects of the Christian life, such as knowing God's will, loving others, prayer, inner healing, and more. There are so many beautiful insights and connections, I know I will keep referencing this book for my own practice of and writing on Christian mindfulness. (I have to be honest, I probably highlighted 1/3 of the book - all the quotes and passages that I thought were worth returning to and reflecting on more deeply.)
There are many meaningful points in this book, but here are a few of my key takeaways:
- Trusting God: Surrendering control to Him, by letting things go and forgiving others, and noticing our thoughts without clinging to them.
- Free will and choice: How mindfulness helps us become aware of our choices and our ability to make choices.
- Valuing our bodies and the physical world: How we experience God through our bodies (our minds being inside our bodies), and through how He works in the physical world.
- Living in the present: How the present is the only moment we can really experience God, who is always present.
- "Doing" mode and "being" mode: How mindfulness helps us switch from always being task-focused to just letting God in in the present moment.
My only complaint about this book is that very little of the Bible is used. There are references to stories from the life of Jesus, the story of Mary and Martha, and the story about Elijah hearing God in a "still small voice." But other than that, there is not much use of Scripture to back up the claims about how mindfulness relates to Christianity. In my own personal study, I’ve found countless Bible verses about what we might call “mindfulness." But the author seems to have missed the opportunity to illustrate mindfulness using examples from Scripture. I suppose that's because this book is not meant to be a theological treatise, but more of a handbook for Christians practicing mindfulness.
I recommend this book for those who already have a basic understanding of mindfulness and want to glean new insights into how to use it as a Christian. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone unfamiliar with the basics of mindfulness, because the book is less instructive, but more reflective and philosophical. So it would be difficult to actually learn the basics of how to practice mindfulness if this book is your only source. (If you're looking for more resources and articles on the basics of Christian mindfulness, this is the main focus of my site, CalmingGrace.com.)
When I started practicing mindfulness a couple of years ago, it made a big difference in my life, so as a Christian I naturally wanted to understand how it related to my faith. I developed my own ideas based on what I’ve studied about mindfulness and what I know of the Bible and the Christian faith. Reading this book, I found that Tim Stead both agreed with and expanded upon the same ideas. So it was very helpful to have these ideas affirmed and developed by someone with more knowledge of mindfulness.
The book describes in detail how mindfulness enriches several aspects of the Christian life, such as knowing God's will, loving others, prayer, inner healing, and more. There are so many beautiful insights and connections, I know I will keep referencing this book for my own practice of and writing on Christian mindfulness. (I have to be honest, I probably highlighted 1/3 of the book - all the quotes and passages that I thought were worth returning to and reflecting on more deeply.)
There are many meaningful points in this book, but here are a few of my key takeaways:
- Trusting God: Surrendering control to Him, by letting things go and forgiving others, and noticing our thoughts without clinging to them.
- Free will and choice: How mindfulness helps us become aware of our choices and our ability to make choices.
- Valuing our bodies and the physical world: How we experience God through our bodies (our minds being inside our bodies), and through how He works in the physical world.
- Living in the present: How the present is the only moment we can really experience God, who is always present.
- "Doing" mode and "being" mode: How mindfulness helps us switch from always being task-focused to just letting God in in the present moment.
My only complaint about this book is that very little of the Bible is used. There are references to stories from the life of Jesus, the story of Mary and Martha, and the story about Elijah hearing God in a "still small voice." But other than that, there is not much use of Scripture to back up the claims about how mindfulness relates to Christianity. In my own personal study, I’ve found countless Bible verses about what we might call “mindfulness." But the author seems to have missed the opportunity to illustrate mindfulness using examples from Scripture. I suppose that's because this book is not meant to be a theological treatise, but more of a handbook for Christians practicing mindfulness.
I recommend this book for those who already have a basic understanding of mindfulness and want to glean new insights into how to use it as a Christian. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone unfamiliar with the basics of mindfulness, because the book is less instructive, but more reflective and philosophical. So it would be difficult to actually learn the basics of how to practice mindfulness if this book is your only source. (If you're looking for more resources and articles on the basics of Christian mindfulness, this is the main focus of my site, CalmingGrace.com.)
July 20, 2017
I first saw this book a few months ago when a friend of mine showed it to me. The school I teach at has been including mindfulness as part of the day (in the form of a 2 minute Mindful Moment) for a couple of years now, so this topic has been on my mind, especially as a practicing Christian aware of the Buddhist roots of this very secularized spiritual practice. So, Tim Stead's book as a welcome find.
Stead's main point is to explain mindfulness practices to Christians and link them to Biblical or other Christian sources of contemplation. His task is made easier because, in addition to being an Anglican priest, he is a mindfulness instructor in Oxford. This gives him a chance to connect with both audiences and share useful insights. His grounding in both mindfulness and Christian spirituality is strong, so he has a number of insights which are useful. I know I have found his suggestions about mindfulness useful as introduction to prayer or for dealing with stress, so I'm grateful that I found this book.
Just as a quick caveat: Stead's own theological position is rather informed by the mindfulness practice, so he does have, occasionally, a rather Eastern/Buddhist vibe to his discussion. That makes sense, of course, and there is a Christian contemplative tradition from Thomas Merton on which has sought connection with Buddhism, so it really isn't anything very new. I note it for anyone who might be thrown off by it because it is noticeable.
Nevertheless, this is a useful book and opens up mindfulness in a Christian context. I might have done more with the Desert Fathers or later contemplatives, but that is a minor consideration because it would have lengthened the book rather too much.
Stead's main point is to explain mindfulness practices to Christians and link them to Biblical or other Christian sources of contemplation. His task is made easier because, in addition to being an Anglican priest, he is a mindfulness instructor in Oxford. This gives him a chance to connect with both audiences and share useful insights. His grounding in both mindfulness and Christian spirituality is strong, so he has a number of insights which are useful. I know I have found his suggestions about mindfulness useful as introduction to prayer or for dealing with stress, so I'm grateful that I found this book.
Just as a quick caveat: Stead's own theological position is rather informed by the mindfulness practice, so he does have, occasionally, a rather Eastern/Buddhist vibe to his discussion. That makes sense, of course, and there is a Christian contemplative tradition from Thomas Merton on which has sought connection with Buddhism, so it really isn't anything very new. I note it for anyone who might be thrown off by it because it is noticeable.
Nevertheless, this is a useful book and opens up mindfulness in a Christian context. I might have done more with the Desert Fathers or later contemplatives, but that is a minor consideration because it would have lengthened the book rather too much.
October 6, 2017
To most Christians reference to "mindfulness" will sound rather foreign. It might sound Buddhist. It's not a term often heard in Christian contexts, though many Christians who have been in conversation with Buddhists will have encountered it, and maybe even found it to be a helpful point of connection. While it is an important concept within Buddhism, it really isn't as foreign to Christian spirituality as one might think. Many of the concepts and practices can be found in Christian spirituality going back to early Christian days.
Tim Stead is an Anglican priest serving a congregation in Oxford, England. In fact, it is the very congregation of which C.S. Lewis was a member. Stead is a practitioner and teacher of mindfulness for the Christian community. In this book, he offers an introduction to the practice of mindfulness, and connects it to Christian theology and practice. He offers the reader a sense of understanding of this practice to help Christians grow in their faith and practice.
While the practice of mindfulness does have its roots in Buddhism, Stead helps us understand that there is nothing in the practice that is contrary to anything within the Christian faith. What it does, however, is help open up space in our lives for God, but helping us be more focused and aware of our life context and God's presence within that context.
The book is composed of fifteen chapters organized into three parts. Part 1 explores the concept of mindfulness. Stead looks at clinical and mainstream contexts, Christian contexts, and his own journey. Part two explores the practice theologically, connecting the practice with one's understanding of God, the God who is one, who is love, and who is now. A further chapter explores mindfulness in relationship to Jesus, and finally a chapter explores the Holy Spirit.
The remaining nine chapters form part three, "from doing to being." This is the heart of the book. Here we're introduced to basic practices that allow us to move from always needing to do things, to simply be. In other words, here is a practice that allows us to slow down, explore our own being, starting by focusing on our breath. In this context, we're invited to explore prayer and experience healing. The key is growing in awareness of ourselves, of God, and of creation. We are reminded that we are not above nature, but part of nature.
I must admit that I find it difficult to slow down and just be still. I find it difficult to keep my mind focused unless I have something to do, like read or write or use my hands. I am not sure I'm ready to engage fully, but Stead provides an engaging introduction to the practice of mindfulness for Christians. He removes the "strangeness," so that Christians can make use of another spiritual practice that can open one's self to God.
Tim Stead is an Anglican priest serving a congregation in Oxford, England. In fact, it is the very congregation of which C.S. Lewis was a member. Stead is a practitioner and teacher of mindfulness for the Christian community. In this book, he offers an introduction to the practice of mindfulness, and connects it to Christian theology and practice. He offers the reader a sense of understanding of this practice to help Christians grow in their faith and practice.
While the practice of mindfulness does have its roots in Buddhism, Stead helps us understand that there is nothing in the practice that is contrary to anything within the Christian faith. What it does, however, is help open up space in our lives for God, but helping us be more focused and aware of our life context and God's presence within that context.
The book is composed of fifteen chapters organized into three parts. Part 1 explores the concept of mindfulness. Stead looks at clinical and mainstream contexts, Christian contexts, and his own journey. Part two explores the practice theologically, connecting the practice with one's understanding of God, the God who is one, who is love, and who is now. A further chapter explores mindfulness in relationship to Jesus, and finally a chapter explores the Holy Spirit.
The remaining nine chapters form part three, "from doing to being." This is the heart of the book. Here we're introduced to basic practices that allow us to move from always needing to do things, to simply be. In other words, here is a practice that allows us to slow down, explore our own being, starting by focusing on our breath. In this context, we're invited to explore prayer and experience healing. The key is growing in awareness of ourselves, of God, and of creation. We are reminded that we are not above nature, but part of nature.
I must admit that I find it difficult to slow down and just be still. I find it difficult to keep my mind focused unless I have something to do, like read or write or use my hands. I am not sure I'm ready to engage fully, but Stead provides an engaging introduction to the practice of mindfulness for Christians. He removes the "strangeness," so that Christians can make use of another spiritual practice that can open one's self to God.
September 25, 2018
As someone who wasn't that interested in Mindfulness I was introduced to this book by my Spiritual Director. I found it fascinating and really helpful, also practical and affirming. It helped me to get a better understanding of Contemplative prayer, which I had tried before, but struggled to engage with in any meaningful way. Although this is not a book specifically about contemplative prayer, but a Christian take on Mindfulness, I found it insightful and accessible. It left me wanting to find my nearest Mindfulness course to learn how to approach this practice with guidance, though it is possible to engage with the suggested practices and find them beneficial without necessarily doing a course.
March 16, 2023
Quoting the Bible here and there for your personal purpose or repeating several times that God is one and God is love - the things will not make your book about mindfulness more Christian. That's where I have issues with the book - it's title. The mindfulness part may be a shallow marketing, but still OK. Christian spirituality? Didn't find it there. The author suggests replacing the genuine prayer for a gift of love with empty self-affirmations, when, quote: "God is not a part of the picture at all". You want to talk about nonreligious mindfulness - that's OK for me, but don't call your book "Christian spirituality", please. Got the book on the Audible, will return it when have a chance.
May 8, 2018
The upbeat, self-help style prose of this work is initially off-putting, but it is worth persevering with. The initial emphasis on scientific and eastern wisdom is also redolent of the kind of jargon-ridden new age nonsense which makes up so much of the relevant literature, but again, this is a false impression of the rest of the work. The latter chapters particularly hold a lot of worthwhile material, and the author on occasion delivers genuine unpretentious wisdom. He is clearly a deeper man than his literary style suggests.
January 1, 2020
A good introduction to the practice of mindfulness, and why Christians should pay attention. It is a short book, and he doesn't pull any punches that this will be an easy practice -- it will be challenging to practice mindfulness no matter how longer you practice. He makes connections between mindfulness (a Buddhist practice) and Christian contemplation, differentiates mindfulness from prayer, and urges anyone who wants to learn more to take a course (either with others, or self-directed).
December 8, 2020
A disappointing, imho more Buddhistic than Christian approach towards Mindfulness (and towards reality, including our personal lives, it being quite ego-centred for that matter). The author has not been able to convince me how mindfulness - at least in the way he describes it - would make space for God.
November 17, 2017
A very useful, down-to-earth, practical book discussing the application of mindfulness practices in Christian life. An excellent companion piece to Mark Williams and Danny Penman's Mindfulness classic (Finding Peace in a Frantic World).
February 26, 2019
This is quite a useful book if - like me - you're looking to link mindfulness practice with a Christian approach. Much food for thought, though nothing really revolutionary, but definitely some tips to remember.
April 9, 2020
While this book has stirred my personal interest in mindfulness, the author’s version of Christianity is totally inconsistent with the Scriptures. As such, this book is of no use to me, and I recommend against it.
December 16, 2017
With "mindfulness" a topic of interest these days, this is a good basic introduction of the practice for Christians.
January 11, 2018
Very good, written for a wide audience
March 30, 2018
A decent introduction to the relationship between mindfulness and Christianity. In many ways it acts a guide for further research in to various Christian traditions and mindfulness practices.
July 4, 2019
A really helpful introduction to mindfulness with lots of helpful practices.
September 6, 2020
I have found the link to connect mindfulness with Christian Spirituality.
April 11, 2022
This book was a lot more interesting and practical than I expected.
June 1, 2025
Audible audio book
June 6, 2018
An excellent introduction to the topic of mindfulness in general, and its relationship to Christian spirituality in particular. The author writes clearly, with plenty of personal experience, much of it self-deprecating.
There's a brief history of the movement in the early chapters, and a look at different topics in the Christian life, as they relate to the practice of mindfulness. I read about a chapter per day, and found a lot to ponder. Trying the sample exercises was helpful and straightforward.
A very interesting read on a topic I knew almost nothing about. Reassuring to see that mindfulness is part of a long tradition of Christian meditation and prayer, made more accessible by this excellent book. Recommended to anyone interested in the subject.
There's a brief history of the movement in the early chapters, and a look at different topics in the Christian life, as they relate to the practice of mindfulness. I read about a chapter per day, and found a lot to ponder. Trying the sample exercises was helpful and straightforward.
A very interesting read on a topic I knew almost nothing about. Reassuring to see that mindfulness is part of a long tradition of Christian meditation and prayer, made more accessible by this excellent book. Recommended to anyone interested in the subject.
June 2, 2019
It didn’t really take that long to read this relatively short volume. It’s just that I put it to one side initially as I decided whether I wanted to experiment with the very simple mindfulness exercises in the first chapter or so. Once I got going I found the concept of mindfulness linked to my faith intriguing and happily read through to the end. I leave the formal reading of the book with the intention of using some of the exercises. Those I’ve tried so far have been neutral experiences, but the author clearly makes the point that practice is essential if the clarity of mind benefits are to be achieved. I have bought a couple of the books he references, so it will be interesting to see where this journey takes me.
November 27, 2016
The author has a wry self-deprecating sense of humour which comes over beautifully in this very helpful book.
Even without the specifically Christian bits of the book it is an excellent introduction to what you are letting yourself in for if you sign up for a Mindfulness course or take it up via a book.
Highly recommended.
Even without the specifically Christian bits of the book it is an excellent introduction to what you are letting yourself in for if you sign up for a Mindfulness course or take it up via a book.
Highly recommended.
January 29, 2021
I like this book, I found it full of useful information and new ideas (to me). This is a book that I think I will read over and over. I not only tells me how to meditate but what effect that they can have on my brain, on making progress in my Christian walk and that this is a long slow process that will never end.
April 17, 2016
A fascinating book because it was written accessibly and explained how mindfulness could help create a space for God in the Christian heart .
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews