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Abandoning apathy
Ever feel spiritually dull? Ever have trouble praying because it seems like too much work? You’re not alone! Ever heard of acedia (also called accidie)? This word describes a condition of thought that’s been around for centuries. It’s something that has troubled people seeking a spiritual path in life for hundreds of years. It was described by early monks and theologians as a kind of “demon” and was more recently written about by Aldous Huxley as an affliction that’s actually grown in the modern age.
Acedia has been defined as an exaggerated form of indifference, laziness, apathy, boredom. In fact, it was identified as a precursor to one of the seven deadly sins, which was finally defined as sloth or “torpor.”
Let’s take a closer look at this problem and how we can approach it metaphysically, through prayer. Acedia is a phase of thought that would derail us from staying on our spiritual path. It would keep us from engaging in an authentic and inspiring way with the Divine.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
July 8, 2013 issue
View Issue-
Letters
Robin Kadz, Nancy Boyer-Rechlin, George King
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Abandoning apathy
Deborah Huebsch
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A shift at the office
David Fowler
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Decisions, decisions
E. Garrett Stone
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Fasting from hatred and separation
Sharon Carper
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Blessing showers
Virginia Hughes
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Sacrifice and humility
Deanna Mummert
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Deep listening showed me the way
Doris Ulich
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Muslim holiday of Ramadan begins
Sentinel staff
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You are very important
Shirley Paulson
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A perfect heart
Lee Pettit
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Stopping contagion
Salonee Vencatasamy
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Back and arm pain healed
Eric D. Pagett
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Sore throat 'dismissed'
Harry C. Sheridan with contributions from Walter S. Sheridan
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Growth on hand gone
George Strong
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See the 'halo'
The Editors