Christian Meditation: What the Bible Teaches About Meditation and Spiritual Exercises

by Edmund P. Clowney

What place does meditation have in Christian devotion? Is the same thing as the ?

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Christian, Christian Living

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in 1939, a Bachelor of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1942, a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale Divinity School in 1944, and a Doctor of Divinity from Wheaton College in 1966.

Reviews

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book showing the difference between Christian meditation and other eastern forms of meditation. The first chapter primary deals with transcendental meditation and its Hindu origins. The follow chapters deal with what Christian meditation is and isn’t. The final chapter has several practical helps for practicing Christian meditation. As a former practicer of forms of meditation that I thought were secular but actually had roots in eastern mysticism I found this incredibly helpful. The prose does make this book very difficult to read. A more readable and contemporary book God's Battle Plan for the Mind by David Saxton I would also recommend.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to struggle not to put this down.
Christian Meditation was written at a time when the world was opening up to inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue. I didn't expect him to support other forms of meditation, but I also didn't expect him to be quite as negative as he was. Unfortunately I felt like the negativity permeated the book. Clowney's "Christian Meditation" is an excellent example of why people want nothing to do with Christianity in the modern world. Even as a committed Anglican I couldn't stomach the language he used - true or not. I wanted to drop it into a fire and run in the opposite direction. I will not be recommending this book to anyone in the future.

[Joe Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the best 100 pages available on the topic of Biblical meditation.

[Evan Magelssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little read.

[Jimmy Chavedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lays a great Biblical foundation for the need, desire, cause of and focus of Christian meditation. He begins by showing that worldview is at the center of how one practices meditation. Deep breathing and trying to empty oneself of all consciousness are two different things entirely. Christian meditation and “eastern” meditation are mutually exclusive, practiced in different ways with drastically different aims. It is not an easy read, but at only 99 pages, it is quite insightful.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book contrasting transcendental meditation with biblical meditation. Though it was published in 1979 its relevance continues with thought-leaders, media headlines and evangelicals fascination with therapeutic forms of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. In my view, not all those practices are inherently unbiblical, but it was refreshing to hear an exegetical take on the stark differences between eastern mysticism and Christian faith.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply theological. Written in 1979 in direct response to the rise of Transcendental Meditation, it serves as a thorough examination of the differences between TM and Christian Meditation. A worthy read but to be taken in small doses. This book on Christian Meditation requires in itself much rumination. The last nine pages provides several very practical ideas for Christian Meditation and are almost a reward and relief after getting through the previous ninety pages.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You'll read various forms of refutations for non christian meditation. These are helpful but weren't really my interest in reading the book. Clowney shines with his canonical and redemptive historical look at Christian meditation. He also has a lot to say about the reality of a God-centered piety. The end of the book includes helpful steps for how to begin a meditating on the wonders of Christ.

[Simon Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Christian meditation is centered on the truth of God, moved by the love of God and directed to the praise of God."

A very worthwhile book to read although this was more of a meditation over a book about meditation. 6 pages of practical encouragement (out of 99) wasn't enough for me.

Still the book is full of heart-warming truth and reflects Clowney's devotion to his saviour.

[Mitch Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

PhD Seminar reading

Perhaps slightly dated at this point in its understanding of TM (which has given way to mindfulness meditation now), but a wonderful introduction to the necessity of biblical meditation.

[Nicholas Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief, helpful look at biblical meditation over and against contemporary ideas of meditation like TM.

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clowney was a mentor of Tim Keller. This book was written in 1979 and partly in response to the upswing of Transcendental Meditation, or what Clowney refers to as "cosmic" meditation. A reflection on what the Bible has to say about meditation

[Sean-david · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book on Christian Meditation centering on who God is and what He has done as it is revealed in His Holy Bible. A great little read :-).

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches Christian meditation in terms of using God's word, his works and his name to bring him glory. This is a short book that I think should be read often.