I'm one of those strange ones: Having grown up a Pentecostal and ministering wholeheartedly as a Pentecostal pastor, my style is rational, with a tendency towards doctrinal. The result of the test didn't really surprise me, but I'm amazed by how much I find myself in the description of the rational style.
My native style is rational (leaning toward doctinal) and I have just re-read that part of the book. I definitley relate to the feeling of mistrust of simple answers and the striving for explanations that are mentioned. I have also experienced how the questioning mindset confuses people - and how it can offend people.
Can't help but relate the doctrinal style (my opposite style) with the typology of thinking/feeling aspects of one's personality. As I understand this part of one's personality, it represents the ways in which a person typically makes a decision - either on facts/logic or on feelings. It appears that "thinking, embracing systems, content over experience, objectivity" take precedence in one's connection with God, and may have a correlation with that part of one's personality.
As my wife and I started this journey, we both immediately began to relate non christian family members to different styles. This has opened our eyes to look at different ways to show Christ according to how the person relates to spiritual issues.
For example, it is obvious to us that one relative is rational, and another is mystical.
Have you problems to find facts beyond reasonable doubt? I know now that I do have it...
My native style is the enthusiastic style and my opposite one is the doctrinal style. So I've decided to do the doctrinal style on the 28 days of discipline.
I find it intriguing that the mystical style which is the opposite of my doctrinal strength has always been fascinating to me. I have a greater appreciation for liturgy than my doctrinal brethren and also have been interested in symbols and being responsive to the Spirit's promptings despite what my "common sense mightt dictate. I don't always respond but I'm at least aware off the promptings and need to follow through on them more faithfully.
If you've not done so already, get involved in a Mutual Mentoring relationship with someone who has the doctrinal spiritual style.
The Mutual Mentoring guide is contained in Part 2 of the workbook How to Embrace The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality in Your World, or can be downloaded freely from the web site (click the link below and then go to "Mutual Mentoring").
Write a statement about a belief that you hold to very strongly. Consider your choice very carefully and test your conviction by starting the statement with "I would be willing to die for my belief that..."
If repeating this exercise, write about a different belief this week.
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org
The Apostles' Creed below is one of the earliest statements of Christian belief. Reflect on the creed and ask yourself which parts you hold to very strongly and about which parts you are not so sure. As you will reflect on this each week through your 28 days of doctrinal discipline, start memorising it, and when you feel ready, recite it to a friend.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
If you have any negative feelings toward the doctrinal style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.
Or...
Consider a problem or challenge facing you, your family, friends, or your work team today.
Write a list of the "facts beyond reasonable doubt" surrounding that issue. These need only be short statements that indicate what you believe to be true based upon the evidence and details. Ask whatever questions seem appropriate in order to identify all available clues.
Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the doctrinal style
Motto: thinking correctly about God
Focus: truth & doctrine
Key Scripture: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Share them with a friend.
Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of truth and doctrine in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the doctrinal style.
Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.
Note down anything you sense during this time.
Write a list of 6-12 words or short phrases that describe an ideal church in your view.
Now sort those terms into 3 groups so that similar or related items are together (you can have a different number of items in each group).
Write a statement about a belief that you hold to very strongly. Consider your choice very carefully and test your conviction by starting the statement with "I would be willing to die for my belief that..."
If repeating this exercise, write about a different belief this week.
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org
The Apostles' Creed below is one of the earliest statements of Christian belief. Reflect on the creed and ask yourself which parts you hold to very strongly and about which parts you are not so sure. As you will reflect on this each week through your 28 days of doctrinal discipline, start memorising it, and when you feel ready, recite it to a friend.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
If you have any negative feelings toward the doctrinal style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.
Or...
Consider a problem or challenge facing you, your family, friends, or your work team today.
Write a list of the "facts beyond reasonable doubt" surrounding that issue. These need only be short statements that indicate what you believe to be true based upon the evidence and details. Ask whatever questions seem appropriate in order to identify all available clues.
Für Christen mit einem rechtgläubigen Stil ist es am natürlichsten, ihrer Spiritualität über eine klare Abgrenzung von Wahrheit und Irrlehre Ausdruck zu verleihen. Stärke des Stils ist die Konzentration auf gesunde Lehre; die Gefährdung liegt in seiner Neigung zu einem statischen Verständnis von Wahrheit (Dogmatismus)...Auszug von Die 3 Farben Deiner Spiritualität - Christian A. Schwarz
Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the doctrinal style
Motto: thinking correctly about God
Focus: truth & doctrine
Key Scripture: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of truth and doctrine in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the doctrinal style.
Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.
Note down anything you sense during this time.
Re-read the chapter in The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality about the doctrinal style. Note down any thoughts or questions that have come to mind about the topic and post one of them on the web site for others to consider and perhaps respond to or comment on.
- Just visit the link below
- Create a free account on the site or just log in if you already have an account
Write a statement about a belief that you hold to very strongly. Consider your choice very carefully and test your conviction by starting the statement with "I would be willing to die for my belief that..."
If repeating this exercise, write about a different belief this week.
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org
The Apostles' Creed below is one of the earliest statements of Christian belief. Reflect on the creed and ask yourself which parts you hold to very strongly and about which parts you are not so sure. As you will reflect on this each week through your 28 days of doctrinal discipline, start memorising it, and when you feel ready, recite it to a friend.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
If you have any negative feelings toward the doctrinal style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.
Or...
Consider a problem or challenge facing you, your family, friends, or your work team today. Write a list of the "facts beyond reasonable doubt" surrounding that issue. These need only be short statements that indicate what you believe to be true based upon the evidence and details. Ask whatever questions seem appropriate in order to identify all available clues.
Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the doctrinal style.
Motto: thinking correctly about God
Focus: truth & doctrine
Key Scripture: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of truth and doctrine in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the doctrinal style.
Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.
Note down anything you sense during this time.
Arrange to pray together with a friend (or two) at some time during the next few days. Set aside enough time that it would be a stretch. That might mean 15 minutes, half an hour, an hour or more depending on how long you would usually pray with another person.
Write a statement about a belief that you hold to very strongly. Consider your choice very carefully and test your conviction by starting the statement with "I would be willing to die for my belief that..."
If repeating this exercise, write about a different belief this week.
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org