So-Called "Spiritual Formation" - Friend or Foe?

[Innerstrife]

Good morning, friends!

I have recently been seeing the idea of "Spiritual Formation" being universally panned on certain blogs and forum discussions.

Here is my question - is it fair to condemn the concept as a whole? It would seem to me to be healthier to evaluate each on a case-by-case basis.

For example:

• Thomas Merton and his teachings on contemplative prayer are disturbing and should be categorized as flat out mysticism rather than a Christian practice.
• Dallas Theological Seminary has a "Spiritual Formation" program that is essentially a biblical study of identity and sanctification.

These two examples of so-called Spiritual Formation appear to be quite different.

If I understand Spiritual Formation as pursuing Christ through study of His Word, prayer, fasting, journaling, etc., it would seem as though I am describing a healthy Christian walk.

If I understand Spiritual Formation as an inward focused, pseudo-mystical, works focused thing, I am entering into mysticism.

Forgive my ignorance, but am I correct in seeing a distinction here? One is a healthy spiritual formation, the other is obviously dangerous.

I appreciate your thoughts, affirmations, and corrections!

Sten-Erik <><

[Nightelf]

Ken Silva has written extensively on Spiritual Formation, hopefully these articles will help you answer some of your questions:

http://apprising.org/category/spiritual-formation/

[OnceWasLost]

What I have never liked, no matter how much people have tried to take it out of a mystical direction, it winds up there anyway. When "spirituality" is reduced to a set of, do these things, as a practices, they become the focus. It's like every time we seen an enumerated list of good or bad things, (like in Paul's epistles) we focus on doing or not doing according to the list. The list becomes the focus, and not a day by day focus and walk empowered by The Holy Spirit.

In the prayer, meditation ultimately "silence" is going to promoted as will centering prayer, possible Lectio Divina, etc. None of that is scriptural, it is pagan and new age in it's practices.

I went to DTS and of course there is no in-depth description as to what is being taught. No matter, even if it's a "conservative" view of the subject, IMO is is still fruit from a diseased tree.

[Innerstrife]

I went to DTS and of course there is no in-depth description as to what is being taught. No matter, even if it's a "conservative" view of the subject, IMO is is still fruit from a diseased tree.

OnceWasLost -

When you went to DTS did this spiritual formation program exist? If so, did you go through it? I would be interested to know your experience.

I dug online and found the following descriptions of their four semester program:

First Semester - Identity:
This course challenges students to grasp more fully the reality of identity in Christ both personally and corporately. Life Inventory is the primary resource used in discovering and establishing identity. An adequate understanding of one’s identity in relation to God, self, the body of Christ, and the world is presented as a precursor to developing authentic community.

My Thoughts:
This seems safe - The concept of finding one's identity in Christ as opposed to our occupations, earthly relationships, etc. would seem to be a strong Biblical concept. I don't see a red flag - at least not in this course description.

Second Semester - Community:
This course challenges students to pursue new depths of trust out of common commitment to discovering God’s authorship in their lives. Life Story is the primary resource used in guiding each group toward the development of authentic community.

My Thoughts:
One's personal testimony is a significant thing in sharing with others how God has worked in your life - I would equate this semester to what we do here at the Rapture Ready forums in the introductions thread. A chance for people to share their life stories.

Third Semester - Integrity:
The goal of the third semester of Spiritual Formation is for students to struggle with the process of sanctification in their own lives in the midst of community. It is hoped students will examine their own life in relation to areas where they struggle with sin and experience the impact corporate confession makes in their spiritual life. In addition, students will be encouraged to view their sanctification process in light of their life story and as well as eye towards its effect future ministry plans.

My Thoughts:
I don't see here any roads to mysticism. Not only is it strongly Biblical (concepts of progressive sanctification and mortification of the flesh), it is done in community - not isolation.

Fourth Semester - Integrity:
This course challenges students to implement their divine design in harmony with the mission of Christ and the uniqueness of others. Life Vision is the primary resource used in establishing each group member’s vision for future ministry. The course helps focus the remainder of the students’ academic experiences by providing an opportunity to anticipate carefully how they might serve the Lord for a lifetime of effective and fruitful service.

My Thoughts:
Of the four, this one has to do the least with "spiritual formation" or the Christian experience. It seems to be a logical step of seeking confirmation from the others who have been in the group with you for two years as to one's calling and future ministry.

Final Thoughts
Many things labeled as "Spiritual Formation" are dangerous, mystical, and inwardly focused. That said, I don't think we should condemn everything ascribed the label.

The comment was made that it is still "fruit from a diseased tree." I don't think that is necessarily the case. Wouldn't we be able to describe the work of the Spirit in our lives from the moment of regeneration to the final moment when we are glorified when Christ comes again as spiritual formation? We should each day become more and more like our Savior - conformed to His image. Isn't that spiritual formation?

Again - I want to be teachable here - but from my current perspective (if I am wrong, please help me grow!) this would seem to be an issue of semantics and ascribing a negative connotation to a neutral term.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long post!

Sten-Erik <><

[OnceWasLost]

OnceWasLost -

When you went to DTS did this spiritual formation program exist? If so, did you go through it? I would be interested to know your experience.

I dug online and found the following descriptions of their four semester program:

First Semester - Identity:
This course challenges students to grasp more fully the reality of identity in Christ both personally and corporately. Life Inventory is the primary resource used in discovering and establishing identity. An adequate understanding of one’s identity in relation to God, self, the body of Christ, and the world is presented as a precursor to developing authentic community.

My Thoughts:
This seems safe - The concept of finding one's identity in Christ as opposed to our occupations, earthly relationships, etc. would seem to be a strong Biblical concept. I don't see a red flag - at least not in this course description.

Second Semester - Community:
This course challenges students to pursue new depths of trust out of common commitment to discovering God’s authorship in their lives. Life Story is the primary resource used in guiding each group toward the development of authentic community.

My Thoughts:
One's personal testimony is a significant thing in sharing with others how God has worked in your life - I would equate this semester to what we do here at the Rapture Ready forums in the introductions thread. A chance for people to share their life stories.

Third Semester - Integrity:
The goal of the third semester of Spiritual Formation is for students to struggle with the process of sanctification in their own lives in the midst of community. It is hoped students will examine their own life in relation to areas where they struggle with sin and experience the impact corporate confession makes in their spiritual life. In addition, students will be encouraged to view their sanctification process in light of their life story and as well as eye towards its effect future ministry plans.

My Thoughts:
I don't see here any roads to mysticism. Not only is it strongly Biblical (concepts of progressive sanctification and mortification of the flesh), it is done in community - not isolation.

Fourth Semester - Integrity:
This course challenges students to implement their divine design in harmony with the mission of Christ and the uniqueness of others. Life Vision is the primary resource used in establishing each group member’s vision for future ministry. The course helps focus the remainder of the students’ academic experiences by providing an opportunity to anticipate carefully how they might serve the Lord for a lifetime of effective and fruitful service.

My Thoughts:
Of the four, this one has to do the least with "spiritual formation" or the Christian experience. It seems to be a logical step of seeking confirmation from the others who have been in the group with you for two years as to one's calling and future ministry.

Final Thoughts
Many things labeled as "Spiritual Formation" are dangerous, mystical, and inwardly focused. That said, I don't think we should condemn everything ascribed the label.

The comment was made that it is still "fruit from a diseased tree." I don't think that is necessarily the case. Wouldn't we be able to describe the work of the Spirit in our lives from the moment of regeneration to the final moment when we are glorified when Christ comes again as spiritual formation? We should each day become more and more like our Savior - conformed to His image. Isn't that spiritual formation?

Again - I want to be teachable here - but from my current perspective (if I am wrong, please help me grow!) this would seem to be an issue of semantics and ascribing a negative connotation to a neutral term.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long post!

Sten-Erik <><

Sure, I went to DTS website, not the location as a student. I still maintain that the tree is diseased and here is why. Every course I have ever seen or been able to read about involves some level of program. (Centering Prayer, and the others I described.)

We can grow in Jesus without program or altering our minds through practices and internal choreographed disciplines. Every prayer or meditation practice I have seen in SF requires some level of emptying the mind through repetition of some sort.

[ComeLordJesus]

Foe - anything that alters consciousness is dangerous - so days former New Ager/Buddhist who's done plenty. Emptying one's mind leads to vulnerability to demons.

[Innerstrife]

Foe - anything that alters consciousness is dangerous - so days former New Ager/Buddhist who's done plenty. Emptying one's mind leads to vulnerability to demons.

I agree - emptying one's mind is dangerous and non-scriptural. Anyone who slaps the label "spiritual formation" on such a practice (contemplative prayer, meditation on nothingness, spiritual breathing, etc) is not promoting a positive thing.

But I've heard the term "spiritual formation" used interchangeably with a biblical concept of living a biblical Christianity, i.e. the DTS stuff listed above, and some other articles I've read on the importance of a Biblical identity that are rooted in Biblical principles.

I guess my frustration is the demonization of anything labeled as spiritual formation. The term is neutral - the content should be examined on a case-by-case basis. Does that make sense?

When I sit down with my daughters each morning and we spend some time in family devotionals using the Word, some teaching, and prayer, I consider that spiritual formation. When I am preparing to preach a sermon and the Spirit convicts me through the Word as I study the text, I consider that spiritual formation. When I teach on biblical discipleship through the gospels, I consider that a spiritual formation program for the people who attend my class.

I pray that God would continue to spiritually form me until the day His Son returns again in the clouds to gather His own.

[Steve53]

I guess my frustration is the demonization of anything labeled as spiritual formation. The term is neutral - the content should be examined on a case-by-case basis. Does that make sense?

When I sit down with my daughters each morning and we spend some time in family devotionals using the Word, some teaching, and prayer, I consider that spiritual formation. When I am preparing to preach a sermon and the Spirit convicts me through the Word as I study the text, I consider that spiritual formation. When I teach on biblical discipleship through the gospels, I consider that a spiritual formation program for the people who attend my class.

I pray that God would continue to spiritually form me until the day His Son returns again in the clouds to gather His own.

The problem here is with you trying to parse down semantics and justify a practice that is not Biblical at all.
Sanctification might be a better word to describe what happens as one applies sound exegesis to Biblical Truth.
http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-formation.html
Question: "What is the spiritual formation movement?"

Answer: The spiritual formation movement is very popular today. It is, however, in many ways a move away from the truth of God's Word to a mystical form of Christianity, and it has infiltrated, to some degree, nearly all evangelical denominations. This idea of spiritual formation is based on the premise that if we do certain practices, we can be more like Jesus. Proponents of spiritual formation erroneously teach that anyone can practice these mystical rituals and find God within themselves.

Too often, adherents of the current spiritual formation movement believe the spiritual disciplines transform the seeker by his or her entering an altered realm of consciousness. The spiritual formation movement is characterized by such things as contemplative prayer, contemplative spirituality, and Christian mysticism.

True biblical spiritual formation, or spiritual transformation, begins with the understanding that we are sinners living apart from God. Our faculties have been corrupted by sin so that we cannot please God. True spiritual transformation occurs as we yield ourselves to God so that He may transform us by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. At least half of every New Testament epistle is geared toward how to live a life well pleasing to God—by obedience and submission to the Holy Spirit in all things. Scripture does not only call us the redeemed, saved, saints, sheep, soldiers, and servants, but teaches us that only through the power of the Spirit we can live up to what the names mean.

The following passages address various aspects of spiritual formation, the work of God in the life of the believer.

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29). Here is the aim of transformation: that we may be like Christ.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). This is part of a passage that teaches that we are changed into the image of Christ not by following rules and laws, but by following the leading of the Spirit by faith.

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:3-7).

Here, Paul reminds us of our before-and-after life. We have responded to the "kindness and love of God" shown to us by the death of Christ for our sins, repented of our sins, and now respond to the Spirit’s continual prompting and empowerment to live differently as God's children. As a result, we have been transformed by the "rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (v. 5). This, then, is true spiritual formation—the reforming of our spirits by His Spirit into the image of Christ.
http://www.gotquestions.org/sanctification.html
Question: "What is sanctification? What is the definition of Christian sanctification?"

Answer: Jesus had a lot to say about sanctification in the Book of John, chapter 17. In verse 16 the Lord says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world,” and this is before His request: “Sanctify them in the truth: Thy word is truth.” Sanctification is a state of separation unto God; all believers enter into this state when they are born of God: “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). This is a once-for-ever separation, eternally unto God. It is an intricate part of our salvation, our connection with Christ (Hebrews 10:10).

Sanctification also refers to the practical experience of this separation unto God, being the effect of obedience to the Word of God in one’s life, and is to be pursued by the believer earnestly (1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14). Just as the Lord prayed in John 17, it has in view the setting apart of believers for the purpose for which they are sent into the world: “As Thou didst send Me into the world, even so send I them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth” (v. 18, 19). That He set Himself apart for the purpose for which He was sent is both the basis and the condition of our being set apart for that for which we are sent (John 10:36). His sanctification is the pattern of, and the power for, ours. The sending and the sanctifying are inseparable. On this account they are called saints, hagioi in the Greek; “sanctified ones.” Whereas previously their behavior bore witness to their standing in the world in separation from God, now their behavior should bear witness to their standing before God in separation from the world.

There is one more sense that the word sanctification is referred to in Scripture. Paul prayed in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “The God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul also wrote in Colossians of “the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel” (Colossians 1:5). He later speaks of Christ Himself as “the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) and then mentions the fact of that hope when he says, “When Christ, who is our Life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory” (Colossians 3:4). This glorified state will be our ultimate separation from sin, total sanctification in every aspect. “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

To summarize, sanctification is the same Greek word as holiness, “hagios,” meaning a separation. First, a once-for-all positional separation unto Christ at our salvation. Second, a practical progressive holiness in a believer’s life while awaiting the return of Christ. Third, we will be changed into His perfect likeness—holy, sanctified, and completely separated from the presence of evil.