In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity Eastern Christianity] contemplation or theoria [[literally]] means to see [[God]] or to have the Vision of God.[3] As a [[technique]], theoria is [[expressed]] by the [[ascetic]] [[tradition]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm Hesychasm]. Hesychasm is [[continuous]] [[prayer]] that is to [[focus]] with [[absolute]] [[sincerity]], and to repeat in prayer, as a means to focus exclusively on the [[Triune]] God. It is to [[reconcile]] the [[heart]] and the [[mind]] into one thing (see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nous nous]).[4] Contemplation in Eastern Orthodoxy is [[expressed]] in [[degrees]] as those covered in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Climacus St John Climacus]' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_of_Divine_Ascent Ladder of Divine Ascent]. The [[process]] of changing from the old man of sin into the new born child of God and into our true [[nature]] as [[good]] and [[divine]] is called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis theosis]. Each of these components are critical to the cultivation of theoria. One derives [[Spiritual]] [[Knowledge]] from theoria. One however can not derive theoria from spiritual knowledge. This is to say that once someone is in the [[presence]] of God then they can begin to properly [[understand]] and there "contemplate" God. This form of contemplation is to have and pass through an [[actual]] [[experience]] rather than a [[scientific]] [[understanding]] of [[theory]]. Whereas in [[science]] one uses theory to [[understand]] the natural world and its operations, one does the reverse with [[God]]. In science contemplation means one derives a [[explanation]] and then tests the "theory" (see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosiology gnosiology]). Within the realm of Eastern Christianity theory is [[faith]] and one at first cultivates the [[virtues]] as an [[expression]] of [[faith]]. Once the virtues are cultivated the highest virtue is [[humility]]. Through humility one becomes [[Holy]]. God is humility and one becomes like [[God]]. This is the contemplation (living) of God. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia Holy Wisdom] of God is not [[knowledge]] but [[humility]]. | In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity Eastern Christianity] contemplation or theoria [[literally]] means to see [[God]] or to have the Vision of God.[3] As a [[technique]], theoria is [[expressed]] by the [[ascetic]] [[tradition]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm Hesychasm]. Hesychasm is [[continuous]] [[prayer]] that is to [[focus]] with [[absolute]] [[sincerity]], and to repeat in prayer, as a means to focus exclusively on the [[Triune]] God. It is to [[reconcile]] the [[heart]] and the [[mind]] into one thing (see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nous nous]).[4] Contemplation in Eastern Orthodoxy is [[expressed]] in [[degrees]] as those covered in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Climacus St John Climacus]' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_of_Divine_Ascent Ladder of Divine Ascent]. The [[process]] of changing from the old man of sin into the new born child of God and into our true [[nature]] as [[good]] and [[divine]] is called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis theosis]. Each of these components are critical to the cultivation of theoria. One derives [[Spiritual]] [[Knowledge]] from theoria. One however can not derive theoria from spiritual knowledge. This is to say that once someone is in the [[presence]] of God then they can begin to properly [[understand]] and there "contemplate" God. This form of contemplation is to have and pass through an [[actual]] [[experience]] rather than a [[scientific]] [[understanding]] of [[theory]]. Whereas in [[science]] one uses theory to [[understand]] the natural world and its operations, one does the reverse with [[God]]. In science contemplation means one derives a [[explanation]] and then tests the "theory" (see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosiology gnosiology]). Within the realm of Eastern Christianity theory is [[faith]] and one at first cultivates the [[virtues]] as an [[expression]] of [[faith]]. Once the virtues are cultivated the highest virtue is [[humility]]. Through humility one becomes [[Holy]]. God is humility and one becomes like [[God]]. This is the contemplation (living) of God. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia Holy Wisdom] of God is not [[knowledge]] but [[humility]]. |