Considering the significance of the issue of spirituality in the
21st century both inside and outside the church in the world, this study
aims at presenting the nature of Christian spirituality and how to
develop it through theological and educatio...
Considering the significance of the issue of spirituality in the
21st century both inside and outside the church in the world, this study
aims at presenting the nature of Christian spirituality and how to
develop it through theological and educational discussions. Theological
research was conducted for the purpose of clarification of Christian
spirituality which seems to be too ambiguous to be understood as well
as practiced by ordinary people. Educational research was made to
present how to develop it individually and in a group, looking for a role model in the Bible.
The second chapter, the first chapter being introduction, dealt
with the meaning of spirituality in general and in Christianity,
theocentricism and humanism, spirituality and self, and some scholars'
definitions of Christian spirituality, focusing on presenting a
comprehensive and clear definition of Christian spirituality(S=RGP1P2E),
so that it could easily be applied to developing Christian spirituality.
Calvin's work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, was introduced as an
example which seems to be in accordance with the spirituality formula.
The third chapter explored the methods how to develop
Christian spirituality, resulting in introducing some types of meditation
which could be practiced by anyone individually. Four stages of
spirituality development were also introduced for anyone to clearly and
easily apply. Meditation is an effective method for spirituality
development, however, it is usually practiced individually. The necessity
of spirituality development in a group calls for Christian education which
is usually done in a group.
Therefore, the last section of this chapter dealt with Christian
education and the work of the Holy Spirit, because Christian education
without the work of the Holy Spirit results only in increasing knowledges, while emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit without
Christian education tends to lead people to a dangerous mysticism. This
research presents the early church in Jerusalem which is characterized
by Christian education and the work of the Holy Spirit as a role model
for spirituality development. Chapter four introduces some people in the
church history, including St. Antony, St. Benedict, and Martin Luther,
who seem to be so much developed in spirituality.