Christian Spirituality: Core Beliefs and Themes
These nine video slideshows with associated handouts were presented by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min. as part of the SpiritLife formation program offered through Heartland Center for Spirituality in Great Bend, KS between the years 2006 - 2018.
1. Human Spirit, Holy Spirit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNTCy3BCJLA
This lecture presents a holistic understanding of human nature as organism, psyche and spirit. The attributes of human spiritual consciousness in its embodiment are discussed, with examples of its functions, needs and pathologies. Christian spirituality is defined as spirituality practiced in the context of Christian faith, attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 39 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/spirituality.pdf
Additional study
a. God and I: Exploring the Connections Between God, Self and Ego book
https://shalomplace.com/view/godandi.html
b. A Christian Understanding of God and Creation podcast
https://philstromain.podbean.com/e/a-christian-understanding-of-god-and-creation/
c. Thoughts on the Human Soul podcast
https://philstromain.podbean.com/e/thoughts-on-the-human-soul/
2. Encountering Christ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3b-j3Dwieg
Reviews basics of Christian spirituality, and how we encounter the risen, ascended Christ through his four modes of presence to us: personal, community, sacramental and cosmic. 38 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/encountering.pdf
Additional study
a. Jesus Alive in Our Lives book
https://shalomplace.com/view/risenview.html
b. Jesus on the Cross: Why? book
https://shalomplace.com/view/crucifixion.html
c. Prayer in the Christian Tradition online booklet
https://shalomplace.com/res/prayer.html
3. Theosis and Transformation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDvGwyWxqQM
Theosis refers to our participation in the divine nature through Christ. We enter this process through faith, and grow through ongoing conversion and the grace of the Holy Spirit. We review different images of theosis from Scripture and ways the theotic process is at work in our lives. 44 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/theosis.pdf
Additional Study
a. The Theotic Process: short summary
https://shalomplace.com/theosis/index.html
b. Spiritual Transformation: short summary
https://shalomplace.com/res/principles.html
4. The False Self System: Origins, Characteristic, Theological Implications
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKspTUZYtCI
Sin/non-love has wounded us all, and has catalyzed the development of a false-self system that sabotages our growth in many ways. This presentation examines the origins of the false-self system and its negative influence in our individual lives and in society. Implications for theology and spirituality are also reviewed, with suggestions on how to break free from the influence of this conditioning. 54 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/fss.pdf
Additional Study
a. Origin of the False Self System worksheet
https://shalomplace.com/res/orgfss.html
b. Characteristics of the False Self System worksheet
https://shalomplace.com/res/flslf.html
5. The Inner Nature of Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bllCBWQE7-c
What do we mean by faith, and why is faith necessary for relationship with God? This presentation reviews the dynamics of faith -- belief, trust, surrender -- and contrasts three types of faith: humanistic, theistic, and theotic. 47 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/faith.pdf
Additional Study
a. The First Great Commandment podcast
https://philstromain.podbean.com/e/the-first-great-commandment/
b. The Inner Nature of Faith book, by James Arraj
http://innerexplorations.com/catchtheomor/the1.htm
6. People of the Trinity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX-08ndE3B4
Why do Christians believe God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and what difference does it make? This presentation reviews the early history of the development of the teaching on God as Trinity, and how this became formulated using concepts from Greek philosophy. Images of the Trinity from common experience and as conveyed by artists are also presented. Finally, we note the implications of Christian spirituality -- God, Who is intrinsically loving, enfolding us as Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier. 49 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/trinity.pdf
Additional Study
a. The Trinity: what difference does it make? discussion
https://shalomplace.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/18910625/m/20610965/p/1
b. God for Us: The Trinity and Christian Life, book by Catherine Mowry Lacuna
https://amzn.to/3xQEg0k
7. Gift of the Spirit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR6ymB5J3k0
Christ came to share the Holy Spirit with us to empower us to live and love as he did. This presentation reflects on the ministry of the Spirit within and among us, with emphasis on the Spirit's guidance in everyday living. Gifts and fruits of the Spirit are also reviewed. 41 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/spirit.pdf
Additional Study
a. "Come Holy Spirit" video series
https://www.udemy.com/course/come-holy-spirit/
b. Discussion board teachings and interactions on the Holy Spirit
https://shalomplace.org/eve/forums/a/frm/f/18110765
8. The Four Conversions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSFWjIIHIJI
Reviews the importance of ongoing religious, intellectual, moral and psychological conversion in living life to the full. Each of these is discussed, with suggested disciplines, and the interactions between the four are reviewed. 46 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/conversion.pdf
Additional Study
a. Spiritual Living Skills online booklet
https://shalomplace.com/res/spir-skills.pdf
b. Twelve Steps to Spiritual Wholeness book
https://shalomplace.com/view/12steps.html
9. Spiritual Growth Stages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9SeUWogfO0
Video slideshow presentation on the Three Ways or stages (purgative, illuminative, unitive) of spiritual transformation as understood in traditional Christian spirituality. Characteristic struggles, issues, and work to be done for each are discussed in terms of how the Spirit is drawing one to deepening union with God. This process is not characterized by sharp steps whereby one moves from one stage to another, but a gradual movement of growth. 41 min.
Handout: https://shalomplace.com/inetmin/handouts/stages.pdf
Additional Study
a. A Short Summary of Mystical Theology worksheet
https://shalomplace.com/res/mystsum.html
b. The Interior Castle book, by St. Teresa of Avila
https://amzn.to/3BJZii9