A Critical Rereading of Spiritual Theology in Christianity and its Relationship with Other Branches of Christian Theology
Comparative Theology May 14, 2024 Ahmad Shakernejad
A historical review of Christian spiritual theology traces its development from mystical and ascetic theology into a distinct discipline and examines its relationship with other theological branches. The authors identify key challenges facing the field: individualism, personalization of religion, a lack of defined connection with systematic theology and practical theology, religious formalism, and tension between scientific and theological criteria. They argue that spiritual theology must draw on church history, sacred texts, systematic theology, modern sciences, and the experiences of other religions to maintain credibility. The paper contends that spiritual theology should serve as a supplement to Christian theology, helping it become more practical and balanced, rather than functioning as an independent discipline disconnected from other branches.