The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
Week 5: Spiritual Disciplines and Soul Transformation
Read Chapter 5 (or Session 5) of The Divine Conspiracy. Key passages: Romans 12:1–2; Colossians 3:1–17; 1 Timothy 4:7–8.
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Transformation is not automatic — it requires intentional training, and Willard gives us a compelling vision of how that training works in and through the rhythms of ordinary life.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Willard draws a sharp distinction between "trying" and "training." A person who tries to run a marathon without training will fail; a person who trains will find that what seemed impossible becomes natural. How does this analogy reshape your understanding of the role of spiritual disciplines in the Christian life?
2.Willard describes the human person as a multi-layered being — body, mind, will, soul, social self, and spirit — all of which need to be brought under the kingdom of God. Which of these dimensions of your own life feels most resistant to transformation, and why?
3.Willard argues that the body is not irrelevant to spiritual formation — in fact, bodily practices (fasting, silence, labor, solitude) are among the most powerful means of training the soul. How does this challenge the idea that spirituality is purely an interior or mental affair?
a.Which bodily or physical spiritual disciplines have you practiced? What did you learn from them?
b.Is there a discipline you have avoided that you sense might be specifically helpful for your own growth? What has kept you from it?
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