Content

The unit explores the historical and contemporary experience of the Contemplative tradition in the spirituality of The Salvation Army. It will give particular attention to representative Mystics such as Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi and Brother Lawrence. Evangelical and Contemplative understandings of prayer and how prayer can be exercised in both private experience and public worship, are examined. The unit will also focus on contemplation-in-action models of ministry. The unit includes at least one form of retreat experience.

Unit code: DS2192B

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catherine Booth College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Discuss the place of The Salvation Army in relation to the Church universal and describe how Salvationist spirituality is grounded in the life of the wider Church

2.

Assess Salvation Army history with specific reference to the Contemplative tradition in the spirituality of The Salvation Army

3.

Explore different models of spirituality in the lives of Mystics and Contemplative traditions within and outside The Salvation Army

4.

Describe the contribution of the Mystics to our understanding of prayer and how these can be appropriated in private and public spheres

5.

Devise strategies for working towards an active-contemplative balance in ministry

Unit sequence

DS 193B An Introduction to Spiritual Formation or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures, group discussions, and seminars with time for prayer, reflection and feedback to group. The unit includes at least one form of retreat experience. Film, poetry, prose and art may also be used

Indicative Bibliography

  • Benner, David G. Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2010.
  • Calhoun, Adele A. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us. Downers Grove: InterVarsityPress, 2005.
  • Casey, Michael. Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer. Melbourne: John Garratt Publishing, 1995.
  • Faragher, Christine. Other Voices: Exploring the Contemplative in Salvationist Spirituality. Melbourne: Salvo Publishing, 2010. (Recommended for purchase)
  • Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2008.
  • Guenther, Margaret. The Practice of Prayer. Cambridge: Cowley Publications, 1998.
  • King, Ursula. Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies Throughout the Ages. Mahwah, New Jersey: Hidden Spring, 2001.
  • Palmer, Parker J. The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity and Caring. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1990.
  • Peterson, Eugene H. The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1993.
  • Rakoczy, Susan. Great Mystics and Social Justice: Walking on the Two Feet of Love. Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 2006.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Seminar or Tutorial

1,500 word seminar paper

1500 40.0
Essay

2,500 word integrative essay

2500 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-05 14:27:11 +1100