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Dynamics of Christian Spirituality

This course explores modern spirituality, emphasizing the need for a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled life. It highlights three dynamics: relational (friendship with God and community), transformational (holiness and wholeness), and vocational (stewardship and mission), all grounded in scriptural narrative.
Number of lessons: 11
Total length: 10 hours and 51 minutes
Format: Audio
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About This Class

If you are familiar with the author's A Little Guide to Christian Spirituality: Three Dimensions of Life with God, you will have a good idea of what is in this course.

The course is designed for those who are at the beginning stages of the spiritual journey. It talks about the dynamics of spiritual growth, how to grow to be more like Christ. (10:50)

 

Other Recommended Reading:

The Christian Educator's Handbook on Spiritual Formation, Kenneth Gangel & James Wilhoit

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About the Professor

Glen G. Scorgie

Glen G. Scorgie is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Bethel Seminary, where he served from 1996-2022. He holds a Ph.D. in ecclesiastical history from the University of St. Andrews. His research covers theology, Christian spirituality, and global mission.

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Glen G. Scorgie

Lessons

  • 1. Getting Started

    The modern way of life has left the human spirit unsatisfied. Though organized religion has been found deficient, real Spirit-uality remains God’s gracious provision for the soul-hunger of every age. We have introduced a framework for understanding such spirituality – one that highlights its three essential dynamics.

  • 2. A Historical Overview of Spirituality

    It is within the narrative of scripture that we continue to live and move. We are interested in the quality of spirituality that characterized the countless saints who have pursued God down through the centuries. Their legacy is not infallible, but it is instructive and potentially very helpful.

  • 3. Friendship With God

    We were created for community, but our sin has produced alienation. By his Spirit, Christ is restoring our intimacy with God and others.

  • 4. Experiencing Community

    The first dynamic of Christian spirituality is relational— friendship with God and the experience of community.

  • 5. The Renewal of Holiness

    We have become image-bearers who sin, and worse than that, we carry about in us a disposition to sin. The gospel is the good news that our sinful thoughts and actions can be forgiven through the atoning work of Christ. God’s Spirit, who now resides in us, is also fixing the polluted source of ours sins.

  • 6. The Healing of Our Wounds

    God’s saving plan is to change us into persons who are both holy and whole.

  • 7. Discovering Purpose and Meaning

    The Christian life involves connecting, becoming and doing. We discover meaning in life by aligning ourselves with God’s call to steward creation, evangelize the nations, and build his kingdom.

  • 8. The Gift of a Personal Calling

    The ability to discern our personal vocation in life is important. What we do with our lives is an essential element of true spirituality.

  • 9. An Integrated Spirituality

    Each of us should seek to live a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled life characterized all three dynamics of Christian spirituality: relational, transformational and vocational. We should conscientiously incorporate all three into our prayer lives as well.

  • 10. Living With Disciplined Intent

    Grace is not opposed to effort, but to earning (Dallas Willard). We are as spiritual as we want to be (A. W. Tozer).

  • 11. Epilogue - Yearning For Better Days
    Gain insights into the ache of yearning and the reality of Christian life, and learn about the hope of Christian spirituality, which is sustained by the power of the Spirit, the foundation of the Lord's Prayer, and the authenticity of Christian spirituality.
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