Posted by Phil on July 28, 1999 at 06:44:07:
In Reply to: Truth posted by Kendall on July 26, 1999 at 13:07:10:
Dear Kendall,
I can relate strongly to your story and your questions. It sounds like you want to be true to what Christianity proclaims, but also hunger for more than you're finding in your Church.
First, I don't believe Eastern religions are from the Devil. It seems to me that they are a response to the same longings of the heart that prompted your post on this web site. Of course, it's hard to talk about "Eastern religion," because there's really no such thing. Within each religion--say, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.--there are many kinds of practices, just as there are in Christianity.
What is important is for us to keep our journey centered on Christ and the great truths proclaimed by the Church. This means that you should also learn more about what the Church makes available for a deeper walk with him. Centering prayer, for example, is one possibility, as is glossalalia, or other practices from the contemplative tradition.
But we might still find ourselves attracted to certain Eastern practices, and that's OK, I believe, if we can keep our faith in the right place. So, for example, I see nothing wrong with doing yoga stretches or breathing exercises to help calm the mind and body, but I use this in the service of Christian prayer.
The Marriage of East and West by Bede Griffiths would be a good book for you to read. Others by him and Thomas Merton would also be good.
I hope this helps.
Phil