Formation may be the best name for what happens in a circle of trust, because the word refers, historically, to soul work done in community. But a quick disclaimer is in order, since formation sometimes means a process quite contrary to the one described in this book----a process in which the pressure of orthodox doctrine, sacred text, and institutional authority is applied to the misshapen soul in order to conform it to the shape dictated by some theology. This approach is rooted in the idea that we are born with souls deformed by sin, and our situation is hopeless until the authorities "form" us properly. But all of that is turned upside down by the principles of a circle of trust: I applaud the theologian who said that "the idea of humans being born alienated from the Creator would seem an abominable concept." Here formation flows from the belief that we are born with souls in perfect form. As time goes on, we subject to powers of deformation, from within as well as without, that twist us into shapes alien to the shape of the soul. But the soul never loses its original form and never stops calling us back to our birhtright integrity.Parker J. Palmer
About This Quote
In its most basic sense, formation is the process by which God develops a new baby from a fertilized egg. In this sense, formation means that God is doing something to create a soul. Formation is closely connected with the doctrine of original sin. The doctrine holds that we are born into a sinful soul, and that we must be transformed into a new person before we can live a good life.
The main problem with this doctrine is the concept of original sin. Because it teaches that we are born in sin, it implies an inherent separation from God, which is not true. We have no more choice about being born in sin than we do about being born with blue eyes or an innate talent for music.
This separation from God also does not mean that we are born with some physical deformity that makes us unable to function properly in society. Rather, it means that we have been corrupted by our sins and therefore cannot function properly in society because we have been corrupted by our sins.
Source: A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An Undivided Life
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