The Spiral Path of Spiritual Growth

Presentation by Dr. Troy Caldwell

Audio:

Dr. Troy Caldwell, a retired psychiatrist and spiritual director, presents a foundational pattern of Christian spiritual growth called “the spiral path.” This model describes our journey toward God as an ascending spiral that combines cyclic, hierarchical, and linear movements.

The Three Ways of the Spiritual Journey

The spiral path consists of three primary stages or “ways”:

  1. The Purgative Way: Following an awakening of the soul, this initial stage involves purification and struggle. It’s symbolized by the wilderness in scripture, like Jesus’s 40 days of fasting or the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering. During this phase, a person experiences trials and temptations as they begin their spiritual journey.
  2. The Illuminative Way: After sufficient purification, a person enters this stage characterized by a joyful consciousness of the transcendent order. This contemplative state brings deeper awareness of God’s presence and spiritual truths. Dr. Caldwell describes his own illuminative period lasting from age 30 to 49, bringing rich spiritual learning and growth despite occasional challenges.
  3. The Unitive Way: Following a “dark night of the soul” that typically intervenes between the illuminative and unitive phases, this final stage represents a complete surrender of self, will, and individuality. In this state, the person doesn’t merely perceive and enjoy God’s presence (as in illumination) but becomes one with it. This phase brings peaceful joy, enhanced powers, and intense certitude.

Characteristics of the Unitive Way

In the unitive way, a person experiences:

  • God’s presence as “right here” rather than distant
  • Less need for spiritual messages or profound dreams
  • Diminished ego self and a more prominent higher self
  • Fewer perceived opposites in life
  • Acceptance of all life experiences as part of a greater divine plan
  • A simplification of prayer toward “just hanging out in the glory of God”

Implications for Relationships

Dr. Caldwell explains how understanding this spiritual path can improve relationships:

  • Finding greater meaning in life and demonstrating more patient endurance through trials
  • Appreciating that everyone is on their own journey
  • Being less concerned about judging others as right/wrong or saved/unsaved
  • Trusting God’s slow work in drawing all souls to Himself
  • Accepting others as people in process

This understanding fosters greater peace, diminishes unholy striving, and helps us “enter that rest” that Hebrews speaks of.

About the Book

Dr. Caldwell’s book “Adventures in Soulmaking: Stories and Principles of Spiritual Formation and Depth Psychology” explores these concepts in greater depth. Drawing on his 30+ years as a psychiatrist and spiritual director, he shares stories and principles to help readers understand spiritual formation through both psychological and theological lenses.

The book is divided into two parts: “The Kingdom Within” and “Keys to the Open Heart.” It offers both theoretical frameworks and practical spiritual practices like recollection, scripture meditation, and lectio divina.

For those interested in purchasing “Adventures in Soulmaking,” it’s available through:

Chicago Citation (Notes and Bibliography Style)

Caldwell, Troy. Adventures in Soulmaking: Stories and Principles of Spiritual Formation and Depth Psychology. Self-published, 2015.

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