New Vaticana wrote:Distruzio wrote:
I see no problem with it, personally. I've never actually done it either.
I do know that it should be done in the correct mindset, lest it becomes divination. Where the reader expects the Word to speak to him about the days events. Protestants do this. They'll open the Bible to a random page each day and let their eyes settle on the first passage their inclined to and keep that passage in mind throughout the day, looking for God's signs that He has noticed their supreme devotion and ability to infallibly interpret His Word at random. If that sounds outlandish, it's b/c it is.
With all of that in mind, I cannot honestly comment on the correctness of your action, NV. Paying attention in Church is difficult enough without all the external distractions the world offers. Reading the Bible, even sections of it, alone without a Priest or other Christian to help and holding those sections in mind seems even more difficult. I suppose there are writings about such difficulties from the Church fathers as they explored the monastic life. Perhaps you could start there? Consulting the minds of men whose writings represent the timeless Mind of the Church has helped me greatly in my Christian life. Maybe it could help you as well, brother?
It seems divining was the intention of the practice. Odd that I got it in Catholic school, because divination is apparently condemned. Whether or not it is, though, it didn't help me and made me more confused; and if you think it sounds very difficult to do or outlandish, then I don't think I should continue trying. I'll look up some of the Church fathers' writings; do you have any in mind in particular?
Well, I should be more clear. When I say that performing the act should "be done in the correct mindset," I mean to say that, if you pick a passage to contemplate, you should consider how that passage applies to you and your experiences. The Protestant does not do this. He contemplates how the passage can be applied to the world around him - that is the condemned bit.
The Bible is an exchange between you and God that keeps you humble. It is not a declaration from God to you to increase your hubris.
Church fathers on divination.
Catholic encyclopedia on divination.