Comments on: Does the book Eat, Pray, Love preach Christ?

By: vjhr

vjhr — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:01:49 +0000

THANK YOU. That clarification was necessary. As a Christian, I hate these kind of movies. They SEEM so holy and pious, but really they miss the WHOLE point. And if you dare to take issue with a “spiritual” movie like this you are admonished. The only way anyone is getting to heaven is through Christ. I don’t care how much praying or meditating you do, or how connected you feel to “God.” If you don’t get Jesus, you don’t get it.

By: Chris D

Chris D — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:50:01 +0000

There’s no one “Eastern meditation”, though the general tendency is not so different from Christian contemplative practices: to get ourselves, our egotistical desires and aversions in the world, out of the way, so something larger can happen (as Mary Oliver said in “Praying”, “a silence in which another voice may speak”). In theistic traditions like Sufism, Christianity and some flavors of Hinduism, that creates the space for God to enter; in a non-theistic tradition like Buddhism or Shaivism, it allows a joyous perception of the world as it is, before we add our interpretation of it.

For the most part, meditation is either directed, where one focuses on an image, idea, geometric figure, color, or body sensation (common is to just focus on the sensation of breathing in and out), or a bit more free-form, watching the mind as thoughts arise and then pass away. Meditation is like contemplative prayer, and unlike petitional prayer.

Many people successfully integrate a very strong Christian faith with parts of Eastern paths; but they tend not to be Biblical literalists.

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:24:53 +0000

I belittled someone?? Where?

When I say “goofy tricks” I’m speaking of everything people do to win the Lord’s favor and I wrote goofy tricks intentionally to make the reader think.

I think the Lord likes it when we THINK.

One of the big problems with writing, especially with the fast paced style of blogging, is that people on the other end of your words miss the voice inflection, grin on my face and general good nature in which you may write. I can write something tongue firmly planted in cheek, thinking I’m so funny, and then the reader comes along and gets offended. That’s blogging – it’s a relaxed style of writing that begs to be controversial.

As for meditation and the Christian… I’m convinced it’s the best way to approach God. Does be still and know I’m God really mean meditation? Can’t it be quiet, prayer and listening? Isn’t mediation focusing on repeating a word/phrase, like a chant?

Perhaps the better question is: How do Eastern mediation and biblical mediation differ? And is mediation mentioned in the Bible at all?

Hmmmm. Must delve deeper…

By: suzannah

suzannah — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:38:57 +0000

i read eat, pray, love for a book group recently. while i found the story to be fairly interesting, i found gilbert herself insufferable.

i don’t understand why you feel the need to belittle the practice of meditation (or someone who cared enough to leave a comment on your blog!):
“You can pray and meditate, and do all sorts of goofy tricks to try and win the Lord’s favor, but it’s only through repentance and faith in His son, Jesus, that we are connected to God.”

while it is only through Christ that we are saved, i thoroughly disagree that people connect with God only through repentance and faith. sanctification is a process and spirtual disciplines, including prayer and meditation, are ways in which a Christian grows in Christlikeness and knowledge of God.

mediation as a christian practice is not a “goofy trick” or attempt to earn God’s favor–it’s about being still and knowing that he is God (Ps 46). reading many of the early church mothers and fathers would make that quite clear.

suzannahs last blog post..book circle: february

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:39:17 +0000

Lorie, I stand by my statement. Prayer, meditation, fasting, standing on your head, etc., etc… it’s all for NOTHING without Christ. The Bible says it’s by grace we have been saved, not of works. To depend on your spiritual practice to reach heaven isn’t going to work. Only true repentance and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross will bring you into the kingdom of God.

By the way, prayer and fasting are not exclusive to Eastern Religions. Those are Biblical.

And as for judging… I will certainly present Biblical truth because people are searching… and people are dying without hearing the truth. This is my blog, my beliefs and I won’t back down. If that comes across as judgmental, then so be it.

By: Lorie

Lorie — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:48:30 +0000

feedback on monicas comments:

I am fortunate to have been able to spend a large part of my life in spiritual practice. Meditating, praying and practicing yoga.
Jesus is my connection to god however I have also experienced other world religions. Interestingly enough, from the gospels it is clear that jesus also practiced ” Eastern concepts”
He meditated, fasted and prayed for 40 days.
I wonder if you would recognize christ if he came here tomorow? He is beyond religion. If you expect him to look or act a certain way you will surely miss him. The last time he was on earth he was not part of any organized religion and am sure that he will not be the next time either.
I’m also shocked regarding the comment ” you can pray, meditate and do all sorts of goofy tricks….”

? how is prayer and meditation considered a ” goofy trick??

” The kingdom of heaven is within”

Instead of judging others connection to god, why not try prayer, yoga or meditation yourself? If that doesn’t interest you, ok but please be open to others experiences and connection to god.

I’m surprised this book has caused so much discomfort!! Well, i can say that reading this blog has caused me discomfort because I can see that you are fervently on your path but missing god/ jesus along the way and judging other peoples experiences without having your own meditation/prayer. Many Many world wars have been caused by religions.
I pray for you to open to god and the true spirit of jesus.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:36:53 +0000

Meditation can be one of the greatest things in your Christian walk… When you meditate on the Word and Jesus Christ.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
~Joshua 1:8

“…do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”
~Joshua 1:7

This is in the Old Testament but it was meant for Christian believers and the entire Word of God!

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:56:02 +0000

Jenn, I just noticed your comment.

I can’t say reading the book helped me; it’s talking about it, and blogging my reactions/beliefs, that’s challenged me more. Great thought!

By: Jennifer, Snapshot

Jennifer, Snapshot — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:06:25 +0000

I definitely don’t think that she preaches Christ, but she does know the lingo, and her honest search makes me sad for her that she didn’t try Christ, BUT I do think that as a solidly rooted Christian, reading her book and her idea and practice of devotion helped me look at my own life in Christ in a new way.

Do you agree?

By: Andrea @ Mommy Snacks

Andrea @ Mommy Snacks — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:59:08 +0000

I haven’t read this book and won’t get around to it. Honestly, anything that Oprah is believin’ nowadays is staying out of my head. She’s drinking too much of the “kool-aid.”

BTW – I hopped over here from Writer-Mommy. I’ll definitely be back!

Andrea @ Mommy Snackss last blog post..Shopping with Coupons: Stockpiling

By: greeneyedmommy

greeneyedmommy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:50:42 +0000

Oh, okay. Thanks. I had heard of it but not really paid much attention. I guess if Oprah was pushing it, it probably wouldn’t be a Christian book, would it?

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:01:43 +0000

Green Eyed Mommy, it’s not marketed as a Christian book. I just wanted to point that out, to avoid any confusion.

By: greeneyedmommy

greeneyedmommy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:28:57 +0000

I have not read this book because I tend to be very wary of “christian” books. Sure, some books are good and can be very helpful but all we truly need is the Bible. Christian, do you know your Bible? I mean, do you truly know what it has to say? We need to make it a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. I know I could definitely use more time in the Word.

By: Robin ~ PENSIEVE

Robin ~ PENSIEVE — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:56:14 +0000

It’s always amazing to me what we can read into text that isn’t there. I haven’t read this book and I probably won’t…just because there are so many other volumes waiting to be read in my household!

Robin ~ PENSIEVEs last blog post.."Your mom likes to take artistic pictures, doesn’t she?"

By: Casey

Casey — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:41:36 +0000

I’m currently about 1/4 of the way into Eat. Love. Pray. I’m not loving it, but I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I’m hoping that my books that are on hold at the library will come in soon to give me a diversion.

Anyway, to stop talking about myself and address your post…

Yes, prayer is very important in the life of a believer. Yes, meditation when done correctly can be a part of a believer’s life. Yes, God can and does use anything He wants to lead us to Him. But, do I think that Eat. Love. Pray. does this without some serious God intervention? No, not at all.

I remember reading somewhere about believers in Christ who worshiped best in nature. Eventually, one of the men realized he was actually worshiping nature instead of worshiping God. That is where these things can slip beneath our defenses as Christians IMO. There’s just enough good or just enough truth to draw people down the other path in the road. They start out pretty similar, but after a few days, weeks, months, or years they are miles apart.

By: LaTara

LaTara — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:24 +0000

I never wanted to pickup that book because I knew it had nothing to do with God because Oprah swore by it. I may read it for ministry sake to teach how subtle Satan is and how he makes things like yoga, the law of attraction and new age practices appear to be Christlike.

Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life…no man and that means no man gets to the Father than through Him.

This is the first time I read your blog. I will be back!

LaTaras last blog post..My Rules To Live By

By: Terra

Terra — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:20:38 +0000

I saw your tweet that mentioned Christ follower, so came over to say hi.
I recently bought a used copy of Eat Pray Love, not too excited about it, so it is at the bottom of my huge TBR stacks.
I appreciate your take on it and am now more prepared to read it, being a Christ follower myself.
Terra
co-author of “Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday”

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:14:19 +0000

Yes, meditation is a tricky one. I’m going to talk about that too, in an upcoming post.

I haven’t watched Oprah in years, mostly because I don’t want the Little People around here to get too much of an earful.

By: Melissa, Multitasking Mama

Melissa, Multitasking Mama — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:58:10 +0000

Whew, I was scared when I read your twitter lead-in. Thought you might have lost your mind- glad to see that we agree And yes, I believe that verse 15 is warning us about people just like Ms Gilbert and lately, even my old standby, Oprah Winfrey! The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ not awakenings, the universe, connecting with your self, blah blah blah. But people are falling for it- smart people and it’s scary!

Melissa, Multitasking Mamas last blog post..So different, yet friends

By: Beck

Beck — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:38:35 +0000

I just skipped the whole “Pray” part of the book – I knew going into it that there was no way, as a Christian, that I was going to be okay with what she was writing.
I don’t think meditation is necessarily anti-Christian, but a lot of the practices that go with it CAN be, so a Christian has to be careful.
Hey, did you know that I got actual, name-calling HATE MAIL over my Eat Pray Barf review? I really did. THat book attracts some scarily devoted fans.

Becks last blog post..The Headless Horsekid