Date of Award

2024

Degree Name

Master of Philosophy (Theology)

Schools and Centres

Philosophy and Theology

First Supervisor

Associate Professor Glenn Morrison

Second Supervisor

Dr. Peter Christofides

Abstract

The question that forms the heart of this research is: “Can the Jesus Prayer establish roots to develop and flourish, and be accepted as a new, legitimate practice in Evangelicalism?” To begin answering, the practice will be explored within its Eastern Orthodox context focusing on the Jesus Prayers’ biblical roots, early development, and official acceptance within Orthodoxy. Then the Evangelical movement will be surveyed to gain an understanding of its identity from a sociological and theological perspective with special attention on its soteriological framework, customary spiritual disciplines, and general attitudes toward mysticism (defined as direct experience of God through apophatic, non-discursive contemplative practice). Finally, empirical research will be consulted to elucidate the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of meditative practice, informing a discussion addressing special issues of concern for Evangelicals, including how the practice of the Jesus Prayer relates to ethics, daily life, Eastern religion, and communal engagement. The conclusion then draws the findings together and offers a proposed relational approach for conveying the practice to Evangelicals allowing for graded ports of entry accommodating a spectrum of understandings, attitudes, and openness. Overall the thesis will propose that the research question can provisionally be answered, “Yes, depending the type of Evangelical, and the method of practice on offer.”

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