Contemplative spirituality has become one of the most popular trends in the Church today. From books and conferences to podcasts and small group studies, many Christians are being invited to explore “new” ways of praying, listening, and seeking God. Often framed in terms of “silence and solitude” or “going deeper with Jesus”, these practices promise intimacy with God. Yet beneath the surface lies something deeply troubling: a move away from the sufficiency of Scripture toward mystical experiences.

As ordinary church members, it can be intimidating to raise concerns. After all, who wants to be labeled divisive or judgmental? But Scripture calls all believers to guard the truth (Jude 3), to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), and to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Confronting Contemplative Spirituality is not about winning arguments, but about protecting Christ’s Church and pointing people back to the Lord through the means of grace He has given.

What is Contemplative Spirituality?

Contemplative Spirituality is a broad term that describes practices designed to foster an inner, experiential union with God, often apart from His revealed Word. These practices are rooted in:

• Mysticism: Seeking direct experiences of God through inner voices, visions, or altered states.
• Monastic traditions: Practices like “centering prayer” or repeating mantras that originated in medieval Roman Catholicism.
• Modern adaptations: Popular books and teachers that encourage believers to “empty the mind”, focus on a “sacred word”, or wait in silence for God to speak apart from Scripture.

While often wrapped in biblical language, contemplative practices subtly shift authority away from Scripture and toward personal impressions and feelings. Instead of praying with our Bibles open, shaped by God’s promises and petitions, Contemplative Spirituality often looks more like Eastern meditation dressed in Christian terminology.

Why Contemplative Spirituality is Dangerous

• Replaces God’s voice with impressions: Prioritizes subjective experience over Scripture.
• Devalues doctrine: Treats sound teaching as inferior to mystical encounters.
• Introduces pagan methods: Borrows mantras and mind-emptying from Eastern religions.
• Distorts assurance: Roots peace in feelings rather than Christ’s finished work.

The Apostle Paul warned the Colossians against “self-made religion and asceticism” that may look spiritual but have “no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2:23). Contemplative Spirituality is a modern version of the same error.

How Church Members Can Respond

One: Discern Carefully

Test all teachings and practices against God’s Word. Ask: “Does this encourage deeper dependence on Scripture, or substitute human techniques for divine truth?”

Two: Approach Humbly

If you see Contemplative Spirituality promoted in your church, begin with prayer and humility. “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone… correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24–25).

Three: Ask Questions, Don’t Assume Motives

Engage with curiosity: “When you say ‘contemplative prayer’, what do you mean? How is this different from praying Scripture?”

Four: Point Back to Scripture

Show how prayer, meditation, and communion with God are taught in Scripture. The Psalms model honest prayer shaped by God’s Word. Jesus taught us to pray (Matthew 6:9–13); the Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26–27).

Five: Follow Biblical Accountability

If a practice is being promoted in teaching or leadership, share concerns with those responsible. If the error persists, follow Matthew 18 in submission to your church’s leadership.

Six: Speaking the Truth in Love

Truth without love crushes, love without truth misleads. Aim for Christlike grace and clarity (John 1:14). Pray for leaders and members. Approach as family, not adversaries.

Returning to the Means of Grace

• The Word preached and read (Romans 10:17).
• Prayer shaped by Scripture (Philippians 4:6–7).
• Fellowship with the saints (Hebrews 10:24–25).
• The sacraments rightly practiced (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

These means are not flashy, but they are God’s chosen instruments to conform us to Christ and build His Church.

Hope for the Church

Contemplative Spirituality will attract attention, but it cannot deliver what it promises. Only Christ gives true peace and intimacy. He has given us everything needed for life and godliness through His Word (2 Peter 1:3). By speaking the truth in love, returning to the means of grace, and pointing always to Christ, churches can remain rooted in the gospel and flourish in the truth.

This article appears in the Fall 2025 Issue of Theology for Life Magazine, exploring “The Means of Grace.”