Journeying Home: A Study of Christian Spiritual Formation Through the Interface of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Lectio Divina
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Issue Date
2022-03
Authors
Stiles, Robert John
Advisor
Pihulyk, Ouida (Advisor)
Artist
Creator
Editor
Photographer
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Spiritual formation
Alcoholics Anonymous
Lectio Divina
Christian life
Alcoholics Anonymous
Lectio Divina
Christian life
Citation
Stiles, Robert John. “Journeying Home: A Study of Christian Spiritual Formation Through the Interface of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Lectio Divina.” D. Min., Tyndale University, 2022
Abstract
This study grew out of my life experience. After decades of longing to belong, God led me first to the halls of 12 Step programs, then to Seminary where I discovered, spiritual formation, Lectio Divina and spiritual direction. In contemplating a model of spiritual formation, the interface of these two experiences came to life in the linkage of the final three steps of A. A. which I characterize as Confess (Step 10), Abide (Step 11), and Give (Step 12). The research observed the spiritual maturation of lay people at various stages of their journey of becoming more like Christ. The project was designed to build a community of trust within a small group who met for seven weeks to practice Lectio Divina. I used the narrative inquiry research method with favorable results. Some participants self-identified both as having a deeper sense of the presence of God and experiencing a change in their approach to daily life while others either experienced movement in one of the dimensions or no movement at all. My conclusion is that, for some, the practice of Lectio Divina can effectuate deeper spiritual formation
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction – Chapter 2: Becoming a Child of God: Spiritual Autobiography – Chapter 3: Doing, Being, Becoming and Homecoming: a Model of Spiritual Formation – Chapter 4: Field Research Study: an Exploration of Lay Members’ Growth in Spiritual Formation Using a Complementary Focus of Aspects of the A. A. 12 Steps Together with the Spiritual Discipline of Lectio Divina – Chapter 5: Conclusion.
Publisher
Tyndale University
Copyright Notice
Copyright. Robert John Stiles, managed by Tyndale University. All rights reserved.
Rights License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License
Rights License Link
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Alternative Title
A Study of Christian Spiritual Formation Through the Interface of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Lectio Divina