The relevance of the dual processing model for spiritual formation concerns how we tend to assume that failures of virtue are System 2 issues when, for the most part, they are System 1 issues. That is to say, our failures of kindness or patience are not typically due to making bad moral choices. What happens, rather, in moments of hurry, stress, or irritation is that we act, judge, or speak uncharitably, harshly, or dismissively. The problem is with our rapid System 1 response.
For example, when I reflect upon my failures as a parent these weren't ever due to making a poor choice, deliberatively speaking. My failures were emotional in nature. Reacting out of anger or impatience.
That our moral failures are often System 1 issues presents a challenge for spiritual formation. How can you change or modify an automatic response?
Ponder how you learn a musical instrument or learn a sport. To play an instrument or learn to hit a golf ball you have to practice. Through repeated practice we acquire automaticity. Practice shifts System 2 control toward System 1. Deliberation becomes habit. What was slow becomes fast.
This, then, is the key to spiritual formation: We need practices that help us acquire holy automaticity. We practice until our kneejerk responses to life, our System 1 reactions, are virtuous. Jesus must become a habit.
