The Burning Contemplative Heart: Affect as Central (Not Distal) to the Spiritual Formation Process

Abstract

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 people into contemplative disciplines (e.g., meditation) that intensify desire fueling the spiritual formation process. The argument traces this dynamic through selected Psalms, related bible commentary, and representatives from the Christian mystical tradition. The paper then brings psychological and modern neuroscience to bear on the conversation shedding light on the mechanics of the feedback loop and concludes with implications for Christian spiritual formation.