Posted By: Clive Price
Posted On: 19:31:01 6th Sep 2008A well-meaning acquaintance has offered to deliver me from religious spirits. I considered it thoughtful of them, and thanked them for thinking of me in that way. But I am busy at the moment, so it shall have to wait.

Their concern may have arisen because I was using words like 'monasticism' and 'theology'. I have also been questioning much of what passes as 'revival' or 'prophecy'. My contact may have feared I was becoming a dull, miserable, religious person - rather than a chandelier-swinging charismatic (which is how I usually describe myself, actually).

But you know what? I think I have become too liberated. I remember when I was intensely religious. I would get up early every morning to have a very long Bible study and prayer time. I tried to carve out at least one opportunity every day to talk about my faith. I bought the latest Christian album and read the trendy Christian books and magazines.

Then it all stopped.

I am looking for new meaning in old places. My brush with monasticism has challenged me to relaunch some kind of daily devotional, and to relax as I listen to CDs of monks chanting. I need more theology as I realise it feeds my mind, which is often neglected in the experience-dominated Christianity of which many of us are a part. I think I need some of that old-time religion. Not too much. Just enough to keep me anchored.





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