Sessions #6, "Spiritual Direction" [Reflections on the Edwards text, posted by Dr. Nissley. Posts are due by 2/25 for this session.]

Background: Tilden Edwards, an Episcopal priest who founded the Shalem Institute in 1979 for Spiritual Formation in Washington, D.C., and served as the Executive Director until 2000. He defines spirituality as, "It has to do with the way we probe and respond to that deepest yearning in us for the infinite, for that which is more than all the finite things that life gives us, It is, I think, part of our intrinsic human nature to have this longing for something more."

Issue: Please read the following article which critiques the contemplative spirituality from a biased perspective: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/researchpaper.pdf but the article warrants our read. The conclusions are faulty. We can discuss and process this implortant dimension of grounding spirituality in the Triune God as revealed in the 1) Scriptures, 2) Church Tradition, 3)Reason, and 4) Reflection of our personal experience. This is a variant of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (WQ) which provides wholistic approach to doing theology. I have added some additional guardrails to keep us on the Kingdom Path and avoid crashing on the high-speed curves.

This textbook and author are foundational reference points for spiritual direction in the 21st century. Edwards provides an abundance of helpful models, terms, and tips that are invaluable. There is an issue that we need to discuss at this point in the course, which can be further elaborated upon at the Retreat and during our travels to & from. The issue is syncretism or inclusive pluralism of ideas, methods, and insights from other world religions. The Salem Institute is "the place" for training in spiritual direction, but as part of the broader "Spiritual Direction Movement", there is sometimes accomodations or inclusion of non-Christian concepts or practices. This is a blinking red light, in other words approach with caution. This has always been the case with Mystical Christianity or Spiritual Theology, which has been personified as more "emotional, touchy feely, or quishy".

1) Develop a WQ response to LightHouse Trails' and Edwards' perspective of utilizing Eastern Mystical practices.


2) Chapter 3, "How do we know? The Nature of Spiritual Experince" This is an epistemological question. To keep us from melting down, consider Edwards' statement on page 79, "I believe what makes a practice Christian is not its form but its intent." This is saying the end justifies the means. Please respond with as much clarity as possible, again we will process this big issue at the Retreat. Respond to Edwards' statement.


Calhoun: Part 4, "Small Group"
*Brief reflections on your small group experiences and how you are applying those insights in your K-Group process.

*Describe new insights from the Spiritual Direction Movement that will impact your K-Group.