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, 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.

Unit code: DS9109T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Outline various understandings of prayer in Christian tradition

2.

Articulate an understanding of personal, corporate and contemplative spirituality, including their relationship to pastoral care and mission

3.

Critically evaluate the aspects of leadership required in the practice of prayer, worship and spirituality

4.

Evaluate the meaning of ‘the Australian spiritual landscape’ for Christian spirituality and critically review its implications for ministry practice

5.

Analyse the relationship between spirituality and ministry practice in the Australian context

Pedagogy

Shared lectures, Online Forums and reflective praxis

Indicative Bibliography

  • Jones, C., G. Wainwright, E. Yarnold, eds. The Study of Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986.
  • Chittister, J. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. New York: HarperCollins, 1991.
  • Foster, R.J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1998.
  • Main, J. Word Made Flesh. London: Canterbury Press Norwich, 2009. (recommended for purchase)
  • Nouwen, H.J.M. The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2000.
  • Radcliffe, T. Why Go To Church? The Drama of the Eucharist. New York: Continuum, 2008.
  • Rohr, R. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. New York: Crossroad, 2009.
  • Rupp, J. Prayer. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2008. (recommended for purchase)
  • Tacey, D. The Spirituality Revolution: The Emergence of Contemporary Spirituality. Pymble, NSW: HarperCollins, 2003.
  • Williams, R. Silence and Honey Cakes. Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2003.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay (3,500 words)

3500 50.0
Journal

Weekly journal/blog post (equivalent of 1,000 words)

1000 20.0
Essay

Written project (1,500 words)

1500 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 16 Mar, 2016

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-28 17:04:20 +1000