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A. The Traditional Teaching The word asceticism was taken into Christian usage from the Greek by Clement of Alexandria and Origenes, since ἅσϰησις and άσϰέω had never passed into Latin; since the word became common in the theological language of the 17th century and was contrasted with mysticism in the 18, it has generally meant in Catholic writings the deliberate and persevering endeavour of the Christian to attain Christian perfection. As in practice there are a great many obstacles to such an end…

Part of Spirituality: 1. Concept 2. History of Christian Spirituality 3. Special Features A. Meditation 1. As opposed to the terms “mental prayer” and “contemplation”, the traditional terna “meditation” is increasingly employed nowadays, even outside the domain of Christian life and spirituality. Its meaning ranges from a psychosomatic technique and therapy acquired by yoga exercises and the practice of auto-suggestion, to ordinary intellectual and personal reflection, or even to advanced forms of religious an…