A Metacognitive Analysis of Conceptual Thinking in Spiritual Formation Utilizing Vygotsky's Concept Theory

Abstract

Many works have enriched the historical body of Christ by advancing the need for Christians to become better theologians so that they may, in turn, disciple others unto maturity. While Bible studies are crucial for Christian growth, Christians must employ systematic doctrines of the Scripture to learn to think theologically. This article introduces the Theological Concept Formation model, which can help mature Christians better understand how to connect different concepts in the Scriptures to disciple others and educate them toward maturity in Christ. The proposed model is based on the Vygotskian concept formation model, which provides a suitable framework for Christian scholars and educators to teach theological cognition using theological concepts. Firstly, this article proposes that Scripture is the purposive language of the imago Dei. Secondly, Scripture purports an analogous association with human development and Christian maturity.