Touching Heaven
From earliest times, people have always had certain places that they call “sacred”, places where the supernatural realm seems closer. Can we, as Christians, really believe that some places are more special than others when we believe in a God who is to be found anywhere by those who seek him?
The early Celtic Christians believed that some places were “thin places” in the veil between Heaven and earth . How can we justify such a belief? Is it not just superstition?
I believe that there are both Biblical and common sense reasons that some places seem to be more conducive to prayer, worship and a sense of the presence of God than others. Broadly speaking, these can be grouped under three headings: historical, psychological and incarnational.
The early Celtic Christians believed that some places were “thin places” in the veil between Heaven and earth . How can we justify such a belief? Is it not just superstition?
I believe that there are both Biblical and common sense reasons that some places seem to be more conducive to prayer, worship and a sense of the presence of God than others. Broadly speaking, these can be grouped under three headings: historical, psychological and incarnational.
Historical...Memory Places
Iona Abbey
These are places where a significant, historical event in the story of God’s encounter with people took place. It might be like Jacob’s Bethel, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Island of Iona or the place of your own meeting with God.
I became a Christian as a result of hearing the story of the conversion of the Philippian jailer, so for me a visit to Philippi had great significance.
I became a Christian as a result of hearing the story of the conversion of the Philippian jailer, so for me a visit to Philippi had great significance.
Psychological...Solitary Places
Alone in the desert
Certain environments invite prayer. Jesus was in the habit of rising early to go to a mountain or the desert to pray.
Christians have always sought out places free from distraction, so that they can concentrate on spending time with God, to build them up and prepare them to return to a life of encounter with the world.
Christians have always sought out places free from distraction, so that they can concentrate on spending time with God, to build them up and prepare them to return to a life of encounter with the world.
Incarnational...Activity Places
Home of the Northumbria Community
God is still active on Planet Earth. That is what incarnation is all about.
When a particular group of people, in a particular place at a particular time demonstrate that God is active among them, others are drawn to that place and that group. The Northumbria Community, or the Vineyard Fellowship, in Toronto (place of origin of the “Toronto Blessing”) might be modern day examples of this .
When a particular group of people, in a particular place at a particular time demonstrate that God is active among them, others are drawn to that place and that group. The Northumbria Community, or the Vineyard Fellowship, in Toronto (place of origin of the “Toronto Blessing”) might be modern day examples of this .
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Some places demonstrate all three: Lindisfarne or Holy Island, for example has a significant history, is an ideal place for retreat and is a place where many testify to having found God at work today. Sacred places may include the famous and recognised, such as Whithorn, Glendalough or Iona, or more personal places. I used to have what I called “my rock”, on the moors near Hathersage, in the Peak District, where I used to go to spend time with God .
There’s nothing intrinsically sacred about these places; everything relies on their relationship to the God of history and of incarnation now! In a sense, a “thin place” is only as “thin “ as our own openness to God allows. It just so happens that for the reasons listed above openness is easier in some places than others. |
