Fuller
Online
SP508:
Winter 2010
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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon the successful completion of the course, students
will have:
á
Understood
the nature of the spiritual journey and how the spiritual disciplines assist in
our growth
á
Explored
and experienced various spiritual disciplines and practices
á
Developed
a deeper understanding of one particular spiritual discipline, school of
spirituality, or person who is a model of spirituality
á
Developed
skills as a Minister of Spiritual Formation
á
Experienced
a silent retreat.
RELEVANCE FOR 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.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will be conducted on the Internet
using a 10-week lesson program aligned with FullerÕs 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:
á
Allen,
Diogenes. Spiritual Theology. Cowley
Publications, 1997.
á
Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the
Rule of St. Benedict Today. HarperCollins, 1991.
á
Peace,
Richard. Contemplative Bible Reading.
NavPress, 1998.
á
__________.
Meditative Prayer. NavPress, 1998.
á
Sire,
James. Learning to Pray Through the Psalms. InterVarsity Press, 2006.
á
Theibodeaux, Mark. Armchair
Mystic. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2001.
Choose one:
á
Barton,
Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual
Transformation. InterVarsity Press, 2006.
á
Or Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. rev. ed. HarperOne, 1988.
á
Or Jones, Tony. The Sacred Way. Zondervan,
2005.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1.
Weekly
Threaded Discussions (25%), Journaling (10%), and occasional Webliography entries (5%)
2.
Reading
assigned texts and listening to course lectures (10%)
3.
Attendance
at a silent retreat plus reflection paper (15%)
4.
Personal
engagement in spiritual exercises plus reflection papers (15%)
5.
Research
paper on some aspect of spirituality (20%)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MA in Theology
requirement in Spirituality (SPIR). Ministry Focus
Elective in MA in Global Leadership degree.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None
Updated October 2009