Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Edwards, T.H (1980) Spiritual Formation in Theological Schools: Ferment and Chellenge in Thological Education XVII (1)
Theology and spirituality are not set apart in mutually exclusive categories, as if mysticism were for saintly women and theological study were for practical but, alas, unsaintly men. This fallacious division perhaps explains much that is actually lacking in both theology and spirituality. But the two belong together. Unless they are united there is no fervour, no life and no spiritual value in theology, no substance, no meaning and no sure orientation in the contemplative life.
p. 13
Merton Seeds of Contemplation
Evaluation
This is an area of controversy and difficulty. Some faculty believe that spiritual life is too subtle and delicate to submit to a direct, measurable evaluation process. Others have helped to establish processes that include meetings with students for self, peer and faculty evaluation.
We undertake our spiritual life for the praise of God, not for the instrumentality of being better ministers p.30
Four Princiciples are essential to the viability of spiritual formation in theological education
1 – SF can not be left to chance
2 – The role of faculty, staff and students in SF is inevitable and reciprocal
3 – A careful distinction must be made between spiritual formation and spiritual transformation
4 - Intentional Christian community is the necessary context for SF.
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p. 13
Merton Seeds of Contemplation
Evaluation
This is an area of controversy and difficulty. Some faculty believe that spiritual life is too subtle and delicate to submit to a direct, measurable evaluation process. Others have helped to establish processes that include meetings with students for self, peer and faculty evaluation.
We undertake our spiritual life for the praise of God, not for the instrumentality of being better ministers p.30
Four Princiciples are essential to the viability of spiritual formation in theological education
1 – SF can not be left to chance
2 – The role of faculty, staff and students in SF is inevitable and reciprocal
3 – A careful distinction must be made between spiritual formation and spiritual transformation
4 - Intentional Christian community is the necessary context for SF.
