Joseph Allen's concept of spiritual direction in Eastern Christianity

Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction

The objective of this study is to examine the work of Joseph Allen entitled "Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction" and to cite the three most important points made in this work in writing.

The work of Joseph J. Allen entitled "Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction" is reported to be a "call to reawaken the critical ministry of spiritual direction in which a person, whether in a life crisis or merely seeking Christian growth, can make great spiritual gains." (Antiochian Village, 2013, p.1) Allen states that entering the Inner Way is "Risky, dangerous -- one can even say fearful." (2000) the reasons stated include that it is because "it represents an encounter of spiritual depth, one which not only leads to a deeper relationship among human persons, but also seeks to carry us to the very root of all relationships -- the presence of the living God himself." (Allen, 2000) Allen states that in the 'inner way' the meaning of the scripture contained in Hebrews 10:31 is learned which states:

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (cited in Allen, 2000)

This type of encounter serves to affect every other life encounter makes a great requirement on the individual directing and the individual being led in spiritual growth.

I. Overview

Chapter one of Joseph Allen's work relates the historical account of the Spiritual Physician and the practices and goals of this ministry. Chapter Two of Allen's work conducts a study into the history of the 'elder' and reveals the characteristics of this ministry historically and examines the contemporary practice of the spiritual leader. Chapter three of Allen's work examines the theological roots of the spiritual leader and Chapter four examines the psychology and methodology of the spiritual leader.

II. The Spiritual Physician Guides

Allen states that the central concern in studying spiritual direction as it specifically relates to Christianity is centered on the question of "How can we direct (guide, counsel) those persons entrusted by God to our care in such a way as to remain rooted in the Apostolic Christian tradition, and yet not fail to make proper use of the many contemporary resources -- sociological, anthropological, physiological and psychological -- which are available to us?" (2000) According to Allen in comprehending this question the important place in the ministry of the Church is approached or that of the 'iatros penumatikos' or the 'spiritual physician'. (paraphrased) Allen states that the "historical pattern and paradigm for the task is found in the study of the 'elder which is so solidly rooted in Eastern Christianity." (Allen, 2000)

II. The Central Task of Spiritual Direction

Allen writes that the central task of spiritual direction in terms of its goal and historical goals is the leading of individuals "deeper and deeper into the struggle for the Christian life, that is, toward wholeness and healing." (2000) Allen states that this task is "central whether or not the life of the person being directed is currently undergoing a crisis." (2000) the individual's prayer life is not the only focus but the individual's overall experience is stated to have become" the very content of dialogue with the director. As one was led toward a deeper communion with God, there was always a focus on what was operational within oneself -- the perceptions of heart and mind -- and between oneself and God and his or her fellows -- behavioral concerns." (Allen, 2000) in fact, Allen writes that Christian communion is dependent upon these two specific experiential factors.

III. The Formation of the Spiritual Director's Evaluations

Allen writes that the formation of the spiritual director's evaluations was traditionally on the Christian anthropology in which he was rooted, and measured everything in life against its paradigm: the Theanthropos himself, the God-man, Christ Jesus. According to James Empereur in his work entitled "Enneagram and Spiritual Culture: Nine Paths to Spiritual Guidance" Joseph Allen place the ministry of spiritual direction "in the context of two other important ministries, that or liturgy and of reconciliation." (p.26) Empereur writes, "It is a refreshing change of perspective from many in the Western tradition who tend to isolate spiritual direction as an individualized ministry, one that at times appear to distance itself from liturgy and the ministry of reconciliation of the church itself." (p.26) Allen writes that the directee of the spiritual life is such that involves entering into a relationship of trust with the director who enters an agreement to "walk with that person on his or her 'faith journey' through life." (2000) According to Allen "Relationship' and 'story' are key words in the study of spiritual direction.

Summary and Conclusion

The work of Joseph J. Allen reviewed in this study focuses on reawakening the ministry of spiritual direction in the Christian life. Several primary points are made by Allen in his book including that the inner way is a risky way and the path that takes the individual into God's very presence -- that is the presence of the living God. Allen also emphasizes the need for the contemporary spiritual direction to use contemporary methods that the Holy Spirit makes available which are specific to today's issues and challenges in living the Christian life. Allen emphasizes that the primary role of spiritual direction is the leading of the individual into a relationship with God that continually grows deeper and that is focused on the individual's healing and wholeness of being. The relationship between the directee and the spiritual director is one that involves trust. Allen writes that the words 'relationship' and story' are key in the study of spiritual direction.