Ascetical theology (Christianity)

The emphasis here is on progress in spiritual life through ascetic practices and leading a physically blameless life. Progress is through various stages as the individual develops a full Christian life in perfect charity. Although extremes of ascetic practice and arguments over whether salvation is achieved through good works or through faith have at times made ascetical theology the object of abuse, it has a solid basis in New Testament writings where both Jesus and St Paul ascribe great importance to spiritual effort and exercise. It is the abuse of pious and penitential practices which were the subject of Reformation reaction, and good works are clearly part of Protestant as well as Roman Catholic tradition.

This branch of theology, with its emphasis on religious practice as opposed to mysticism, was, after the Reformation, looked upon as the first stage in religious life, with ascetic practices and practice of Christian virtues seen as a necessary first step before spiritual perfection was achieved through the stages of mystical theology. Previously, mystical theology had covered all three stages of the spiritual life (purgation, illumination, contemplation). Currently, spiritual theology is seen as a totality comprising the two branches in which neither has superiority.