Thus far Castles in the Sand, the novel by Carolyn Greene, has visted some strange places. The book first journeyed to a friendly neighborhood labyrinth, and was left at the entrance. Shortly thereafter the book visited an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, where it was given to a surprised AA member.
The meeting, held in the basement of an Episcopalian church, seemed a very appropriate place to give the novel away. The novel and I have also visited the New Moon vampire movie, where the book was given not just to ardent vampire fans, but to an employee of the theatre.
Castles in the Sand is the story of a young girl, Tessa Dawson, who is lured into contemplative spirituality through her spiritual formation classes. The once traditional Christian college has been taken over by the contemplatives. Deep in meditation, Tessa believes she is speaking with Jesus. Instructed and encouraged by her teacher, she goes ever deeper into this deception.
Now, if you want to join us, Castles in the Sand is going to visit the writings of Thomas Merton, the grand poohbah of contemplative prayer, and Richard Foster, a man who has done much to bring these practices into the very Body of Christ. Let’s read what novelist Carolyn Greene, Thomas Merton, and Richard Foster write about about potential dangers of these meditative practices. We’ll start with Greene.
In Castles in the Sand, things begin to get strange. Our heroine Tessa begins exhibiting disturbing symptoms, and believes these might have resulted from her plunge into the practices she has learned through spiritual formation. Concerned, and more than a little scared, she goes to a counselor. The counselor tells her, “[You] must know that the ancient Christians who tapped into methods of prayer that the modern church has forgotten also describe many of the same experiences. What if these things, which you say make you fearful, are simply God’s graces and favors being bestowed upon you? Rather than having a fear-based faith, we must open ourselves to God’s voice.” (pg. 109)
But is it God’s voice? In his book, Contemplative Prayer, Merton writes, “In true contemplation, there is no ‘reason why’ emptiness should bring us face to face with God. Emptiness might just as well bring us face to face with the devil, and as a matter of fact, it sometimes does. This is part of the peril in this spiritual wilderness. The only guarantee against meeting the devil in the dark (if there can be said to be a guarantee at all) is simply our hope in God: our trust in his voice, our confidence in his mercy.” (pg. 92)
In Prayer: Finding The Heart’s True Home, Richard Foster warns, “I also want to give a word of precaution. In the silent contemplation of God we are entering deeply into the spiritual realm, and there is such a thing as supernatural guidance that is not divine guidance. While the Bible does not give us a lot of information on the nature of the spiritual world, we do know… there are various orders of spiritual beings, and some of them are definitely not in cooperation with God and his way! … But for now I want to encourage you to learn and practice prayers of protection… ‘All dark and evil spirits must now leave.’” (pg.157)
In reality, the Bible does give us information about spiritual entities. The Bible does not ever instruct us to undergo such spiritually hazardous practices.
Greene has experienced contemplative practices personally. Castles in the Sand is just one little book speaking out against the contemplative spirituality that is roaring into the church. Yet, it is a book the author prayed for, and was given. I am going to keep giving it out as well.
Reader, help decide where Castles in the Sand goes next: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/where-to-take-castles-in-the-sand-email-me-your-idea/
Castles in the Sand visits a labyrinth!: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/castles-in-the-sand-visits-a-labyrinth/
Castles in the Sand visits an AA meeting: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/castles-in-the-sand-visits-an-aa-meeting/
Castles in the Sand visits New Moon vampire flick: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/castles-in-the-sand-visits-new-moon-vampire-flick/
Fictionally Fighting Contemplative Spirituality: http://www.raptureready.com/soap/lanagan5.html
