Session # 8

Question 1. Contrast and compare the role of a spiritual director in the Anglican, Reformed, and Wesleyan traditions, consider their goals, procedure, and resources.
In reading the three chapters, I got very confused as to which one said what about spiritual direction, it was very helpful to read the charts that were listed for each of the traditions that outline the goal, procedure and resources of each. I will first list those then try and comment on each:
The Anglican’s Spiritual Direction is “Wish to grow in one’s relationship to God. “The goal is to “Assisting directee to employ the resources of the Christian faith in her life in order to live more closely in Jesus’ company” The procedure is “prayer, instruction, vocal counsel, directed reading and writing projects, etc. and the resources is “A vast spiritual literature, retreats facilities and spiritual communities” (pg 92)
In the reformed tradition, Spiritual Direction is for the “Desire for God.” The Goal is “find God’s will or conformity to Christ” Procedures are : “prayer, listening and directive responses, and resources are: Prayer, the Holy Spirit, journaling, guide’s experience, and discernment” (pg 112)
In the Wesleyan tradition, Spiritual Direction is “Hungering to know more of God, yearning for a deeper spiritual life. Thirst for holiness, wholeness and Christlikeness . A list of spiritual failures also listed as sin, guilt, shame, “poverty of spirit”. The goal is for “Transformation by grace of God in Christ, wholeness, holiness, Christlikness. The procedure: Guidance toward the transforming moments of saving and sanctifying grace, guidance for the life long journey with a covenant group, twin soul, faith mentor. Resources: Personal spiritual disciplines, prayer, Bible study. Spiritual disciples of community: worship, sacraments, face-t-face groups, fellowship and service. Inner resources of the Imago Dei; wisdom of spiritual guide; guidance of the Spirit. (132)
To compare and contrast, There seems to be a lot alike in the goals of all three, and the transformation or the results, is the work of God. The methods or procedure seems to be the area that is different. The Episcopal or Anglican lies heavily on the Priest as the main person to do spiritual direction. More weight is put on the incarnation of our Lord than on the atonement. The theme seems to be “God For Us”.
In the Reform tradition, which is changing and takes from a lot of other traditions in it’s denomination there are three main themes here: God is Sovereign, the providence of God and the Grace of God. Calvin said, “true wisdom is knowing God and knowing ourselves. “Always reforming
The Wesleyan in doing spiritual direction does not rely on the priest but on groups and each one can be a spiritual director to another. Training is involved and listening to the Holy Spirit. The Authority of Scripture is emphasized. The spirit of God moves upon the text. Life experience is also part of spiritual direction.