Spiritual Formation Research Articles

Emotional Integration and Spiritual Formation: Integrating Emotion Into Formation of the Spirit

A recent special section of The Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care initiated the conversation between psychologists and theologians about the role of emotions in the Christian life. While this special section accomplished its purpose, more remains to be said about emotions and spiritual formation. The current manuscript intends to continue the dialogue by discussing a type of emotion regulation known as Emotional Integration (EI). EI was recently introduced into psychological literature as a form of emotion regulation involving an accepting and interested stance toward one’s emotional experiences as a means of integrating emotion into central aspects of the self, including core values and goals. Initial empirical evidence demonstrating EI’s ability to enhance moral character, interpersonal relationships, and well-being will be highlighted. Evidence of EI in the nature of God, the character of Christ, and Psalm 42 will be reviewed along with implications for Christian ministers, teachers, and counselors.

Reimagining theological education: online theological education in the Hong Kong diaspora

ABSTRACT This article demonstrates how theological education can be transformed through the systematic integration of structured theological reflection methods derived from spiritual direction practices. Drawing on Gerhardt’s concept of theonomy and Lynch’s theological reflection framework, it examines how the current crisis in theological education requires not merely programmatic changes but a fundamental reconceptualisation of theological knowledge transmission. Through analysing the Life Seeks Understanding platform’s work with Hong Kong Christians in diaspora, this study demonstrates how structured theological reflection methods create learning spaces that effectively bridge academic theology and contemporary spiritual formation. The platform’s implementation of Gerhardt’s theonomous approach, combined with Lynch’s structured reflection methods, provides evidence for how theological education can maintain intellectual rigour whilst addressing post-secular spiritual needs. Through innovative online courses and culturally sensitive pedagogical approaches, the platform exemplifies how theological education can be made accessible and relevant whilst preserving traditional wisdom. This article contributes to practical theology by demonstrating how experimental approaches to theological reflection can revitalise theological education, particularly for diaspora communities navigating complex cultural and spiritual identities.

Secular-Believing Diasporic Jews: The Grassroots Theology of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen

By analyzing the musical works of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, this study examines the theological expressions of secular Jews in the diaspora who retain elements of belief. Drawing on contemporary theories of lived religion and post-secular spirituality, it explores how their lyrics articulate distinctive forms of Jewish spirituality outside traditional frameworks. Through a close textual analysis of their final albums, this study reveals complex theological narratives that intertwine Protestant-oriented individual spirituality with collective Jewish religious and cultural memory. The findings indicate that Cohen and Simon demonstrate distinct approaches to divinity. Cohen adopts a more traditional theistic stance, whereas Simon develops a pantheistic theology. These narratives offer viable and meaningful models for secular-believer Jewish identity and suggest possible foundations for a contemporary secular Jewish existence in the diaspora.

Spiritual development of preschool children is the main task of the teacher

The research identifies the main spiritual values of a preschooler: attitude towards oneself, family, elders, folk traditions, work, nature, love for the Motherland, etc. These values help the child become a part of the society in which he or she is brought up. The very concept of spirituality has complex, multicomponent interpretations of philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical orientation, which is why teachers and parents do not clearly understand it, and therefore the practice of forming the spiritual potential of a preschooler's personality often results in a tendency to reduce the formation of spirituality to the introduction of children to religious traditions, which is a one-sided approach. The purpose of a teacher's work in spiritual education of preschoolers is to teach a child to live among people, following certain norms and rules, i.e. to promote the child's adaptation in modern society. Therefore, this study will help the teacher to understand whether the tasks of spiritual education are being realized through forms of work that are natural and accessible to preschool children: the formation of the concepts of “good”, “evil”, “beauty”, etc. The importance of at least periodically involving children in “live” communication with peers and adults is emphasized, especially during war or military conflicts, when distance or blended learning become the main forms of education, so that the teacher can develop the child's communication skills. At such times, communication with children comes to the fore. It is important for children that the teacher hears their thoughts, questions, and feelings. It is also important for children that adults share their thoughts, feelings, and questions with them. Various forms of educational work with children are proposed. These forms and methods will help educators to develop skills of creativity, communication, critical thinking, teamwork (4k) as the basis of spiritual and intellectual upbringing and teaching of a child. The use of these forms in upbringing work helps children gain confidence, understand, and comprehend (through the images of literary characters) the need for kindness and mercy, the ability to forgive and love. Indirectly, children learn the basic Christian commandments, which will become the basis for further spiritual and moral formation of the individual.

:Spiritual Formation and Mystical Symbolism: A Selection of Works of Hugh and Richard of St Victor, and of Thomas Gallus

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Spiritual and Medical Melancholy in Lutheran Responses to Johann Weyer's Criticism of the Witch Trials.

This article examines responses from Lutheran pastors, theologians, and physicians to the arguments given by Johann Weyer in 1563 that those women who confessed to a pact with the devil suffered from melancholy and were thus not responsible for their acts. Weyer's conception of melancholy was a medical one, yet among Lutheran pastors and theologians the concept of a spiritual form of melancholy emerged that came from religious sources. The article clarifies the difference between the concepts of medical and spiritual melancholy within Lutheranism and reviews the respective roles they played in the debates over Weyer's arguments.

Spirituality as the Center of Lifelong Learning

ABSTRACTThis chapter argues for the centrality of spirituality in lifelong and adult learning theory and practice. As embedded in human experience, the spirituality of learning, including exploring awe and wonder, is vital. We introduce the processes and outcomes of lifelong spiritual formation, profound learning, and human flourishing as underpinnings for a theoretical, spirituality‐based framework.

The role of emotions in discerning God’s will in missions: A comparison of the approaches of Ignatius of Loyola and J. Hudson Taylor

Discernment of God’s spiritual leading and an authentic basis for participation in missionary service is a vital foundation for resilience in missions. Additionally, emerging studies on emotions within Christianity demonstrate their being integral to human identity and behavior. The role of emotions in discernment for decision-making in missions has significant implications for motivation for missionary service. Analysis of the role of emotions in decision-making in the spiritualities of two leading historical mission leaders, Ignatius of Loyola and J. Hudson Taylor, reveal five key aspects of discernment. Passion for God and others, indifference to self, spiritual-emotional maturity, the ability to discern and confirm God’s voice, and knowing how to test external signs are all essential for correctly discerning the source of any revelation. Specifically developing these key aspects of discernment would be beneficial for missionary preparation and ongoing spiritual formation.

Pedagogical Emphases on the Mystery of God: The Apophatic Predicament in Emerging Adult Faith Formation

For years Christian institutions in the West have observably supported and maintained kataphatic approaches to faith formation. Respectively, many schools have neglected apophatic considerations when teaching principles and approaches within emerging adult faith formation. Layered into this predicament is the strong inclination of predominantly kataphatic learning contexts to use increasing digital forms of instruction. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating reliance on digital technology in college classrooms has only exacerbated this dilemma. As a result, apophatic attentions, which tend to move away from trending pedagogical approaches and subsequent outcomes, remain formidable. The following paper employs a 14-year case review of students’ spiritual type similarities and differences at a private Christian university in the U.S. The review's theoretical and phenomenological framework utilizes spiritual typologies associated with apophatic and kataphatic nomenclature found in the “Circle of Sensibility” and espoused by spiritual type theorists. The data supports the theory of a general dividing line between approaches to Christian spirituality between apophatic and kataphatic taxonomical constructs. Additionally, perhaps most notably, this paper looks at digital distraction in current academic, spiritual formation contexts as a critical explanation for the lack of apophatic emphases. Digital distraction, in other words, undercuts the power of apophatic teaching. Based on the findings, recommendations for incorporating complementary kataphatic and apophatic approaches in spiritual formation coursework are offered.

"Locating Meister Eckhart's Interpretation in Indonesia": A Dialogue between Modern Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Interpretation of Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

This article presents a compelling case for the transformative potential of Meister Eckhart's spiritual interpretation in the context of Indonesian biblical studies. It sets out to accomplish two primary objectives. First, the article conducts a thorough analysis of Eckhart's distinct spiritual interpretation, positioning it in dialogue with contemporary biblical methodologies. Second, it leverages Hans Georg Gadamer's concept of 'fusion of horizons' alongside Paul Ricoeur's 'phenomenological interpretation' framework to appropriate Eckhart's insights in the Indonesian context. Methodologically, the article examines Eccl 10:5-7 through the lens of modern biblical interpretative approaches including historical-critical and literary-critical perspectives. It then contrasts these with Eckhart's spiritual interpretation via a dialogical analysis. The culmination of this study is the application of Eckhart's interpretive strategies to Indonesian biblical interpretation, guided by the theoretical underpinnings of Gadamer and Ricoeur. The ultimate goal is to enrich Indonesian biblical studies, emphasising spiritual formation grounded in Eckhart's teachings.

Spirituality in Practice: Paul’s Call Toward a Pastoral Theology of Relationships

This article examines Paul’s letter to the Romans (with supporting texts) to assess the intersection between beliefs about God, behaviors for God, and being in community. Additionally, it offers suggestions to deepen Christian spiritual formation among congregants in churches and small groups with a view toward missiology and communal witness.

Integration of Spiritual Formation in Higher Education Courses

Many seminaries aim to provide students with a theological education designed to gain a greater understanding of God and His Word. This article argues that to the same extent that students need biblical and theological knowledge, they also need knowledge of how to apply the information to mature in Christ. The research presents an educational and biblical rationale for incorporating key aspects of spiritual formation into a curricular design. The intent is to introduce readers to these aspects, alongside andrological strategies and methods, to produce students who develop lifelong learning skills that will deepen and mature them in Christ.

Analisis Faktor Pendorong Bagi Siswa untuk Masuk Seminari Menengah Mario John Boen-Pangkalpinang

This study aims to analyze the influence of personal motivation, popularity, and parental will on the decision of seminarians at Mario John Boen Minor Seminary in responding to the call to become priests. Through surveys and in-depth interviews, it was found that 86.0% of seminarians decided to become priests based on pure personal motivation, driven by a commitment to serve the people of God. Meanwhile, 12.0% of seminarians indicated that their decision to become a priest was influenced by the will of their parents and parish priests. Additionally, 1.0% of seminarians cited pursuing self-popularity and high curiosity as their reasons for the decision. These results indicate that personal motivation is the dominant factor in the seminarians' decision-making process, while the influence of popularity and parental will is relatively smaller. This study recommends strengthening spiritual formation programs at the seminary to continue supporting and reinforcing the seminarians' personal motivation so that they may pursue their priestly vocation with full commitment and integrity.

Wisdom of age is the main psychological geroprotector in older people (analytical review)

The article presents an analytical review of the problem of aging from the standpoint of social and spiritual forms of human life. The intensive growth in the number of elderly people has sharply reduced the quality of public attitude towards them. The foundations of social relations between elderly people and the state, intergenerational, family, and other relations have acquired a new colouring, in connection with which the importance of wisdom in solving these problems increases. The wisdom in an elderly person is potent of keeping his inner world in a state of balance. A wise person perceives his presence in life as a paradigm of integration, which determines the coexistence of all age phases during his life. It helps to cast aside regret about past failures, unfulfilled hopes, to find a lot of good even in a far from easy life. Wisdom is the universe to which a person should come in old age. Wisdom will always find something that will please and strengthen the spiritual strength of a person, make his life positions stable, lead away from despondency and a sense of helplessness. The wisdom of age creates self-confidence in an elderly person, pride in the years lived with dignity, in the benefits created, which are used by the young. The concept of “conscious aging” is based on inner strength and spiritual stability over old age. Of course, old age is full of sorrows, but life experience gives it prudence to endure them with dignity. Wisdom serves as a support for an aging person for the normal perception of all life changes, it constantly reminds him that life does not close its doors to him.

Emily Lawless, Natural History, and the Possibilities of Enchantment

Natural History – including entomology, marine zoology, and botany – enjoyed a significant vogue in the late nineteenth century, coinciding with the much more widely celebrated and discussed literary and cultural revival. These, I argue, are not distinct but rather entwined movements. Placing the Irish novelist, poet and scientist Emily Lawless (1845–1913) within this context, and examining both her scientific research and novels including Major Lawrence F.L.S (1885) and The Book of Gilly (1906), this article explores the overlapping modes of science and literature in the work, and suggests that Lawless’s sustained and committed engagement in naturalist study in Ireland led to an attempt to harness the discourses of natural science into narratives of spiritual and national resurgence. Whereas many contemporaries – Yeats among them – rejected science as a disenchanting force, Lawless provides an illuminating counter-example, whose scepticism regarding the occult spiritualities of her Revival contemporaries led her to develop an alternative form of positivist spirituality which foregrounded the materiality of the natural world and the spiritual potential of close, detailed scientific study.

Co-creating a Culture Circle: A Horizontal Mentoring Model for New Teachers’ Spiritual Formation

Co-creating a Culture Circle: A Horizontal Mentoring Model for New Teachers’ Spiritual Formation

STRATEGI EFEKTIF INTERNALISASI NILAI KRISTEN DALAM PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER DAN SPIRITUALITAS REMAJA KRISTEN

This study aims to identify effective strategies for internalizing Christian values in shaping the character and spirituality of Christian youth. This research explores theological literature relevant to Christian spiritual formation strategies using a descriptive qualitative approach and literature analysis. The findings reveal that using Bible stories, reflective discussions, social service, and the active involvement of pastors, families, and church communities are vital components in the internalization process of Christian values. A holistic approach integrating Biblical teaching with practical experience is highly effective in cultivating Christian youth character deeply rooted in solid spirituality. The originality of this research lies in the synergy between spiritual formation and the role of church communities in shaping youth spirituality, a topic that has rarely been explored in depth in contemporary theological literature.

Longing for a Broken Politics to Be Healed: A Book Symposium of Michael Wear’s The Spirit of Our Politics

Michael's Wear's 2024 book, The Spirit of Our Politics, inaugurates a unique and meaty symposium in the JSFSC that focuses on practical theologies of spiritual formation issues of public life. Wear's book delivers a discerning application of Dallas Willard's perspective to areas of political life. Symposium contributors include Michael Wear, Todd Hunter, Kyle David Bennet, Kaitlyn Schiess, and Chine McDonald. Guest Editor Joseph E. Gorra introduces the symposium, offers context on Wear, his book, and a call for further contributions in his Afterword. After Wear's book précis, Hunter, Bennett, and Schiess weave important themes of pneumatology, family spirituality, and ecclesiology as practitioner factors shaping the vitality of a Christian spiritual formation of public life. McDonald underscores the importance of incarnation, imagination, and invitation when leading institutions of public life. All contributors underscore how spiritual formation is central to civic renewal. Michael Wear's response integrates important themes among the papers, underscoring that Christian spiritual formation does not take place in isolation from actual contexts of public life.

Relationship between Vitality and Characteristics of Coping Strategies in Deviant Adolescents

Adolescence is important in the development and formation of a personality, and the family radically influences the development of a teenager; under the family influence, foundations of intentional behavior, ways of responding to stress, level of vitality and defense mechanisms are laid, and a general direction in the formation of moral concepts and relationships emerges. And all this happens against the background of contradictions in physiological and mental development, spiritual formation. The reasons for the use of psychoactive drugs are varied, and most often chemical dependence is determined by the combined action of various factors and conditions. The purpose of the research work was to study the relationship between family structure and characteristics of the adolescents’ response to stress in undergoing inpatient treatment due to the use of psychoactive substances. The study was conducted on the basis of the Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Narcological Dispensary (teenage department). The main group included 18 young men, age: from 15 to 18 years, with experience of using psychoactive substances from one year to three or more years - “teenage addicts”. The control group, “conditionally healthy”, denying the use of psychoactive substances, was represented by high school students of one of the gymnasiums, 15 young men of the same age group. The following methods were used: the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scale (FACES-3) questionnaire; Plutchik, Kellerman, Conte questionnaire - Life Style Index (LSI) methodology; questionnaire “Methods of coping behavior” by R. Lazarus and S. Folkman and test of vitality (S. Muddy) adapted by D.A. Leontyev. Results. It was revealed that adolescent addicts differ from adolescents without addictive behavior in the following parameters: low level of family adaptation and family cohesion; Adolescents with addictive behavior differ in their style of responding to difficult life situations: they more often use defenses and coping, which serve the function of regulating negative emotional states associated with unmet needs for communication, self-affirmation, etc., while adolescents without addictive behavior use coping and defense, which main function is to resolve the situation; Adolescents with addictive behavior have a lower level of resilience than relatively healthy adolescents. The possibilities of psychotherapeutic influences are discussed.

Student Perspectives on Spiritual Formation at a Jewish Pluralistic Seminary: A Qualitative Study

Student Perspectives on Spiritual Formation at a Jewish Pluralistic Seminary: A Qualitative Study