This unit recognises the importance of being embodied beings and explores the sacred and safe space of spiritual direction as a context in which intimacy with God is fostered. This includes being aware of physical selves, especially when experiencing disease and disability, and in particular recognising sexuality as an integral dimension of personhood, students will critically examine the interconnectedness of sexuality and spirituality, and reflect on how these dynamics shape one’s relationship with self, others, and God. Particular attention is given to the ways in which spiritual direction conversations can create space for issues related to sexuality to be named and explored with contemplative presence, pastoral sensitivity, and theological integrity. Students will develop the capacity to hold such conversations with maturity and discernment, contributing to the creation of spiritually safe and ethically grounded environments in their practice of spiritual direction
Unit code: DD8431Z
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. | Analyse the interrelationship between sexuality and spirituality and its relevance to spiritual direction conversations. |
| 2. | Apply the Australian Ecumenical Council of Spiritual Direction Code of Ethics to spiritual direction practice. |
| 3. | Evaluate interior movements experienced during spiritual direction sessions and supervision |
| 4. | Design sacred and safe spaces for engaging with issues of intimacy and sexuality in spiritual direction conversations. |
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
Rob Bell. Sex God: exploring the endless connections between Sexuality and Spirituality. Collins, 2012
Virginia Burrus and Catherine Keller (eds). Toward a theology of eros: transfiguring passion at the limits of discipline. Fordham University Press, 2006.
Ilia Delio. The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of Love. NY, Orbis Books, 2013.
Fran Ferder & John Heagle. Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality. Crossroad, 2002.
William C. Gaventa. Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness. Baylor University Press, 2018.
Janet K. Ruffing. Spiritual Direction: Beyond the beginnings. Paulist Press, 2020.
Lucy Abbott Tucker. Spiritual Direction Supervision: Principles, Practices and Storytelling. SDI, 2020.
Jane E. Vennard. Praying with Body and Soul: A Way to Intimacy with God. Augsburg, 1998.
Jonice Webb with Christine Musello. Running on Empty: Overcome your Childhood Emotional Regret. Morgan James Publishing, 2014.
Evelyn Eaton Whitehead & James D Whitehead. Holy Eros: Pathways to a Passionate God. Orbis, 2009.
Arthur Riley, Cole. This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation and the Stories that Make Us. Convergent Books, 2023.
Newell, John Philip. Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom Reawakening to What our Souls Know and Healing the World. HarperOne, 2021.
| 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 10:02:56 +1100