15
$
a synergistic process, which includes the practice of spiritual disciplines,
24
and
$
a necessarily social and communal process.
25
But there are also emphases in Demarest that are distinct from and
complementary to those of Willard. For example, while both Demarest and Willard speak in the
importance of the transformation of our thought life and the importance of knowledge in our
relationship with Christ, Demarest makes it very clear that he has in mind a different kind of
knowing, a knowing that is not exclusively cognitive. Demarest speaks of this as he describes
his own spiritual journey. As "the typical product of evangelical academic culture" he had
Christlikeness. Demarest says, "Our spiritual restoration, then, is all about allowing Gods Holy
Spirit to be joined to our human spirits. When the Spirit inhabits the sanctuary of our hearts, we
experience a gradual transformation from within. . . . The Spirit makes us qualitatively new in
holiness and godliness" [BD, 291].
24
Demarest argues that in seeking the goal of "continual soul restoration," there is great
benefit "from the practice of spiritual habits or disciplines . . . [which] foster maturity in the soul.
Spiritual growth requires discipline and training. . . . Growing Christians do well to cultivate,
each in his or her own way, disciplines of quietness, meditation, verbal and nonverbal prayer,
spiritual reading, and the like. Spiritual progress occurs through the synergy of God's initiative
and our trusting response cf. Phil 2:12-13." [BD, 287.]
25
Demarest says that "transformation occurs in the context of community." The
communion of saints (Eph 2:21-22) "is an important pillar of growth," for "behind every
growing saint stand other committed and obedient saints" [BD, 295].