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I love Dallas Willard's writings. I'd love to hear other like-minded FReepers' comments on the joys and challenges of living a Christ-centered life.

I agree on some points, being an evangelical christian. But there are a few false presumptions that need to be clear up.

1.The spiritual side of the human being, Christian and non-Christains alike develops in to reality which it becomes, for good or ill. Everyone receives spiritual formation ..

First in the garden of eden when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. God said: that in that day you shall SURELY DIE. Man died a spiritual death that day just as real as the physical death they suffered later. Man without Christ is spiritual dead. We are(spiritual) dead in our sins and trespasses. Only in Christ can the true worshiper, worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Jesus said so. Has for the term spiritual formation that can be alittle misleading. We are to conform to the mind of Christ Phil 2:5, Rom 11:34 Our spiritual formation as you call it has to do with maturing in Christ.

2. Psychological and Theological understanding of the spiritual life must go hand in hand.

This is a dangerous statement. Psychology has it roots in Evolution in more ways than even I can explain. It sound as if the evolution people have taken a few verse from the bible to put spiritual growth in to their context of evolution for mankind. Adding a spiritual element to man constant evolution from apes, into humans, into some thing that mankind is not. The fact that spiritual formation applies to everyone as stated above #1, prove my point.
Psychology is modern day witch craft. Mixing this with christianity allows the devil to hide his lies in the Word. Like mixing poison with a drink.

3. The reality of Christ spiritual formation are that we will not be transformed into his likeness.............

This is another dangerous and misleading statement. Romans 12:2 ...but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and exceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In conclusion I would have to say that the speaker is under the influence of other doctrines outside of the Word of God, mainly Psychology, which many minister have fallen prey to. Because of the college requirement for ministry in many protestant churches are just wrong.

I have not read the entire article - but how does "spiritual formation" differ from discipleship?