Individualized Distance Learning

CH517

Bradley

CH517: CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY (4 units).

James Bradley, Geoffrey W. Bromiley Professor of Church History

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DESCRIPTION:

This class will survey the practice of piety in the Roman Catholic, Reformed, and Arminian traditions, with a focus upon the distinctive theology of each. “Spirituality” is understood to encompass both the inward activity of the spiritual disciplines and the outward activity of social involvement (Mt. 6:6; James 1:27). Therefore in all three traditions the relation of justification to sanctification, of faith to works, will receive detailed attention. The course will examine the thought and piety of such notable figures as Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Margery Kemp; Luther, Calvin, and William Perkins; Margaret Fell, Robert Barclay, and Wesley.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Through a comparative historical method, this course will foster critical discernment regarding the nature of Christian Spirituality. It will encourage empathy for other traditions of piety and commitment to one’s own. As a result of this course the student will be able to:
a) identify the various teachings on piety practiced with the Roman Catholic, Reformed and Arminian traditions;
b) recognize key figures, their historical setting and their writings within each of these traditions;
c) understand the major interpretative issues arising from the texts; and
d) apply these teachings in the practice of personal spirituality

COURSE FORMAT :

The course uses recorded lectures, a detailed independent study guide, and readings. It is designed to be completed in an 11-week period while allowing for flexibility in the student’s schedule.

REQUIRED READING:

• Calvin, John. Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life. Baker, 1975.
• Luther, Martin. Three Treatises. Fortress, 1970.
• St. Augustine. Confessions. Penguin, 1961.
• St. Augustine. The Enchiridion. Gateway.
• St. Bernard of Clairvaux. St. Bernard’s Selected Works. Paulist, 1987
• St. Teresa of Avila. The Interior Castle. Paulist, 1979
• Toon, Peter. Justification and Sanctification. Crossway Books, 1983.
• Wesley, John. A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Three 5-7 page papers integrating assigned reading and lecture notes.
• Interaction with "Probe" questions in the course reader. The student will choose 8 exercises and submit a one-page typed interaction with each exercise

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM : Meets the MA in Theology requirement in Spirituality (SPIR; SP2)

FINAL EXAM: No

Updated March 2009