Spiritual Formation, Annotated Bibliography Example

Dykstra, C. and Parks, S. (Eds.) (1986). Faith development and Fowler. Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press.

This collection of various essays reflects on the Faith Theory of Fowler. They cover both the theological and development perspective of the faith formation, therefore, will serve as a good source for creating an argument.

Fowler, J.W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. New York:Harper & Row.

This work is a basis for all theoretical approaches towards spirituality and will be used as a reference for further research. The author uses a philosophical approach and draws a clear map of different stages to one’s individual spiritual journey.

Herrick, J. (2003). The making of the new spirituality: The eclipse of the Western religious tradition. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press

The approach of the author is revolutionary as he mainly speaks about “new spirituality”. Drawing from modern human experiences and even pop culture. While there is a need for modern approaches the validity of the theses need to be examined.

Nelson. P. (2012) Spiritual Formation:Ever Forming, Never Formed. InterVarsity Press

In the two chapters of this book, the author covers both the Biblical Foundations of spirituality and the practical applications of creating a conversation with God. The book also covers the formation of leaders, questions about marriage and sins.

Nouwen. H. (2010) Spiritual Formation:Following the Movements of the Spirit. HarperCollins

The author talks about spiritual formation as a life- long journey as well as a personal experience. Unlike other authors, he emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual guide and a leading example. He states that articlulation is the key to avoid getting on the right path, and this can only come from the inside. He finds that one’s reflection on their own self is the best approach; alongside with the “lectio divida” or devotional reading of the Scriptures.

Journal Articles

Asian Consultation on Spiritual Formation in Theological Education: April 25-30, 1988.Ministerial Formation, 42, 32-33.

This somewhat revolutionary journal article focuses on integration. The purpose of the study is to reveal the spiritual development process and patterns of Christian leaders around the world. The curriculum is discussed as a whole, not only the experiences of spirituality.

Bongmba, E.K. (2001). Spiritual Development, Its Thought, Public Praxis and The Crisis of Intersubjectivity: Refocusing Religious and Theological Thought in Africa. Religion and Theology, 8/1,138-164.

This article is interesting because it focuses on the African (Nigerian) approaches to theology and religion. He focuses on communities and their effects on one’s spiritual formation in different cultures.

Customizing Spiritual Formation. Quarterly Bible Study. 2008. Christianbilblestudies.com

The article is the first chapter of the quarterly edition of Bible studies and provides a practical guide for seekers and guides alike. It covers the basics of identifying personal needs and creating an intimate relationship with God.

Fortosis, S. (2001). Theological foundations for a stage model of spiritual formation. Religious Education, 96, 49-63.

Based mainly on Fowler’s work and publications, the author concludes that there are eight main points of tension of spiritual formation. He stresses integration and wholeness, which will be a great part of the current research.

Morris, D. Spiritual Formation. (1994) Catholic Studies at Southern College. Waymarks Publication. p. 1-16

In this review, the author emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own way towards spirituality, instead of copying the example of others on the journey. The only authority that should be taken into consideration is the one of the Church’s. The article looks deeper