Content

This unit explores the qualities and dynamics that enliven and sustain the inner life of a Christian disciple in the world today.

Based broadly on the ‘Lord’s Prayer’, this unit introduces crucial tools to help Christians follow the Spirit of Jesus in the world today. More specifically, it examines issues such as: how to notice and discern the movement of God’s Spirit in daily life; the role of desire and vocation in living out God’s will; Christlike responses to temptation, trials and suffering; and fostering the reign of God in one’s personal life, ministry context and in the wider world. It will also introduce various forms of prayer and resources to aid students in the deepening of their inner or spiritual life.

Unit code: DS3711S

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Stirling College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Employ skills in theological reflection on their experiences with God in their current life and ministry context in the light of the Christian tradition

2.

Analyse their experiences with God using the principles of spiritual discernment

3.

Discern critical elements of their personal vocation or calling in the world and how this relates to the will of God

4.

Evaluate specific factors that enhance or inhibit their growth as Christian disciples in their context

5.

Apply at least two prayer exercises to promote awareness and responsiveness in their spiritual life and those of their community

Pedagogy

lectures, seminars, tutorial, spiritual exercises.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Benner, David G. Presence and Encounter: The Sacramental Possibilities of Everyday Life. Grand Rapids MI: Brazos Press, 2014.
  • Habel, Norman. Reconciliation: Searching for Australia’s Soul. Sydney: Harper Collins, 1999.
  • Mackay, Hugh Beyond Belief. Sydney: Pan Macmillan, 2016.
  • Malone, Peter (ed) Developing an Australian Theology. Sydney: St Paul’s, 1999.
  • Mason, Michael & Singleton, Andrew & Webber, Ruth. The Spirit of Generation Y: Young People's Spirituality in a Changing Australia. Mulgrave, VIC: John Garratt Publishing, 2007.
  • Meyer, Robin. The Underground Church: Reclaiming the subversive way of Jesus. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2012.
  • Sparks, Paul, Tim Soerens and Dwight Friesen. The New Parish. Downer's Grove IL: IVP, 2014.
  • Stockton, Eugene The Aboriginal Gift: Spirituality for a Nation. Alexandria: Millennium, 1995.
  • Struckmeyer, K. A Conspiracy of Love: Following Jesus in a Postmodern World. Eugene OR: Wipf & Stock, 2016.
  • Tacey, David J. Re-Enchantment: The New Australian Spirituality. Pymble, N.S.W.: HarperCollins, 2000.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2000 word Essay

2000 50.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

500 10.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

500 10.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

500 10.0
Forum

Online engagement and participation (1500 words)

1500 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 17 Oct, 2015

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 12:20:04 +1100