DS2/3010.15 Spirituality for Life, Work and Community

Integrative Unit (Christian Life) for MDiv

 

CONTENT This unit explores the integration of spirituality with the reflective practice and theology of ministry. Using a range of educational tools, it will introduce the student to crucial elements of the inward or contemplative and outward movements of the spiritual journey, the role of vocation and discernment, and ten important spiritual disciplines and resources for ongoing effectiveness and health in Christian service.

OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the relationship of spirituality to one's personal sense of vocation, giftedness and service
2. Identify and analyse critical elements that enhance or restrict one's spiritual growth
3. Effectively use various resources and disciplines in the support and sustenance of their spiritual life for ongoing ministry.
4. Formulate and explain the interrelationship between the contemplative and social dimensions of the spiritual journey.

Faculty: Tim McCowan


Pre-requisite: BN101.15


Assessment:
B.Theol. Level 2:
One 1,500 word book report 20%
One 1,500 word reflective summary of journal 30%
One 2,500 word essay 50%

B.Theol. Level 3:
One 1,500 word book report 25%
One 1,500 word reflective summary of journal 25%
One 3,000 word essay 50%


MDiv- Integrative.
One 1,500 word book report 25%
One 1,500 word reflective summary of journal 35%
One 3,000 word essay 50%


Offered: Semester 2, 2011 at Mulgrave


Class Time: 12 weeks, 3 hours per week (Thursdays 10.00am - 1.00pm)


Select Bibliography:
Bass, D (ed.) Practicing our faith: A way of life for searching people. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997.
Borg, M. The heart of Christianity: rediscovering a life of faith, San Francisco: Harper, 2003.
Cassidy, S Sharing the Darkness: The Spirituality of Caring, London: DLT, 1988.
Downey, M Understanding Christian Spirituality. Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1997.
Hughes, Gerard, God in all things, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2003.
Nouwen, H Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life. NY: Doubleday, 1975.
* Palmer, P Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Palmer, P The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity and Caring. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1990.
M.Scott Peck Further Along the Road Less Travelled, New York: Touchstone, 1993.
Silf, M Taste and see: adventuring in prayer, London: DLT, 1999.