The concept of Holy thought in Christianity
Holy thought, in Christianity, encompasses sacred ideas linked to spiritual beliefs, providing comfort and guidance in times of sadness. These thoughts promote virtues and Christlikeness, emphasizing the importance of purity in one’s mindset during worship. According to Early Christianity, holy thoughts are free from distractions, necessary for attaining knowledge of God, and promote spiritual purity. Ultimately, cultivating holy thoughts aids in protecting spirituality and pursuing divine wisdom, playing a crucial role in religious practices and personal growth.
Synonyms: Spiritual reflection, Divine contemplation, Spiritual contemplation, Sacred contemplation, Spiritual meditation
In Malay: Fikiran suci; In Swedish: Helig tanke; In Spanish: Pensamiento santo; In Dutch: Heilige gedachte; In Finnish: Pyhä ajatus; In German: Heiliger Gedanke; In Spanish: Santo pensamiento
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Holy thought'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This refers to the ideas and reflections that are connected to a sense of sacredness, and these are often linked to religious or spiritual beliefs and practices.[1] (2) The act of having sacred ideas, which the speaker suggests can nourish a spirit into growing virtues and increasing Christlikeness, and it is better than circumstances ordered to our will.[2] (3) Holy thoughts are not permanent, and the illusion that they are so often tends to accelerate their fading.[3]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Pure and sacred ideas that provide comfort and guidance, shining in contrast to sadness.[4] (2) Thoughts that are sacred or deeply spiritual.[5]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Pure then as respects corporeal lusts, and pure in respect of holy thoughts, he means those are, who attain to the knowledge of God, when the chief faculty of the soul has nothing spurious to stand in the way of its power, highlighting the importance of pure thoughts.[6] (2) This is what purity is to think, according to the text, in addition to the image of baptism that was handed down to the poets from Moses.[7] (3) Mental practices that protect one’s spirituality and help in the pursuit of divine wisdom.[8] (4) Pure and sacred considerations that are necessary for spiritual purity.[9]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The mindset we should cultivate while engaging in worship, ensuring that our prayers and offerings are sincere and meaningful.[10]