Why does the word God bring comfort to some people and hesitation to others? And could unfamiliar spiritual language help us rediscover something within our own faith?

In this reflection, I explore the language of contemporary spirituality through writers such as Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Louise Hay, and Gregg Braden, and consider how their ideas can lead us back to the richness of Catholic tradition.

Drawing on a 2003 Vatican reflection on New Age spirituality, the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the wisdom of Saint Benedict, and Saint Paul's words in Athens, I reflect on God not simply as a distant higher power, but as the source of all existence, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.

Perhaps the challenge is not finding new words for God, but learning to hear the familiar ones again.

A question for reflection

What words bring you closest to God?

Explore further

More reflections: https://ordinarythings.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: https://ordinarythings.org/rule/

Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the Water of Life (Vatican, 2003): https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html

Scripture: Acts 17:22–28

Ordinary Things is a collection of reflections on everyday life, guided by the wisdom of Saint Benedict. Written and narrated by Brian Junyor.