This paper will examine
biblical and theological models of
sanctification or growth in the
spiritual life. Sanctification is as sometimes overlooked aspect of the
Christian understood of
salvation, and is understood very differently across the
Christian spectrum.
Sanctification, however, includes an understanding of
union with Christ, and is associated with various practices such as prayer, taking communion, living in community, resisting evil, taking up your cross, loving your enemy, confessing sin, examining your conscience, practicing virtue, giving hospitality, indwelling the Word and communing with the Spirit.
I examine these practices and also the dark side by which they become oppressive in some circumstances, becoming
obsessive or coerced or instrumental practices rather than a free means to a union with God and neighbour.
In the last part of the paper I make associations between
narrative therapy and some aspects of
Christian spirituality. In particular I look at the
narrative practices of externalization, co-research, the recruitment of a life-club, and resistance of the voice of evil. I look at models of the self which resonate in narrative and
Christian theology.
Conflict of Interest:
None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: At the Psychological & Spiritual Society (PASS) University of Western Sydney 'Spirituality, Human Development and Well-Being Conference', Sydney, Australia,July 2008.
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