http://metamorpha.com/Default.aspx?tabid=60&forumid=11&scope=threadsThis forum is designated for the discussion of church history and how the witness of those in the past can offer insight into spiritual formation. 2010-09-08T10:44:22Z2008-02-03T23:10:30Z302006-11-26T22:19:44Zthomashttp://metamorpha.com/Default.aspx?tabid=60&forumid=11&scope=posts&threadid=90Once one begins to explore the area of spiritual formation it seems almost impossible to avoid coming across those in church history who have discussed the spiritual life. It seems that many of these voices are a part of the catholic tradition. I personally have appreciated much of what John of the Cross, Bernard of Clairvaux, Teresa of Avila and Ignatius, have to say about the spiritual life. Sadly enough I have found that much of what I have learned 'new' from the recent spiritual formation resurgance has been discussed in the church for hundreds of years. In fact, the things I have learned are not 'new' at all (i believe metamorpha mentions this in their 'context' document in the about section), but are rather ideas and concepts that have been in the church for quite some time. So the question that I begin to ask is, 'why?' Why have I not heard about developmental spirituality, dark nights, the concept of union with God, love of God for God's self, the false self, and the many other insights brought forth by these saints throughout church history until recently in my faith. Having been a Christian for most of my life and having grown up in the church, I can't help but ask why I was not introduced to these figures. In fact, I wasn't even introduced to the 'non-catholic' (those figures that would be more comfortable for evangelicals to talk about) contributers throughout church history. I found when I went to a Christian University that I didn't even know anything about John Calvin, Jonanthan Edwards or John Wesley until I went to my first lecture on church history. So, I guess I would like to pose the question to this community. 'Why?' Why has the church not introduced us to these figures in church history who offer so much insight into the spiritual life both from their understanding of the scripture and from their personal experience in relationship with the Lord? I can begin to venture a guess as to why I heard nothing about those in the catholic tradition (since my church experience was a divorce from anything catholic-as if the church started when Luther came on the seen-of course bless Luther for his insights!). Why has the evangelical church been divorced from church history, even the history we deem as truthful and biblically accurate? How much of our spiritual malnurishment is due to a complete ignorance of many voices who could offer us much insight?32006-10-27T16:02:57ZHenrihttp://metamorpha.com/Default.aspx?tabid=60&forumid=11&scope=posts&threadid=10I was wondering if anyone would help me understand some of the major issues and debates historically when it comes to spirituality. I know some of them, that there is an issue of what role the Spirit plays in the lives of believers, as well as how much a believer can grow and become virtuous. Is there a good source to find this kind of information? Thanks!4