What is the biblical background of solitude? In short: Jesus. Jesus often sought out solitude. As you can tell, Jesus's ministry is shot through with retreats to solitude. He seeks solitude frequently. He seeks solitude at crucial moments. He seeks solitude despite the craziness, because of the craziness. He seeks solitude for short stents. He seeks solitude … [Read more...] about Biblical Background of Solitude
Solitude
Spiritual Benefits of Solitude
In this series of posts, we have been commending the spiritual discipline of solitude. We have already discussed the general benefits of solitude. We now turn our attention to the spiritual benefits. There are several spiritual benefits… More Better. Solitude functions as a kind of meta practice (i.e., a practice for other practices) (Whitney, 2014). Solitude allows us … [Read more...] about Spiritual Benefits of Solitude
General Benefits of Solitude
In a past series, we considered the spiritual disciplines in general. In this series, we're focusing on the spiritual discipline of solitude in particular. Though we are primarily considering the practice of solitude from a Christian and spiritual perspective, in this post I do want to highlight some of its general benefits. Better Finances Susan Cain (2013), in her … [Read more...] about General Benefits of Solitude
What Is Solitude
Let's start with a good definition from Donald Whitney: "Solitude is the spiritual discipline of voluntarily and temporarily withdrawing to privacy for spiritual purposes. The period of solitude may last only a few minutes or for days. As with silence, solitude may be sought in order to participate without interruption in other spiritual disciplines, or just to be alone with … [Read more...] about What Is Solitude
Why Solitude
In a previous series, we considered the spiritual disciplines generally. In this series, I want to take a deep dive into one discipline: Solitude. To begin the series, let's start by considering three realities that can have a profound negative impact on our spiritual lives… Constant Crowds Modern life is crowded. With smartphones and social media we are always … [Read more...] about Why Solitude