[Eastbound]

"A later writer, John Scotus Eriugina (ninth century) elaborates the Justinian position, in the process noting that there is a “downward tendency” of the soul towards the conditions of animal existence, and that this has only one remedy: Divine grace, the free gift of the Holy Spirit. “By means of this heavenly gift,” writes William Turner [at the entry for Scotus in the Catholic Encyclopedia], “man is enabled to rise superior to the needs of the sensuous body, to place the demands of reason above those of bodily appetite, and from reason to ascend through contemplation to ideas, and thence by intuition to God Himself.” "

Yes, the 'downward tendency' is the necessary thrustblock against which we push to exercise the muscles of our desire for God. To yield to the downward tendency as a rule, is to waste the Grace (time) of God. A weightlifter would make little progress pumping feathers.

Eriugina and Turner define the process of growth and eventual illumination in proper form. Thoroughly enjoyed the read. Thanks for posting this.

[Taliesan]

Yes, the 'downward tendency' is the necessary thrustblock against which we push to exercise the muscles of our desire for God. To yield to the downward tendency as a rule, is to waste the Grace (time) of God. A weightlifter would make little progress pumping feathers.

The downward tendency should not be resisted directly. To attempt it is to experience the despair of Romans 7.

The spiritual life is lived by cooperating with grace -- and voila! -- in some secret way the carnal man melts away. Sort of like walking on water. Sort of like leaven in a lump. Sort of like the wind blows.

[betty boop]

Eriugina and Turner define the process of growth and eventual illumination in proper form.

I completely agree, Eastbound. I'm so glad you enjoyed the article!