Know thyself with help

Some understand that spiritual direction has to come from within the individual seeking help, as in the case of Rogerian ‘person centred therapy’. This along with Jung’s emphasis on the ‘collective conscience’ and Laing’s stress on the ‘transpersonal’ aspect of human psychology [1] has given rise to a new development in spiritual direction these days, a syncretism between modern and post-modern psychotherapy techniques and biblical truth, generally termed as the Christian counselling movement. The internal drive towards actualization and self-realization is dynamic, evolving and reflective in these models of therapy. These are rooted in self- fulfilment rather than costly discipleship. Although these may appeal to Christians because of their making allowance for the ‘spiritual dimension’, what Jung terms the God-archetype in the unconscious, there should here be a note of caution against slipping into a Gnostic solipsism. Whilst the inward reflective journey may be necessary for our spiritual development as disciples of Christ in and of itself it is insufficient for forming the true self. It is only through submission to God, not self, that we begin the process of actualization, this is of grace [2] and it should result in a more meaningful end, that of loving God and our neighbour. ‘[spiritual] Direction is [therefore] an incarnational ministry, a social ministry, which occurs within the movement of the Kingdom of God.’ [3]


[1] Also known as spectrum psychology, influenced by cultural anthropology and philosophy and promoted by what is termed the New Age movement - which sees the spiritual dimension as critical to human development and well –being.
[2] Cf. 2Cor.3:18.
[3 ]Kenneth Leech, ‘Spirituality and Pastoral Care’, London, Sheldon Press, 1987, p.64.

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