Any reading in theological history will quickly uncover that no one gets it all “right”. While I have not read everything written by the “dangerous” authors you mention, I have yet to read anything from these three where they denied the deity or exclusiveness of Jesus. From what I have read, their writings appear to be from souls who were seeking to abide in Christ (allowing His Word to fill their minds, direct their wills, and transform their affections). I don’t see any evidence that warrant a charge of heresy. As I have aged I have found it helpful to hold my theological convictions with a bit more open hands. While I can’t agree with everyone’s beliefs, believing the God of the Bible means giving ascent that His thoughts are greater than any human mind (1 Corinthians 1:25.) I am not trying to change your mind, but I felt compelled to provide an alternate perspective from my own readings of these authors. I am grateful for these men and beyond grateful for the definition of spiritual transformation that Ruth provides. I have found a more robust and sturdy faith through the work of Ruth and the Transforming Center.

David Hughes, here, TC’s resident theologian. Thanks for your response, JCH.

We do not attempt to defend everything taught by Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, and Dallas Willard. But we can attest that these three giants in the field of spiritual formation have positively impacted millions of Christ-followers in their walk with Jesus. They would embrace the term, “mystic”, meaning that they had direct experience with God that shaped their understanding of faith, and deepened their relationship with God. We use the language of spiritual formation to mean Christian spiritual formation and although Ruth uses both terms somewhat interchangeably, she and we are always referring to Christian spiritual formation which, by definition, is centered around Christ. We also use the phrase spiritual transformation, which refers to the process by which Christ is formed in us—for the glory of God (Romans 12:1,2) for the abundance of our own lives (John 10:10) and for the sake of the world for which Jesus died (John 3:16, 17). In our view, spiritual transformation is all about being “born again” or to use another deeply biblical phrase, being “sanctified.” As we observe in this blog post,… “the process of transformation is…supernatural in that it is something only God can accomplish in our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit….We can find ways to open to this process of transformation as it is guided by the Spirit, but we cannot control it or make it happen ourselves.” For that reason, “self-works transformation” is an impossibility, as God is always the primary actor in the process. 

Our approach to spiritual transformation is unapologetically Trinitarian. We teach and practice private and public confession, and approach Christ as our mediator. Our experience of prayer stills and clarifies our minds rather than clouding them. We treat other faith traditions with respect while holding to ancient Christian confessions like the Apostle’s Creed that emerge directly from Scripture and are affirmed as part of our historic Christian faith. We not only read Scripture but meditate upon it “day and night” like the Psalmist writes (Psalm 1), trusting the same Holy Spirit who inspired it to lead us into truth about what it means to follow Jesus in every facet of our lives. Your use of the word “key” is unfamiliar to us but suffice it to say that we do not characterize disciplines like solitude, silence, and confession as “keys” but rather concrete activities we can engage in to open to the grace of God’s transforming work. All the great ones of our faith practice these, so we are in good company as we join them. 

And, what you don’t hear in Spiritual Formation is the term “Born again” (John 3). Rather, you follow certain ‘disciplines’ to be more like Christ. This is a self-works “transformation.” And along with it comes contemplative prayer. (Silence and solitude – the universal “key”) Neither of which is a ‘requirement’ to interact with God. Yes, we give reverence, but the true ‘key’ is confession of sin and praying to God through Christ our mediator. And we pray with a sound mind, not engaging in mystical mind-numbing sessions. Also Spiritual Formation has us merging with other faiths in the disguise of “Community”. The TRUE Spiritual Formation is when a person recognizes they are lost without Christ, they are sinners and apart from God. (Romans 3:23) Then confession, repentance and accepting Christ alone as Saviour, brings about the true Holy Spirit guiding the believer. This is the true spiritual transformation. And the Scriptures are absolute and sufficient!

The present culture in the USA is very damaged with much strife and hurt feelings everywhere.
I now reside in the Philippines with my very loving and giving wife.We both had sad first marriages.We now live in our beautiful seashore home and are retired and enjoying a very peaceful culture in the Philippines.
As a born again Christian and retired attorney I can help others to be bound for heaven. I love Jesus very much and we are both looking foward to Jesus’s return at the rapture and being with Him for all eternity.

Miller White

Thanks for letting us know that this article was helpful to you. So glad to hear it!

When close to death I went through a redemption process and lost my ability to carry hate of others. Instead now I pity and have empathy instead as I better understand how we can easily loose our perception of a higher power to a darker side of life. The Christ consciousness for me is real but also just a label. It’s the message and connection that’s important not the labels of history and it can be in all religions regardless of their label. This higher power does not discriminate and is all inclusive when we open and connect. All be well and safe.

https://lutherwasnotbornagaincom.wordpress.com/2022/05/22/dear-evangelical-christian-apologist-do-you-perceive-the-presence-of-jesus/