Spiritual theology and spiritual formation compared.
Do you know how to grow? We will look at the definition of spiritual theology and spiritual formation, and why they are important to anyone who wants to become like Jesus and be closer to God in Christ. Then we will look at six elements of your growth so you can focus on these in prayer, scripture reading and fellowship. Then we will mention some resources for you.
What is the definition of spiritual formation? Spiritual formation is the process of becoming what God intended us to be, in Christ. In other words it is recovering the fullness of the broken image of God inside us, as well as reunion with God. Since Christ is the perfect example of what a completely restored human looks like, spiritual formation is focused on being “Christformed”. Biblical spiritual formation focuses on what the Bible teaches about spiritual formation and on ideas about spiritual formation founded on scripture.
Spiritual formation often focuses on practices compatible with scripture and proven to be Christforming over the centuries. Those who are knowledgeable about spiritual formation often read great writers from history such as the Desert Fathers, Augustine, Benedict, Patrick, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Brethren of the Common Life, Luther, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley and many others.
What is the definition of spiritual theology? Spiritual theology is the organized study of how people grow spiritually. The Reformers referred to this as sanctification but it is the same thing. The principles of growth that one finds in discipleship programs are also considered spiritual theology, even though the authors may not use that term. Spiritual theology and spiritual formation differ in that the former is more focused on principles of growth and directives for growth rather than dwelling on the details of specific practices for spiritual formation.
Biblical spiritual theology.
Biblical spiritual theology is the organized study of what the Bible says about how people grow. (The author of this article has made it a life goal to understand and write biblical spiritual theology.) Thus, biblical spiritual theology looks to the Bible for these elements of spiritual growth:
- doctrinal foundations for growth;
- what growth looks like in a person, especially virtues;
- what causes or hinders growth;
- directives for growth;
- phases of growth;
- our final destiny.
Standard spiritual theology also examines these topics but is not as focused on scripture. These spiritual theology topics are all critical to enhancing our spiritual growth, developing a discipleship plan as well as doing discipleship for others. And don’t forget that christian history and classic writings can supplement our understanding of biblical spiritual theology.
When you think about your spiritual growth it is helpful to go down the above list of six elements, or topics, and ask yourself if you understand the basics of each one. If not, it is likely that you could improve your growth by learning more about that topic. Also, these six elements create great questions when reading scripture. As we ask ourselves one of more of these questions we will find that scripture will have a bigger impact on our growth. Likewise, in prayer or fellowship we can ask ourselves how our words or actions affect our growth.
What we are missing, and misunderstandings related to spiritual theology.
Spiritual formation and spiritual theology go to the heart of what Jesus and his disciples taught and modeled for us. They are both focused on spiritual growth and it is okay to use the term “spiritual growth” to collectively refer to spiritual theology and spiritual formation. Spiritual theology became largely separated from doctrinal theology in the last few centuries because the Reformation focused so heavily on doctrine (which was needed). This has led to much frustration among serious believers about how to grow spiritually and why many Christians don’t become Christlike. Spiritual formation and spiritual theology address these frustrations and provide paths to real growth.
Unfortunately, some people don’t understand what spiritual theology is actually about. Here is a misconception about spiritual theology found online:
“The main problem with spiritual theology, besides its departure from Scripture alone, is that it focuses on physical means to a spiritual end. Scripture teaches that we are born again by the Spirit of God and that we are kept by the Spirit of God and that we are sanctified by the Spirit of God. Simply practicing rituals or maintaining discipline is no guarantee of salvation, let alone spiritual growth.”
My response to this is:
“With respect to your post on spiritual theology I appreciate your willingness to dive into this. I agree that too often Roman spiritual theology relied on unbiblical ideas. My question is whether you have considered biblical spiritual theology. For example, Eugene Peterson’s “Practice Resurrection” which is spiritual theology based on the book of Ephesians; also, see Simon Chan’s Spiritual Theology. Respected biblically-oriented authors Dallas Willard and John Ortberg support spiritual theology. Even the Roman Catholic work Spiritual Theology by Jordan Aumann is not primarily about practicing rituals or disciplines. I’m concerned readers of your post might dismiss all spiritual theology, even though it is just another term for the theology of sanctification; it is just the theology of spiritual growth. It is a term used now by some evangelicals who are serious about studying spiritual growth.”
Resources for spiritual growth.
The takeaway for readers is that by studying spiritual theology and spiritual formation (there are many good books on this and you can find some here: Click here for Resources – try Bruce Demarest’s Satisfy Your Soul for starters) you can have a big impact on discipleship for yourself as well as your fellowship. The great majority of ministers have no real spiritual theology; they only have a very simple understanding of the biblical theology of spiritual growth. This often means they don’t produce disciples who grow into maturity.
Check the list of categories of posts on the sidebar of this page and you will see the categories:
- “Key Growth Posts”,
- “Interior Life”, and
- “Spiritual Theology”.
All the posts in these categories relate to spiritual formation and spiritual theology. You will find more posts on spiritual growth and spiritual formation in other categories as well. If you are specifically interested in exploring spiritual theology more then you are welcome to email me at meatmature@gmail.com.
You can make a difference in your discipleship by studying spiritual growth (spiritual theology and spiritual formation), “doing” spiritual growth for yourself, and being a spiritual coach for others. You might be surprised at how many people want guidance.
