What is spiritual formation?

Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation is a phrase that applies to the use of specific techniques such as meditation, contemplative prayer, chanting, visualization and so-called “spiritual disciplines” to find an experience with God. Many of these practices often involve the quest to empty the mind of all thought so that humans can then “experience” the One above all thought. “Seeking the silence,” “breath prayers,” repeating single words or sentences mantra-style, are claimed to cause the soul to connect with the divine. These practices, that are found in the New Age and Eastern Mysticism, are a subtle forms of spiritualism which clearly oppose the Word of God.

Spiritual formation was originated by Ignatious Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, as a method of preparing Jesuit priests for their mission. The modern versions of it apparently came directly from the Papacy. The Roman Catholic mystics, as well as New Agers and spiritualists, use these practices in their quest for “enlightenment” and communication with spirit entities. To deceive people, spiritual formation is labeled with Christian terminology and claims as its goal to bring people closer to Christ.

The supposed discovery that “all is one,” “God is all” (pantheism), or that “God is in all” (panentheism), is often the outcome of such teachings and doctrines. Spiritual formation is not a healthy addition to the gospel as some claim. Mysticism is deadly because it puts people in direct communication with demonic spirits instead of God and could lead to demon possession.

Dangers of Spiritual Formation

1. Incorporation of Unbiblical Practices

One concern with contemporary spiritual formation practices is the incorporation of unbiblical or extra-biblical elements. For instance, some spiritual formation practices draw on techniques from Eastern religions or secular psychology, which does not align with biblical teachings. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 warns against false apostles and deceitful workers:

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” (NKJV)

This passage warns believers to be vigilant about practices that might appear righteous but are rooted in deception.

2. Focus on Self and Personal Experience

Another issue with some spiritual formation practices is an excessive focus on self and personal experience rather than on God and His Word. Practices that emphasize personal experience or self-improvement over biblical truth can lead individuals away from the true purpose of spiritual growth. Jeremiah 17:9 highlights the deceptive nature of the human heart:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (NKJV)

Spiritual formation practices that prioritize personal experience or subjective feelings without grounding in biblical truth can lead to misguided or erroneous beliefs.

3. Influence of Eastern Mysticism, Contemplative, and New Age Practices

Mysticism and contemplative practices, which often involve meditation or visualization techniques, which introduce elements that are not biblically sound. Colossians 2:18 warns against self-imposed religious practices and the worship of angels:

“Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” (NKJV)

This verse cautions against practices that involve false humility or experiences that are not grounded in the revelation of Scripture.

The scriptures in Deuteronomy 18:10-11 warns against New Age and Eastern mysticism practices:

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter passthrough the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.” (NKJV)

And the Scriptures add in Leviticus 19:31:

“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” (NKJV)

4. Warning Against False Teachings

1 Timothy 4:1 warns that in the latter times, some will depart from the faith and give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons:

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (NKJV)

Believers are advised to be discerning and cautious about teachings and practices that are not rooted in Scripture. This warning underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the teachings of Scripture and not incorporating unbiblical elements into spiritual practices.

Biblical Principles for Spiritual Growth

1. Centering on Christ and His Word

Genuine spiritual formation must be centered on Christ and His Word. John 15:4 emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (NKJV)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the sufficiency of Scripture for spiritual growth:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)

2. Emphasizing Transformation by the Holy Spirit

Spiritual formation should involve transformation by the Holy Spirit rather than mere human effort. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, which are evidence of genuine spiritual growth:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (NKJV)

A true spiritual experience with God comes only by carefully comparing our characters with the scriptures and His Law (Romans 3:20; 7:7), by repenting of all sin (Luke 13:3), trusting Christ’s love, grace, and shed blood (Ephesians 1:7,12,13), being “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1), receiving His Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), being born again (John 3:5), and becoming “obedient children” (1 Peter 1:14), who obey God’s law through His power (Revelation 12:17; 14:12). This is the Biblical doctrine, which was taught by Jesus, the apostles and all the prophets. “Contemplative prayer,” “spiritual formation,” and Catholic-based “spiritual disciplines” are the devil’s counterfeits.

Conclusion

Spiritual formation is a phrase that applies to the use of specific techniques such as meditation, contemplative prayer, chanting, visualization and so-called “spiritual disciplines” to find an experience with God. The Bible provides clear warnings against incorporating unbiblical practices, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the truth of God’s Word. By centering spiritual growth on Christ and His Word, and avoiding New Age and Eastern Mysticism practices that deviate from biblical doctrine, believers can pursue spiritual growth that honors God and reflects His truth.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team