Christian Mindfulness and Global Public Health: A Commentary and Agenda

In response to Oman's "Mindfulness for global public health: Critical analysis and agenda," this commentary explores and develops the global public health implications of mindfulness as it is understood and practiced within the context of global Christianity. Because Christianity is a global religion, with the majority of its adherents now residing outside North America and Western Europe, efforts to engage and contextualize mindfulness to Christian audiences must take seriously the diverse spiritualities and sociocultural realities reflected in global Christian communities. To this end, this commentary explores both contemporary and ancient Christian contemplative practices, with special attention to Christian practices originating outside of Western contexts (e.g., John Cassian, Evagrius of Pontus, and Anthony De Mello). Key considerations with respect to the content, goals, and concepts at play in the contextualization of mindfulness for global Christian audiences are discussed in detail. A central consideration concerns the tension between the Transcendent and the therapeutic, as the practice of Christian contemplation traditionally is tied to the ultimate goal of union with God. Despite the many challenges that may complicate this contextualization work, the potential positive implications on global public health along with interreligious peacemaking and bridge-building make this a worthwhile endeavor nonetheless.