Jan 7, 2026 2 min read

‘Ancient practices’ questioned

Let’s be honest about “Ancient practices find new life in modern America” (Jan. 2). There is nothing truly Christian about those practices based on the Bible. Yes, the “Desert Fathers and Mothers” practiced silence and the “early Christian hermits” used what’s called “centering prayer,” but does that make those practices “Christian?” The “Desert Fathers and Mothers” and “early Christian hermits” were centuries after Christianity’s beginning.

Those who believe in the “ancient practices” should consult a Bible concordance and look at every verse that includes the words “meditate” and “meditation.” The Bible encourages the true believer in God, his statutes, law, commandments, character and revealed word. In the few instances where there’s no reference to those things, the reader can only imagine the non-biblical practices of emptying one’s mind or repeating a mantra. Jesus said in Matthew 6:7, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”

In emptying one’s mind, a person opens himself to the influence of spirits that are enemies of God of the Bible and suggest ideas contrary to what the Bible teaches. First John 4:1 warns the Christian, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” God has revealed his will in the Bible. The Bible is the only source for understanding what’s truly Christian and what’s counterfeit.

Rick Kauffman

Canonsburg