⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
Contending for the Word • Q&A
Testing the Spirits: Contemplative Spirituality Q&A
Show Summary
In this Contending for the Word Q&A episode, Dave Jenkins and Marcia Montenegro examine contemplative spirituality and explain why Scripture commands believers to test the spirits rather than adopt experience-driven and unbiblical methods of spiritual growth. They answer listener questions and contrast contemplative and mystical practices with the sufficiency of Scripture, the nature of biblical meditation, and Word-centered discipleship.Key Scriptures
- 1 John 4:1–6 — Testing the spirits
- Acts 17:11 — Examining the Scriptures
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Sufficiency of Scripture
- Colossians 2:8–10 — Warning against hollow philosophy
- Psalm 1:1–2 — Biblical meditation
Episode Highlights
- What contemplative spirituality teaches and why it appeals
- Why spiritual “methods” are not theologically neutral
- How to distinguish biblical meditation from mystical techniques
- Common doctrinal errors tied to contemplative practices
- Practical counsel for churches and ministry leaders
Full Article
What is contemplative spirituality?
Contemplative spirituality is often presented as a deeper path to God through interior techniques such as silence, centering practices, altered states, or wordless prayer. While it may use Christian language, its assumptions often shift authority away from God’s Word and toward inner experience or mystical encounter.Why Christians must test it
Scripture commands believers to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). The test is doctrinal truth measured by Scripture — not emotional resonance or spiritual aesthetics. Any approach to growth that minimizes the Word or redefines prayer and meditation should be examined carefully.Biblical meditation vs. mystical methods
Biblical meditation is Word-centered — reflecting on God’s truth, applying it, and praying it back to Him (Psalm 1:2). Mystical methods often aim at mental emptying or inner states. Scripture forms communion with God through truth, not technique.Biblical counsel
If you encounter contemplative practices, ask careful questions about Scripture, Christ, prayer, and sanctification. Bring the answers under God’s Word and pursue growth through the ordinary means of grace — Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and faithful preaching.Takeaways & Reflection Questions
- Does this practice elevate Scripture or replace it with experience?
- Does it define prayer as communion with God or a spiritual technique?
- What does it teach about Christ and the gospel?
- Is the local church central or optional?
- How can you deepen Word-centered prayer this week?
Call to Action
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Explore the full contemplative spirituality series: Series Page.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
