DESCRIPTION: Spiritual practices emerge out of spiritual traditions which, in turn, often emerge from the life and experience of spiritual pioneers. In this course we will explore the lives of eight spiritual pioneers from the contemplative tradition (Patrick of Ireland, Benedict of Nursia, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Ignatius of Loyola, and Frances DeSales) and the spiritual traditions they founded (or influenced). Within each tradition a spiritual practice will be examined (and often experienced) with an eye to its use in the postmodern church. In addition, these traditions will be set in conversation with contemporary spiritual traditions from the worldwide church (e.g. Desmond Tutu's use of Julian in the South African struggle; the Episcopal Church and the revival of fixed-hour prayer; lectio divina and the Lumko adaptation in South Africa and the use by Solentiname community in Latin America). All this will be set in the context of the broad sweep of the history and theology of Christian spirituality.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Interest in spirituality is growing both in the church and outside the church. This course will not only explore the nature of spirituality, but will also seek to assist students to engage in various spiritual practices and disciplines designed to foster the way of love.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will

1. understand the life, ministry, and spiritual practices of eight spiritual pioneers in the context of a broad understanding of the history and theology of Christian spirituality;

2. explore and experience various spiritual disciplines and practices from these traditions;

3. develop a deeper understanding of one particular school of spirituality;

4. develop skills that enable the student to lead others in the practices of Christian spirituality.

Maas, Robin, and Gabriel O'Donnell. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Abingdon, 1990.

McGrath, Alister. Christian Spirituality: An Introduction. Blackwell, 1999.

Tyson, John R. Invitation to Christian Spirituality: An Ecumenical Anthology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.

1. Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course including active involvement in a small group (10%).

2. Attendance at a six-hour retreat plus reflection paper (10%).

3. Research paper on a particular spiritual tradition and its implications for the postmodern church (10 pages) (40%).

4. Personal engagement in weekly spiritual exercises with journal reflections (20%).

5. Reading (20%).