This unit explores Christian transformation as a lifelong journey into divine love, shaped by the ongoing discernment of God’s will and the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Students will examine the dynamics of conversion and spiritual growth as expressed in Scripture and Christian tradition and reflect on their own experiences of turning towards Christ in daily life. Skills in contemplative listening are further developed to assist others in identifying movements of the Spirit and recognising signposts along the journey of transformation. The participation in triads provides opportunities to expand and deepen the foundational skills acquired in earlier practicums, integrating personal experience with professional practice. Structured reflection supports students in discerning their ongoing formation and readiness for the ministry of spiritual direction.
Unit code: DD8421Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational
Unit discipline: Spiritual Direction
Proposing College: St Francis College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Articulate the dynamics of personal transformation in the Christian tradition. |
| 2. | Analyse transformative experience in biblical narrative and in personal stories. |
| 3. | Facilitate reflection on moments of deep awareness of the divine, turning points in daily life and inner transformation in spiritual direction conversations. |
| 4. | Develop approaches to support discernment of movement of the heart in spiritual direction. |
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
Alexander Shaia with Michelle L Gaugy. Heart and Mind: The Four Gospel Journey for Radical Transformation. Rev 2nd ed. New Mexico: Quadratos, LLC, 2019.
Australian Ecumenical Council For Spiritual Direction, Code of Ethics for Spiritual Directors. www.spiritualdirection.org.au/resources/code-of-ethics (Revised March 2019).
Cynthia Bourgeault. The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind – a new perspective on Christ and His message. Boston: Shambhala, 2011.
Phillip Carter. Ordinary Heaven: Exploring Spiritual Direction, The Journey of Human Life. SDI, 2024.
Laurence Freeman. The Selfless Self: Meditation and the Opening of the Heart. John Garrett Publishing, 2009.
Edward Howells and Peter Tyler (eds). Sources of Transformation: Revitalising Christian Spirituality. Continuum, 2010.
Thomas Keating. Open Mind. Open Heart. 20th Anniversary Edition. Continuum, 2006.
Diane M. Millis. Recreating a Life: Learning how to tell our most life-giving story. SDI, 2019.
Janet K Ruffing, rsm. To Tell the Sacred Tale: Spiritual Direction and Narrative. Paulist Press, 2011.
Richard Rohr. A Lever and a Place to Stand: The Contemplative Stance, the Active Prayer. Hidden Spring, 2011.
Richard Rohr. The Wisdom Pattern: Order Disorder Reorder. Franciscan Media, 2020.
Margaret Silf. Hidden Wings: Emerging from troubled times with new hope and deeper wisdom. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2017.
Hagberg, Janet and Robert E. Guerlich, The Critical Journey: Stages in The Life of Faith. 2nd ed. Salem, WI., Sheffield. 2005.
Laird, Martin. An Ocean of Light: Contemplation, Transformation and Liberation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Review | 1500 | 25.0 | |
| Essay | 1500 | 25.0 | |
| Portfolio | 3000 | 50.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 27 Oct, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-10-27 10:06:59 +1100