|
This section opens with a consideration of the transitions described by the CYA Theory. Specifically, there is a distinction drawn between 2nd Peter Theory transitions that fall WITHIN one of the CYA Groups, and the 2nd Peter Theory transitions that fall BETWEEN the CYA Groups. The Within transitions are seen as relatively quick and easy, sometimes occurring so easily that the Disciple may not even notice them, until the next level is fully engaged. The Between transitions, on the other hand, were seen as slower, more difficult, and generally more emotionally involving.
The second essay focuses on the Role of the Holy Spirit in the transitions between the different 2nd Peter Theory levels. Briefly, the transitions Between CYA groups are seen as places where the Scripture describes the Holy Spirit as actively involved in the Disciple's life. These occasions would seem to be major foci of the activity of the Holy Spirit. However, this author does not wish to imply that the Holy Spirit will not be active at other times in the Disciple's walk. The Spirit will always be available to assist and comfort the Disciple. Yet, the text of Scripture does seem to describe the Spirit's activity in ways that make His involvement at CYA transitions particularly telling.
The third essay in this section describes what this author describes as the Self/Other Orientation. This is an approach to people and the world generally, in which the motivation for action in the Disciple's life tends to being Self-concerned vs Other-concerned. The Self concern is prototypical of the Child and the Other concern is prototypical of the Adult. The Youth is seen lying between the other two groups along the Self/Other continuum, at a point of Mixed emphasis.
All three of these major ways of looking at Christian Spiritual Development are understood by this author as providing support for the 'merger' of the CYA Theory and the 2nd Peter Theory. The finding that the broad outline of development portrayed in the 2nd Peter Theory is 'paralleled' by the CYA Theory is understood as a conceptual support for the validity of both of these approaches to Christian Spiritual Development.
|
