Did Calvin meditated?
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Bill
Jan 16, 2009, 8:08:31 AM1/16/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
The title of section 1.5.9 is “We ought not to rack our brains about
God; but rather, we should contemplate him in his works,” and in
1.5.10 he says we understand the purposes of God’s work “only when we
descend into ourselves and contemplate…” This seems rather ironic,
since Calvin seems to be seriously racking his brain. In section
1.5.12 he shames philosophers who “who have tried with reason and
learning to penetrate into heaven…” I have valued the increased
devotional time this reading of the Institutes has given me, but,
having recently read Jason Santos’s book on Taize, I wonder if I would
do better to spend more time in prayer and contemplation than in
“reason and learning.” The answer is probably “do both,” but I’m
wondering what the optimum portions would be for me.
God; but rather, we should contemplate him in his works,” and in
1.5.10 he says we understand the purposes of God’s work “only when we
descend into ourselves and contemplate…” This seems rather ironic,
since Calvin seems to be seriously racking his brain. In section
1.5.12 he shames philosophers who “who have tried with reason and
learning to penetrate into heaven…” I have valued the increased
devotional time this reading of the Institutes has given me, but,
having recently read Jason Santos’s book on Taize, I wonder if I would
do better to spend more time in prayer and contemplation than in
“reason and learning.” The answer is probably “do both,” but I’m
wondering what the optimum portions would be for me.
Bill
Jan 16, 2009, 8:20:26 AM1/16/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
(wish I could find how to edit posting subjects)
SusanDee...@msn.com
Jan 16, 2009, 10:05:44 AM1/16/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
I catch the irony as well. For myself I have found I cannot nurture
just the mind or just the spirit, but must find a balance between
them. Actually reading Calvin has tipped the balance more toward the
mind for me. However, I loved the section you quoted about descending
into yourself. It seems to me that when I do centering prayer I am
descending both into myself and into God. Not that I am god by any
means, simply that there is a clarity in the descent that makes it
possible to unite with God more completely than I usually do.
just the mind or just the spirit, but must find a balance between
them. Actually reading Calvin has tipped the balance more toward the
mind for me. However, I loved the section you quoted about descending
into yourself. It seems to me that when I do centering prayer I am
descending both into myself and into God. Not that I am god by any
means, simply that there is a clarity in the descent that makes it
possible to unite with God more completely than I usually do.
Bill
Jan 18, 2009, 7:53:56 AM1/18/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
Thanks for sharing that, Susan.
I like what Gordon wrote in the "we're not the only ones out there who
love Calvin" post about finding gems in Calvin's writing even though
his world was so different than ours. These hints of mysticism (if
that's not too strong a term) in Calvin surprised me (pleasantly).
I like what Gordon wrote in the "we're not the only ones out there who
love Calvin" post about finding gems in Calvin's writing even though
his world was so different than ours. These hints of mysticism (if
that's not too strong a term) in Calvin surprised me (pleasantly).
Beth Scib
Jan 21, 2009, 7:02:45 AM1/21/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
I was struck by the insertion of the role of the Holy Spirit in
yesterday's reading, particularly in light of your meditating
comment. Is it possible that Calvin perceived that he was writing
from a spiritual exercise rather than an intellectual exercise. And
dare I ask the really difficult question... has theology become for us
in our tradition an intellectual exercise rather than a spiritual
exercise? I too have found these readings to add great depth to my
devotional time. Reading them slowly allows them to descend from my
head to my heart. But remembering back to seminary life - how can
hundreds of pages each day ever feel like a spiritual exercise?
yesterday's reading, particularly in light of your meditating
comment. Is it possible that Calvin perceived that he was writing
from a spiritual exercise rather than an intellectual exercise. And
dare I ask the really difficult question... has theology become for us
in our tradition an intellectual exercise rather than a spiritual
exercise? I too have found these readings to add great depth to my
devotional time. Reading them slowly allows them to descend from my
head to my heart. But remembering back to seminary life - how can
hundreds of pages each day ever feel like a spiritual exercise?
On Jan 16, 8:08 am, Bill <bdavi...@gmail.com> wrote:
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