subject: Loneliness In Christianity [print this page] Loneliness has always been an issue in Christianity. From the isolation of early Christians during the Roman Empire, to today's Christian singles loneliness problems, God presents these followers with challenges.
Christians and loneliness
Christian scripture is filled with stories of being alone and the relationship between God and loneliness. Jesus spent 40 days alone in the wilderness struggling against Satan to overcome fears and temptation. The point of Jesus' isolation was the importance of turning to God as a way to overcome being alone. As other stories about Jesus reveal, it was often friends who did not understand His purpose that attempted to lead him astray. This is an important point of the New Testament: personal responsibility and the temptations of life. Sometimes it is better to be alone.
Catholic loneliness
This is unique in that the Roman Catholic Churchhas a patron saint of loneliness: St. Rita. She helps those in despair during periods of Christian loneliness. Prayers and offerings directed to St. Rita or lighting a candle is a means of calling on God and his son Jesus to help cope with being alone. Catholic monks consider loneliness essential for their existence and well-being. Many monastic orders feel that loneliness will lead a person closer to God and a more spiritual existence. While certainly not everyone can take monastic orders, there are lessons for the common Christian, too. Specifically, "one is never alone with God." This affirmation provides great comfort to many and can help overcome the feeling of loneliness.
God of Loneliness
Because of the experiences of Jesus, many Christians may consider their God as a "God of loneliness" however most Christian theologians would argue that it is not loneliness, but being alone that is encouraged by God. Being alone is important in Christianity because it renews the connection with the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) and helps us focus on our self, without outside distraction.
John the Baptist also spent much of his time alone. To many at the time, he was thought of as a crazy man who had been taken over by the ravages of loneliness. But as the story unfolds we see that it was not loneliness that made him do the things he did, but the his love of God and the passion brought forth by the Holy Spirit.
Loneliness and Christian History
Christian thought has long been focused on being alone and loneliness. In early days it was the trials of Christians brought to slaughter for their beliefs. They were alone when they faced the lions and gladiators, but it was their resolve that moved many to embrace the religion. Many Christian also metaphorically experience loneliness as they try and live a Godly life in what they consider an un-godly world. This spiritual loneliness can be more devastating than other kind.
The experience and thinking of Christianity has been greatly influenced by the idea of loneliness and being alone. Being alone, but not falling subject to the despair of loneliness is one of the great Christian challenges. The teachings of Jesus provide a guide for overcoming this challenge and his example remains for all to follow.
