Thread: Spiritual Formation

I have heard various bits and pieces on this movement. Trying to get a fair-minded grasp on it. One relative I know stopped going to a church that was introducing it because he was convinced it was a sure road to Universalism. But the church is conservative, and so was the person.

Any opinions?

NHOI - Never heard of it

I've found it mostly associated with the more liturgical churches. There are people who become mentors (though that's not the word) and help people with their spiritual formation. It can be valid or can be another Christian fad. It just depends on the people involved. There's nothing inherently bad in it.

Originally Posted by Cardinal TT

NHOI - Never heard of it

WAYAP - Why? Aren't you a pastor? ;)

I've heard of it associated with the RCC.

Originally Posted by Bookman

I've found it mostly associated with the more liturgical churches. There are people who become mentors (though that's not the word) and help people with their spiritual formation. It can be valid or can be another Christian fad. It just depends on the people involved. There's nothing inherently bad in it.

Sounds like hands on discipleship so far..

I don't see any difference in this and what I understand to be the process of meditation an prayer to spend time in focused communication with the Holy Spirit...

I realize some more 'conservative' Christians fear what they believe is mysticism but the Bible is filled with mysticism...all I would say in intro is there are some safety buffers scripture has in place..

But the Bible says Galatians 4:19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

I truly believe most Christian do not see the supernatural aspect of partnering with the Holy Spirit to become not just someone who serves Him but to be transformed Roman 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

There is nothing to fear once someone trusts Holy Spirit, commits to the scriptures...fear will cause us to conform, faith to be changed with the Spirit of God Is to be transformed...

Soaking prayer is probably what would be part of learning to connect or as Catholics call contemplative prayer...soaking prayer is nothing more than quieting self to total surrender to hear...

Originally Posted by Quest

I don't see any difference in this and what I understand to be the process of meditation an prayer to spend time in focused communication with the Holy Spirit...

I realize some more 'conservative' Christians fear what they believe is mysticism but the Bible is filled with mysticism...all I would say in intro is there are some safety buffers scripture has in place..

But the Bible says Galatians 4:19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

I truly believe most Christian do not see the supernatural aspect of partnering with the Holy Spirit to become not just someone who serves Him but to be transformed Roman 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

There is nothing to fear once someone trusts Holy Spirit, commits to the scriptures...fear will cause us to conform, faith to be changed with the Spirit of God Is to be transformed...

Quest, I'm liking how you are articulating this. You use of the term "mystical" implies that it is not necessarily "the dark side" that many assume. In a basic sense, an appropriate biblically-based mystical experience is simply connection a from our spirit to the Holy Spirit, and as you say, innate to the tranformation process.

Any yes, there are cautions here (as with most Christian practices and processes). The mature and discerning Christian will know how to discover that secret place in God that people like David knew well, and avoid the side trails. Deep and intense communion with God is too important to let fear discourage us from going to the place of intimacy that God so desires from us.

"Spiritual formation is an intentional Christian practice much like that of Eastern Mysticism, which claims as its goal the development of religious maturity that leads to Christian devoutness which has it roots in the ancient practices found in those of Catholic religious orders, Ascetics and others."


I've heard of this but not under the term Spiritual Formation


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