Transforming Spirituality : Integrating Theology and Psychology

by Shults, F. LeRon, and Steven J. Sandage

• ISBN13: 9780801028236
• ISBN10: 080102823X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-06-01
• Publisher: Baker Academic

Summary

The twenty-first century has given rise to a growing interest in the intersection of science, religion, and spirituality. Few books address these issues from multiple perspectives and theories. To fill this void, F. LeRon Shults and Steven Sandage, coauthors of The Faces of Forgiveness (winner of the Narramore Award from the Christian Association for Psychological Studies) continue their interdisciplinary dialogue in their latest work, Transforming Spirituality. In this book Shults and Sandage address the subject of spiritual transformation through the lenses of psychology and theology. In addition to college and seminary students, Transforming Spirituality will appeal to readers interested in Christian spirituality. What is more, it provides helpful insights for counselors, psychologists, and others who work in the mental health field.

Author Biography

F. LeRon Shults (Ph.D., Princeton University; Ph.D., Walden University) is professor of theology at Agder University in Kristiansand, Norway, and the author of several books, including Reforming the Doctrine of God and Reforming Theological Anthropology. Steven J. Sandage (Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University) is a licensed psychologist, associate professor of marriage and family therapy at Bethel Theological Seminary, and coauthor of To Forgive Is Human. Shults and Sandage are the coauthors of The Faces of Forgiveness, winner of the Narramore Award from the Christian Association for Psychological Studies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	11	(28)
1 Introduction	13
Spirituality
Transformation
Relationality and Interdisciplinarity
The Classical "Ways" and the Dynamics of Intensification
The Crucible of Spiritual Transformation
PART 1 TRANSFORMING SPIRITUALITY IN THEOLOGY
F. LERON SHULTS
2 Reforming Pneumatology	39	(28)
The Reformative Appeal of Pneumatology
Early Modern Concepts of "Spirit"
Traditional Resources for Reconstruction
Spirituality, Relationality, and the Intensification of Creaturely Life
Desiring Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
3 Becoming Wise	67	(27)
The Longing for Wisdom in Scripture
Spirituality and Truth in the Christian Tradition
Insights from Philosophy and Natural Science
Knowing in the Spirit
Sharing in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ
The Intensification of Faith
Transforming Prayer
4 Becoming Just	94	(29)
The Longing for Justice in Scripture
Spirituality and Goodness in the Christian Tradition
Insights from Philosophy and Natural Science
Acting in the Spirit
Sharing in the Suffering of Jesus Christ
The Intensification of Love
Transforming Service
5 Becoming Free	123	(30)
The Longing for Freedom in Scripture
Spirituality and Beauty in the Christian Tradition
Insights from Philosophy and Natural Science
Being in the Spirit
Sharing in the Glory of Jesus Christ
The Intensification of Hope
Transforming Hospitality
PART 2 TRANSFORMING SPIRITUALITY IN PSYCHOLOGY
STEVEN J. SANDAGE
6 Spirituality and Human Development	153	(34)
Defining Spirituality and Religion
Individual Differences in Spirituality
Relational Spirituality
Human Development and Personhood
Relational Contexts of Development
Attachment and Differentiation
Dwelling and Seeking
7 Spirituality and Health	187	(31)
Spiritual Arousal and Soothing
Defining Health and Well-Being
Well-Being and Maturity
Spiritual Well-Being
Scientific Research on Religion, Spirituality, and Health
Wisdom and Health
Health-Conducive Spirituality
Spiritual-Health Risks
Conclusion
8 Spirituality and Darkness	218	(24)
Varieties of Spiritual Darkness
A Model of Relational Spirituality
Struggles of Relational Spirituality
Spiritual Questing and Liminal Space
The via negativa
Dark Containers for Spiritual Transformation
Conclusion
9 Spirituality and Maturity	242
Micah's Revelation of Relational Spirituality
Spiritual Well-Being and Spiritual Maturity
Psychological Models of Developmental Maturity
Biblical Perspectives on Spiritual Maturity
The Psychology of Spiritual Maturity and Virtue
Dialectical Wisdom and Relational Spirituality
The Spiritual Maturity of Differentiated Attachment
Conclusion
PART 3 MODELING SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
F. LERON SHULTS AND STEVEN J. SANDAGE
10 Transforming Spirituality in Context	273	(24)
Juan: Transforming Spirituality in Prison
Case Interpretation
Interdisciplinary Explorations
Renae and Sid: Transforming Spirituality in Marriage
Case Interpretation
Interdisciplinary Explorations
Tim: Transforming Spirituality in Families
Case Interpretation
Interdisciplinary Explorations
Index	297