Spiritual Formation

Paper Summary:

This paper defines spiritual formation as the work of forming and transforming by the Holy Spirit in the process of an inward understanding of information and experiences in an individual to develop one's character in the likeness of Christ. The paper then discusses the following components of spiritual formation: knowing and loving God, knowing and loving ourselves, knowing and loving our neighbors, and being mindful of the presence of God in our daily routine. In addtion, the paper provides an overview of the goals, dynamics, components and roles of spiritual formation.

Table of Contents:
Goals of Spiritual Formation
Components of Spiritual Formation
Dynamics of Spiritual Formation
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Formation
The Role of the Individual in Spiritual Formation
The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Formation in Individuals in Community
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The first component of spiritual formation is to know and love God. If we do not know someone intimately, we cannot love that person. It is the same with our relationship to God. Unless we know God intimately and personally, we only love an image or concept that we have of God and not God Himself. Often this perception or concept of God is based on our concept of our earthly father and our relationship with him. The only way we can come to know God by reading His Word, by building a relationship with His Son, appreciating His creation, using quiet time in prayer and meditation, and by listening to Him through silence, dreams, and visions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Astley, Jeff and Francis, Leslie, ed, Christian Perspectives on Faith Development, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992
• Beasley-Topliffe, Kieth, ed., The Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation, Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2003
• Brenner, David G. & Moon, W Gary, ed., Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004
• Foster, Richard J, Streams of Living Water, New York: Harper Collins, 1998
• Fowler, James W, Stages of Faith, New York: Harper Collins, 1981

More papers on Spiritual Formation:

• Essay # 75453 : "Spiritual Formation "
• Term Paper # 118172 : "Nurturing the Spiritual Formation in Children"
• Argumentative Essay # 150324 : "Literature of Spiritual Metaphysics"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: