About the Podcast
Welcome to this podcast series on human and spiritual formation based on the findings and experiences emerging from the Epiphany Institute of Formative Spirituality and the book co-authored by your hosts (Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto), titled "Understanding Our Story: The Life's Work and Legacy of Adrian van Kaam in the Field of Formative Spirituality."
This podcast was produced and edited by Zackary Armfield.
Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this series.
Intro: Three Faces of Formative Spirituality
In this introductory episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto invite listeners into the rich world of formative spirituality through the life and legacy of Adrian van Kaam. Together, they explore a foundational question: Is it possible not only to experience but to truly understand and study the human spirit? Drawing on van Kaam’s “diamond” framework — formation science, formation anthropology, and formation theology — they unpack a holistic vision of the human person rooted in both lived experience and divine revelation. Join them as they begin a journey toward deeper self-understanding and a fuller grasp of God’s formative work in our lives.
Episode 1: The Van Kaamian Model of Full Field Formation
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto introduce Adrian van Kaam’s “Full Field Model of Formation,” a holistic vision of human spirituality centered in the Divine Mystery. Through this illuminating framework, they explore how our inner life, daily situations, relationships, and global context are all interconnected arenas of spiritual formation. Listeners are invited to move beyond self-centered living and toward a mystery-centered way of being. Join them as they unpack what it means to live fully in the Light that shapes every dimension of our lives.
Episode 2: Dimensions of Our Human Life Form
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore Adrian van Kaam’s four “dimensions of human presence” that shape the depth and texture of our lives. From our sociohistorical roots and vital physical being to our functional gifts and transcendent longing for “more,” they unpack how each dimension forms who we are becoming. Special attention is given to the transcendent dynamic — the inner pull toward meaning, purpose, and God that elevates human life beyond mere survival or achievement. Join them as they illuminate a richer understanding of the human spirit and the formative forces that guide our lifelong journey.
Episode 3: Integrating Structures
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore Adrian van Kaam’s “integrating structures” and how they provide continuity, meaning, and coherence across the span of our lives. From our founding essence in God to the lived expressions of our core, current, apparent, neuro, and actual forms, they unpack how our deepest identity is shaped and revealed over time. Grounded in both scripture and spiritual tradition, this conversation invites listeners to see their lives not as fragmented experiences, but as a unified journey held within the Divine Mystery. Join them as they illuminate the hidden structures that integrate who we are becoming.
Episode 4: Dispositions of Ongoing Formation
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore the dispositions that shape our ongoing spiritual formation—the inner “lenses” through which we perceive and respond to life. Drawing on Adrian van Kaam’s framework, they reflect on how virtues and vices influence our vitality, relationships, and alignment with God’s will. Central to the conversation are the six “C’s of Consonance”—congeniality, compatibility, compassion, competence, courage, and candor—practical dispositions that foster harmony with the Divine Mystery and with others. Join them as they offer a pathway toward deeper growth, integrity, and Spirit-led living.
Episode 5: Faith and Formation Traditions
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore Adrian van Kaam’s distinction between faith traditions — what we profess to believe — and formation traditions — how those beliefs are actually lived out. Confronting the tension between conviction and daily practice, they examine why this disconnect occurs and how it can be healed. Through van Kaam’s “form tradition pyramid,” listeners are invited to assess whether their lived patterns truly reflect their Gospel commitments. Join them as they offer practical insight for aligning belief and action in a more authentic, integrated Christian life.
Episode 6: Conscience Formation
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore the vital role of conscience in shaping a faithful and integrated spiritual life. Drawing on Adrian van Kaam’s insights, they examine how our moral conscience is formed — by faith traditions, mentors, culture, and personal experience — and why we often struggle to live according to what we know is right. The conversation introduces the deeper work of “formation conscience” and the regions of human consciousness that influence our awareness, decisions, and responsiveness to God’s grace. Join them as they unpack how a well-formed conscience leads us toward healing, freedom, and greater Christ-likeness.
Episode 7: The Appraisal Process
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto introduce Adrian van Kaam’s “Appraisal Process,” a spiritual framework for discerning life’s pivotal decisions. Through the memorable sequence of the “A’s” — from awe-filled attention and deep apprehension to appreciative abandonment and faithful application — they guide listeners through a prayerful path of listening for God’s direction. Rooted in trust in the Divine Mystery, this process invites us to move from uncertainty to hope-filled action. Join them as they offer practical wisdom for navigating crossroads with clarity, courage, and surrender.
Episode 8: Three Modes of Spiritual Direction
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore Adrian van Kaam’s three modes of spiritual direction — one-on-one guidance, direction-in-common, and ongoing spiritual self-direction. Together, they unpack how each mode helps seekers discern God’s will, deepen faith, and navigate life’s crossroads with greater clarity. From communal reflection to personal disciplines like silence, formative reading, and contemplative prayer, listeners are invited into a balanced life of worship and action. Join them as they map a holistic path for spiritual growth under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Episode 9: Meaning of A Transcendence Crisis
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore Adrian van Kaam’s understanding of a “transcendence crisis” — those life-shaking moments that test faith while also opening the door to deeper transformation. Through the lens of the formative action pattern — moving from, through, and to — listeners are invited to see crisis not as meaningless disruption but as a sacred turning point. Drawing on scripture and spiritual tradition, the conversation highlights how trust in the Divine Mystery can lead to renewal, growth, and greater consonance with God. Join them as they reframe life’s darkest seasons as pathways to new light and meaning.
Episode 10: Phases of Human and Christian Formation
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto explore Adrian van Kaam’s vision of human and Christian development through distinct phases of formation. Moving beyond simple life stages, they examine how our sociohistorical roots, vital beginnings, functional growth, and transcendent calling unfold together across a lifetime. Special attention is given to the transition from achievement-driven living to a life centered in the Divine Mystery. Join them as they illuminate how each phase of life carries spiritual significance, guiding us toward deeper union with God and faithful service to others.
Conclusion: Social Presence
In this concluding episode, Dr. Rebecca Letterman and Dr. Susan Muto reflect on Adrian van Kaam’s vision of social presence — a compassionate, Christ-centered way of being with others. They explore what nurtures this loving presence and what erodes it, especially in seasons of pressure, burnout, or spiritual depletion. Through the lens of repletion, listeners are invited to return to the Divine Mystery for renewal, realignment, and restored purpose in service. Join them as they close the season with a call to live more fully in love, presence, and hope for the sake of the world.