Spiritual Formation in the Christian Tradition (DS9100T)

Content

This unit examines prayer and spirituality in the Christian tradition. The unit will explore the theory and practice of prayer in various stages of the Christian tradition including the Bible, Monasticism and the Monastics, the Middle English mystics, liturgical and Reformation spirituality. The unit will investigate both the corporate and personal elements of spirituality and will provide students with a number of ways of leading communities in prayer. Finally, the unit will explore different aspects of spirituality, including: the spiritual landscape of Australia; pastoral spirituality; and the place of silence and meditation. The unit seeks to reflect theologically on prayer and spirituality in order to provide students with an understanding that will enhance ministry practice and theological learning.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Team teaching; lectures; workshops; reflective praxis

Indicative Bibliography

• Jones, C., G. Wainwright, E. Yarnold, eds. The Study of Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986.
• Dreher, R., The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation New York: Penguin Random House, 2017.
• Foster, R.J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1998.
• Green, T.H., Opening to God: A Guide to Prayer. Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 2006 (rev'd).
• Hughes, G.W., God of Surprises. London: DLT, 1991.
• Nouwen, H.J.M. The Genesee Diary: Report from a Trappist Monastery. New York: Image: 1981
• Rohr, R. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. New York: Crossroad, 2009.
• Rupp, J. Prayer. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2008.
• Tacey, D. The Spirituality Revolution: The Emergence of Contemporary Spirituality. Pymble, NSW: HarperCollins, 2003.
• Varden, E., The Shattering of Loneliness, London: Bloomsbury, 2018.
• Williams, R. Silence and Honey Cakes. Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2003.

Assessment