Emotions such as desire, eros, or delight are sometimes treated with suspicion in Christian spiritual formation. However, some modern theologians propose a different perspective such as Philip Sheldrake who describes desire as the primary animator of the spiritual dimension of life. Building on this insight, this paper proposes an affective feedback loop where emotions such as desire draw...
This essay explores the influential role of pastor and writer A. W. Tozer (1897–1963) in reintroducing ecumenical spiritual resources and Christian mystical experience to mid-twentieth century conservative Protestant life in America and beyond. As a prolific writer and editor in his day, he was an important precursor to what has become known as the spiritual formation movement within these same...
This paper proposes meditation on selected scriptures as one possible way of addressing a problem identified by the Baylor Religion Survey (2006): the disconnect, for many American Christians, between stated propositional beliefs about a benevolent God, and implicit mental models of God as angry, critical, or distant. Possible causes of this disconnect, and negative consequences for personal...
Within Christian spirituality, contemplative prayer practice is rooted in scriptural teachings, ancient practices, and intentional silent awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Despite the growing popularity of this embodied spiritual practice, limited empirical evidence exists investigating its effects on Christian contemplative prayer practitioners. This grounded theory study explored the...