Spiritual Theology & Christian Psychology

In the classical tradition of spiritual theology, which is itself an ancient form of Christian Psychology, three development stages have been identified as relates to the progress of a Christian in terms of his or her relationship with God. These three stages have traditionally been referred to as the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways. As a Christian reaches deeper levels of sanctification (what the classical tradition often refers to as holiness), they advance through these stages, though most mystical writers readily admit that few persons advance to the unitive stage in this life.