Are the concepts of "spiritual formation" and Lutheran doctrine compatible? Gretchen Ronnevik discusses this concept with Rev. Alan Johnson who is finishing up his dissertation on this very topic. He says that we Christians feel we should love the Lord our God with all our mind, all our mind, and all our mind. After graduating from seminary, he contemplated about how he knew more about God, but questioned whether he knew God himself better. He started asking questions about what it means to love God with our heart, and the all consuming, holistic aspect of faith.

They talk about spiritual disciplines/practices, the difference between Christian spiritual practices and spiritual practices in other religions, and how they feel about contemplative practices, and the concept of "lone-ranger Christianity."

This is 1 of 2 episodes on our conversation. Next week we will discuss the concept of spiritual direction.

Show Notes:

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What's New from 1517:

• Bible in One Year with Chad Bird

• Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi

• Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits

More from the hosts:

• Gretchen Ronnevik

• Katie Koplin