SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Spiritual Formation

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Spiritual Formation” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Theories of moral and faith development” and their relation with “Individual Faith”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “spiritual Formation” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Spiritual Growth on Society”.

Spiritual Formation

Introduction

Spiritual Formation of a person could be defined as the development and growth of an individual by focusing on his interactions and communication with other people in his life, his spiritual life and his spiritual practices which include prayer, fasting, confession, worship, reading and study of scripture, simplicity, etc. The spiritual growth and development of an individual can be measured and noticed by his spiritual practices which form his spiritual life. Spiritual formation of an individual is not a quick process; instead it is developed from time to time in an individual's life (Wilhoit, 2008).

From the point of view of Christianity, an individual in order to form his life spiritually, would have to change his life and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and lead a respectable life in accordance with the Scripture. In a verse of the Holy Bible, it is stated, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29).” According to this Biblical verse, it is understood that an individual could transform his life to the likeness of Jesus Christ by the divine grace of the Holy Spirit and blessing of the Scripture. It takes time and devotion for an individual to transform his life spiritually.

Important Theories relating to Spiritual Formation

Some researchers have developed some very good theories which relate their concepts to the spiritual formation. These theories describe the relevant steps which am individual goes through in transforming his life spiritually. A few valuable theories and their concept in this context are discussed as follows.

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Moral development is a vital topic in psychology and Lawrence Kohlberg presented his theory on moral development which consisted of six steps within three different levels. All these levels are discussed as follows.

Preconventional Morality

This is the first level of Kohlberg's theory which is further divided into two steps

Obedience and Punishment - This step is generally common in children, where they find some regulations fixed for them and they try their best to obey them in order to avoid punishment.

Exchange and Individualism - this step of the theory basically involves the separate needs of each individual. This defines that what they need and what can they do for that.

Conventional Morality

The second level of this theory also includes two more steps.

Interpersonal Relationships - this step involves that a person should emphasize on living up to the expectations of the society and be good to everyone.

Maintaining Social Order - This is the stage where individuals focus on maintain law and regulations and look at the society a s a whole unit ...