Essay on "Pastoral Theology"

Essay 5 pages (1318 words) Sources: 1 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction

The objective of this study is to examine the work of Joseph Allen entitled "Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction" and to cite the three most important points made in this work in writing.

The work of Joseph J. Allen entitled "Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction" is reported to be a "call to reawaken the critical ministry of spiritual direction in which a person, whether in a life crisis or merely seeking Christian growth, can make great spiritual gains." (Antiochian Village, 2013, p.1) Allen states that entering the Inner Way is "Risky, dangerous -- one can even say fearful." (2000) the reasons stated include that it is because "it represents an encounter of spiritual depth, one which not only leads to a deeper relationship among human persons, but also seeks to carry us to the very root of all relationships -- the presence of the living God himself." (Allen, 2000) Allen states that in the 'inner way' the meaning of the scripture contained in Hebrews 10:31 is learned which states:

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (cited in Allen, 2000)

This type of encounter serves to affect every other life encounter makes a great requirement on the individual directing and the individual being led in spiritual growth.

I. Overview

Chapter one of Joseph Allen's work relates the historical account of the Spiritual Physician and the practices and goals of this ministry. Chapter Two of Allen's work conducts a study into the history of the '

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elder' and reveals the characteristics of this ministry historically and examines the contemporary practice of the spiritual leader. Chapter three of Allen's work examines the theological roots of the spiritual leader and Chapter four examines the psychology and methodology of the spiritual leader.

II. The Spiritual Physician Guides

Allen states that the central concern in studying spiritual direction as it specifically relates to Christianity is centered on the question of "How can we direct (guide, counsel) those persons entrusted by God to our care in such a way as to remain rooted in the Apostolic Christian tradition, and yet not fail to make proper use of the many contemporary resources -- sociological, anthropological, physiological and psychological -- which are available to us?" (2000) According to Allen in comprehending this question the important place in the ministry of the Church is approached or that of the 'iatros penumatikos' or the 'spiritual physician'. (paraphrased) Allen states that the "historical pattern and paradigm for the task is found in the study of the 'elder which is so solidly rooted in Eastern Christianity." (Allen, 2000)

II. Importance for Spiritual Leadership to Be Contemporarily Specific

Allen relates that eldership, no matter the title used is a concern for all contemporary Christian communities and it is important that this ancient ministry be connected to contemporary issues. The importance of being rooted in the Christian tradition and to still receive benefit from discoveries in contemporary study is highlighted in the work of Allen. The importance of drawing upon material and information from a "broad spectrum: scripture, ethics, history, literature, the arts, human experience, cultural factors…" is emphasized by Allen. Allen states that while it is true that the majority of the "classical spiritual physicians were monastic elders -- spiritual direction has never been strictly synonymous with the elder of the past -- and must not be today. Perhaps the chief lesson to be learned from history is that spiritual direction must be brought to bear on the circumstances facing the people of God in any era -- including our own." (Allen, 2000)

According to Allen, the understanding of this specific issue is linked very closely with the understanding "of Christian pneumatology: that the Holy Spirit abides in every age, passes beyond the walls of any church, and as St. Paul notes, is the very source… READ MORE

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Quoted Instructions for "Pastoral Theology" Assignment:

“

Write a 5 page essay on what you believe are the three most important points that are made in Inner Way.

Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction

Joseph J. Allen

ISBN 1-885652-34-8

Chapters 2 thru 4 (pp 1 - 133)

*****

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