Is quietism a biblical practice? What is quietism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Quietism is an unbiblical mystical practice that emphasizes inward stillness, passivity, and the attempt to achieve a sinless state. While the Scriptures value peace and a quiet inner being, true spiritual calm comes from trusting God, prayer, and active worship, not from mystical self-subjugation (Psalm 131:2; Proverbs 17:1). The Bible encourages believers to express joy through praise, music, and heartfelt worship, showing that silence alone is not the path to communion with God (Psalm 20:5; Isaiah 12:6). Jesus modeled quiet prayer and meditation, but these were active engagements with God, not attempts to achieve spiritual perfection through passivity (Mark 1:35). Quietism falsely claims that inward contemplation can rid the soul of sin and passion, a goal only attainable through faith in Christ (1 John 1:8). Biblical meditation, by contrast, is an active study of God’s Word meant to sanctify and guide our lives (John 17:17). Today, some practices in modern charismatic circles reflect quietist ideas, but true Christian peace and spiritual growth are found through faith, active obedience, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• A peaceful and quiet inner life is to be desired as indicative of a healthy spiritual life. David said, "I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother" (Psalm 131:2). Proverbs 17:1 conveys that peace and quiet in the home are more valuable than riches. Yet this peace and quiet comes from a person trusting in God, knowing that He is in control and the One in whom true peace is found.
• Quietism, with its exclusive focus on passivity, stillness, and inaction, is opposed to the Bible's encouragements to believers to "shout for joy" over their salvation (Psalm 20:5), sing songs, play instruments, and shout loudly in praise (Psalm 33:1–3). The soul that draws near to God sometimes does react with reverent silence. But just as often, it shouts and sings songs of joy (Isaiah 12:6).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Quiet and peace is part of the Christian life. Even Jesus spent time in prayer, alone (Mark 1:35). But prayer and meditation are not the same as quietism.
• Peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As such, it is a gift given by the Holy Spirit to believers. It is not something achieved by mystical and unbiblical practices such as those encouraged in quietism.
• Quietism's most unbiblical claim is that one can achieve a sinless state by inward contemplation and ridding the soul of all passion and sinful desires. This is the practice of Buddhism, not Christianity. Stilling ourselves inwardly or outwardly can never result in a sinless state or union with God. The sinless state will never be gained in this life (1 John 1:8) and communion with God is achieved in one way only—through faith in the shed blood of Christ on the cross.
• Some may try to equate the practice of quietism with biblical meditation, but the comparison is unfounded. Meditation is the active study and contemplation of God's Word in order to understand it, be sanctified by it, and apply it to our lives (John 17:17). Unlike quietism, biblical meditation is not a passive, mantra-like giving up of the will or mystical experience.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Quietism is a type of religious mysticism in which the practitioner attempts to achieve peace and spiritual perfection by thinking of God and divine things, favoring silent contemplation over positive action, singing, or praying out loud. Quietism has its roots in Hinduism and Buddhism and has been promoted at times within Roman Catholicism. Like the Buddhist, the practitioner of quietism seeks to subdue the will and become spiritually passive. The aim of quietism is to "quiet" the soul so it can become one with God by turning inward for silence and contemplative stillness. The goal is to eventually achieve a sinless state. Quietism appeals to monks, religious hermits, and other ascetics.

Certain practices of some branches of the evangelical church have their roots in quietism. Soaking prayer and centering prayer, both of which emphasize quiet contemplation and listening, are common in many charismatic churches. However, in spite of its popularity within charismatic circles, the philosophy behind the practices of quietism is unbiblical.

UNDERSTAND

• Quietism is an unbiblical practice focused on passivity and inward stillness to achieve sinlessness.
• True Christian peace comes through an active relationship with God, not just silence.
• Biblical meditation and silence can be helpful in our relationship with God, but it is not passive contemplation.

REFLECT

• How does creating rhythms of silence in your life help you in your walk with God?
• What role does biblical meditation play in your faith?
• What helps you discern unbiblical practices that sound good but are not?

ENGAGE

• How is active worship, even in silence, different than what quietism espouses?
• What does a quiet and peaceful life look like, and what does it reveal to those who do not yet have peace with God?
• Why is it important to incorporate spiritual disciplines in our personal and corporate lives, and how can we make sure they are not unbiblical?