430 C.E.) left several writings clearly expressing his opinion that dreams can come from several sources: from the divine, from below, or simply from everyday life. For example, Saint Augustine of Hippo (d. Long after the life of Jesus, dreams continued to be an inspiration to theologians, priests and monks. As Christian theologians have commented for hundreds of years, “Why would God need to send a message to himself?” Interestingly, Jesus is not reported to have visionary dreams. Saint Augustine of Hippo, as depicted by Sandro Botticelli c. From Joseph’s dream that told him of the divine importance of Mary’s surprising pregnancy (Book of Matthew), to Paul’s dreams that inspired his missionary work in Macedonia (Book of Acts), dreaming is clearly depicted as connecting normal people to the divine for the purpose of guidance, courage-building, and reassurance.īy the way, some of the Old Testament sources include Ecclesiastes 5:3, Psalms 73:19, Isaiah 29:7, Deuteronomy 13, Genesis 28 and Joel 2:28. So is the Old Testament, for that matter. The New Testament is chock full of dreams. The Awkward History of Dreams and Christianity However, lucid dreaming also has a modern development in Christian spirituality that is largely unknown but growing in influence.īut first, some background in the history of Christianity and dreams is needed. Unfortunately this popular expression has added fuel to the smoldering and historic distrust of dreams by many contemporary Christians, who are told that dreams can only be temptations of the Devil. The loudest voices of the lucid dreaming movement cite pleasure, power, and fulfilling fantasies as among the benefits of becoming more aware in our dreams.
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