Summer 2020/Online

PH529

Sherman

PH529: PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRITUALITY (4 Units: 160 hours). Steven B. Sherman.

DESCRIPTION: This course explores vital perennial questions relevant to Christian spirituality, including theories of the nature of persons (physicalism v. dualism), divine action, and religious experience. Recent developments in science and Western worldview changes are considered with respect to challenges and opportunities that these pose for the spiritual life of Christians and the Church.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) knowledge of the Western philosophical tradition in relation to theories of human nature, divine action, and spiritual life; (2) evidence of critical thinking; (3) progress in academic writing; (4) engagement in intellectual and contextualization issues related to spirituality in post-Christendom culture; (5) an ability to sympathetically and critically assess diverse scholarly positions on issues examined in the course.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course seeks to implement the SOT PLO “Students will have demonstrated capacities to cultivate a theologically reflective practice of Christian discipleship.”

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 890 pages required

Crisp, Thomas M., Steven L. Porter, and Gregg A. Ten Elshof, eds. Neuroscience and the Soul: The Human Person in Philosophy, Science, and Theology. Eerdmans, 2016. ISBN: 978-0802874504, Pub. Price $38.00 [273 pp. assigned].

Demarest, Bruce, ed. Four Views on Christian Spirituality. Zondervan, 2012. ISBN: 978-0310329282, Pub. Price $19.99 [205 pp. assigned].

Green, Joel B. Body, Soul, and Human Life: The Nature of Humanity in the Bible. Studies in Theological Interpretation. Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0801035951, Pub. Price $27.00 [182 pp. assigned].

Scorgie, Glen C., ed. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Zondervan, 2011. ISBN: 978-0310290667, Pub. Price $44.99 [100 pp. assigned].

CHOOSE ONE:

Copan, Paul, Tremper Longman III, Christopher L. Reese, Michael Strauss, eds. Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science. Zondervan, 2017. ISBN: 978-0310496052, Pub. Price $59.99 [130 pp. assigned].

Yong, Amos. The Spirit of Creation: Modern Science and Divine Action in the Pentecostal-Charismatic Imagination. Eerdmans, 2011. ISBN: 978-0802866127, Pub. Price $32.00 [130 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Course reading, 890 pages. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [60 hours].
  2. One, 250-word weekly initial forum post (25%). Students demonstrate effective processing and evaluating of reading materials, using critical reflection skills for analyzing, synthesizing, and engaging with the claims, contributions, and issues raised in the readings, while also articulating the influence/impact on their thought and practice. Quality of content, analysis, synthesis, explanation, assessment, precision, and articulation factor significantly into overall evaluation and grading of weekly forum posts. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2 & 4] [20 hours].
  3. Two, 150-word weekly response forum posts (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2 & 4] [30 hours].
  1. 1,000-word Interview & Report or 10-hour Blog Participation (20%). Students engage with others in discussing science and theology or Christian spirituality via interview followed by a post-interview report or engage with others in discussing science and theology or Christian spirituality online. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 4 & 5] [20 hours].
  2. 2,500-word Final Paper on the nature of persons, divine action, or spiritual experience (30%). Students develop an informed Christian philosophy of spirituality, integrating course learning elements into the project. They demonstrate grasp of the topic by examining and critically assessing the theories, theologies, philosophies, history, spiritualities, and science presented in the class, considering and critically appraising diverse scholarly positions on the issue, and deliberating on potential or actual consequences of adopting a particular philosophical position on the matter. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, 4, & 5]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH5 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets the PHIL requirement in the 144 MDiv and MAT (Winter 2010) Programs.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.