Winter 2007/Pasadena
SP511
Hernandez

SP511: HENRI NOUWEN: A SPIRITUALITY OF IMPERFECTION. Willy Hernandez.


DESCRIPTION: This course is about the spirituality of Henri Nouwen, with particular focus on his approach and his person. First of all, it is a synthesis of Nouwen's holistic approach to spiritual formation and soul care--one that integrates spirituality, psychology, ministry, and theology together in a seamless fashion. Secondly, it is an exploration of Nouwen's spirituality of imperfection which he embodied throughout his lived experience--where the journey toward perfection is through the realities of imperfection.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: It is hoped that by the end of the course, the student will (1) be able to understand the inward, the outward, and the upward nature of the Christian spiritual journey and appropriate its reality within one's own experience; (2) be able to embrace an integrated understanding of the journeying experience that incorporates the coinherent realities of spirituality, psychology, ministry, and theology; (3) be exposed to Nouwen's integrative approach to the ministry of soul care and spiritual formation; (4) be able to grasp in both theological and practical ways the true essence of a spirituality of imperfection that Nouwen embodied throughout his lived experience.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course exposes us to Nouwen's integrative approach to the ministry of spiritual formation and soul care--one that goes against the expert-driven, individualistic, and overly specialized approach that is often one-dimensional, hierarchical, and highly institutionalized in focus.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of class lectures, student report/discussion, and small group interaction. A personal retreat (guided by selected materials on Nouwen) is a required part of the course. The class will meet weekly for three-and-one-half-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Hernandez, Wil. Henri Nouwen: A Spirituality of Imperfection. Paulist Press, 2006.

Choose one biography: (DO NOT purchase any of the following until after the first class session.)
Beumer, Jurgen. Henri Nouwen: A Restless Seeking for God. Crossroad, 1997.

Ford, Michael. Wounded Prophet: A Portrait of Henri J. M. Nouwen. Doubleday, 1999.

LaNoue, Deirdre. The Spiritual Legacy of Henri Nouwen. Continuum, 2000.

O'Laughlin, Michael. God's Beloved: A Spiritual Biography of Henri Nouwen. Orbis, 2004.
Nouwen, Henri J. M. Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life. Any edition.

________. The Living Reminder: Service and Prayer in Memory of Jesus Christ. Any edition.

________. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. Crossroad, 1989.

Choose one journal: Genesee Diary, ¡Gracias!, The Road to Daybreak, or Sabbatical Journey. Any edition.

Nouwen Course Reader.

Excerpted essay materials on Nouwen (On Reserve in the library).

ASSIGNMENTS

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MA in Theology requirement in Spirituality (SPIR).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.