Fuller Online
SP508: Winter 2011
Peace/Thacker
SP508: THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (4 units).
Richard Peace, Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual
Formation;
Online Facilitation by Kimberly Thacker, Adjunct Assistant Professor of
Evangelism & Philosophy
DESCRIPTION: With the renewal of interest in Spiritual Formation there
has also been a new interest in the classic disciplines that promote spiritual
growth. The aim of this course is to discuss spiritual disciplines in the
context of the ancient understanding of the spiritual journey and in the light
of various Christian spiritualities that have flourished down through the
ages.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Interest in spirituality is growing both in
the church and outside the church. There is an active conversation going on in
our culture about the nature of spirituality and the process of transformation.
Those involved in ministry must be able to participate effectively in this
conversation as well as guide others as they seek to follow the spiritual way.
This course will not only explore the nature of spirituality, but will also
seek to assist students to engage in various spiritual disciplines designed to
foster the way of love.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon the successful completion of the course, students will
have
- Understood the nature of the spiritual journey and how the spiritual
disciplines assist in our growth
- Explored and experienced various spiritual disciplines and practices
- Developed a deeper understanding of one particular spiritual discipline,
school of spirituality, or person who is a model of spirituality
- Developed skills as a Minister of Spiritual Formation
- Experienced a silent retreat.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will be conducted on the Internet using a 10-week
lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Each week students and
the instructor will interact with the course material through journaling, and
threaded discussions. In addition, each student will participate in a six-hour
silent retreat and engage in personal contemplative prayer times.
REQUIRED READING:
- Allen, Diogenes. Spiritual Theology. Cowley Publications,
1997. ISBN: 1-56101-130-4. $16.95
- Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of
St. Benedict Today. HarperCollins, 1991. ISBN: 0-06-061399-8. $13.99.
- Peace, Richard. Contemplative Bible Reading. NavPress, 1998. ISBN:
1-57683-108-6. $9.99
- __________. Meditative Prayer. NavPress, 1998. ISBN: 0-89109-901-8.
$8.99.
- Sire, James. Learning to Pray Through the Psalms. InterVarsity
Press, 2006. ISBN: 0-8308-3332-3. $15.
- Theibodeaux, Mark. Armchair Mystic. St. Anthony Messenger Press,
2001. ISBN: 0-86716-430-1. $13.95.
- Choose one:
- Barton, Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives
for Spiritual Transformation. InterVarsity Press, 2006. ISBN: 0-8308-3333-1.
$17.
- Or Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. rev. ed. HarperOne,
1988. ISBN: 0-06-062839-1. $24.99.
- Or Jones, Tony. The Sacred Way. Zondervan, 2005. ISBN:
0-310-25810-3. $12.99.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Weekly Threaded Discussions (25%), Journaling (10%), and occasional
Webliography entries (5%)
- Reading assigned texts and listening to course lectures (10%)
- Attendance at a silent retreat plus reflection paper (15%)
- Personal engagement in spiritual exercises plus reflection papers (15%)
- Research paper on some aspect of spirituality (20%)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the following MA spirituality requirements:
FSP, SP2, or SPIR.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (October 2010)