The Inner Life of a Disciple of Christ (DS3011S)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

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: DS3011S

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Stirling College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret their personal experiences of God in the light of the Christian tradition, through employing a method of theological reflection
2.

Articulate the leading of God's Spirit for a personal decision through synthesising and applying theological principles of Christian discernment
3.

Analyse 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.

Contrast and explain to a spiritual companion, their development in awareness of God and self in one chosen spiritual practice to a spiritual companion

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorial, spiritual exercises. Both asynchronous and synchronous. Use of the Flipped classroom model.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Benner, D. Desiring God's Will. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
  • Calhoun, A. A. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook (revised). InterVarsity Press, 2015.
  • Cepero, H. Christ-Shaped Character. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
  • McHugh, A. The Listening Life. Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015.
  • McKerrow, J. Woven: A Faith for the Dissatisfied. Sydney: Acorn Press, 2019.
  • Nouwen, H., Christensen M., Laird, R. J. Spiritual Formation. NY: Harper Collins, 2010.
  • Palmer, P. Let Your Life Speak. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
  • Vennard, J. Fully Awake and Truly Alive. Woodstock, Vermont: SkyLight Paths, 2013.
  • Wink, W. The Powers that Be. New York: Galilee/ Doubleday, 1998.
  • Yaconelli, M. The Gift of Hard Things. Downer's Grove, IL: IVP, 2016.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum

Online engagement and participation (1500 words)

 1500 20.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

 500 10.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

 500 10.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

 500 10.0
Essay

2000 word Essay

 2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 21 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-21 19:25:00 +1000