Fall 2006/Pasadena
SP517
Muthiah

SP517: SPIRITUALITY AND EVERYDAY LIFE. Rob Muthiah.


DESCRIPTION: Christian spirituality emerges from the intersection of the meta-narratives of Scripture, our cultural context, our daily activities, and the active presence of the Holy Spirit. Everyday life is full of sacramental time and space where our existence intersects with God's gracious initiatives; thus everyday life and Christian spirituality are deeply connected. This course offers the opportunity to grow in an awareness and experience of this fullness by means of academic study combined with engagement in actual practices. Classic Christian sources and practices will be introduced and connected to various areas of our daily existence (such as work, family and relationships, leisure, and creation).

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Clarify concepts about Christian spirituality, gain exposure to classic sources, think through the relationship between reflection and practice. Skills: Learn ways to engage in several spiritual disciplines, develop the ability to see more clearly the spiritual nature of everyday life. Affective: Gain a deeper desire to intentionally pursue spirituality individually and corporately, an increased sensitivity to the relationship between the mundane and the holy, a commitment to connecting personal spirituality with physical and social concerns.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The choices we make, the perceptions we nurture, and the practices we develop directly impact our relationship with God and our participation in the Holy Spirit's initiatives in and around us--in our personal lives, relationships, ministries, and broader social involvements. With these connections in mind, this class invites congregational leaders to tend to their own spiritual development as well as to the spiritual development of others in their congregations.

COURSE FORMAT: This class will meet for three-hour sessions, once weekly, for ten weeks. Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises, reflective discussions of materials and experiences, and guest speakers. A half-day retreat is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 3 (8am - 12). Assignments will include readings, on-line postings, papers, and both group and individual activities to be done outside of class time.

REQUIRED READING:

Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. HarperCollins, 1990.

Clapp, Rodney. Tortured Wonders: Christian Spirituality for People, Not Angels. Brazos Press, 2004.

De Waal, Esther. Every Earthly Blessing: Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition. Moorhouse, 1991.

Kenneson, Philip. Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community. InterVarsity Press, 1999.
Myers, Ched. The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics. Washington, D.C.: Tell the Word (Church of Our Saviour), 2001.

Course Reader.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Complete all assignments on time, attend all classes, and actively participate in class sessions and group assignments. (2) On-line postings: (a) weekly reading reflections (several paragraphs each; 25%); (b) two weekly responses to other group members' reading reflections (a few sentences each; 10%). (3) Write a spiritual autobiography (1000 words; 10%). (4) Participate in half-day spiritual retreat (graded as part of #8 reflection paper). (5) Carry out one Sabbath observance as described in class (graded as part of #8). (6) Do one activity from the list of everyday activity options (movie, novel, topical small group, service project, etc.; graded as part of #8). (7) Carry out Discipline of Simplicity exercise in conjunction with your group (graded as part of #8). (8) Write a reflection paper integrating the retreat, the Sabbath observance, the everyday activity experience, and the Discipline of Simplicity exercise (1500 words; 20%). (9) One-day fast (not graded). (10) Make entries in a prayer journal twice a day for one week (5%). (11) Short research paper and class presentation (1300 words; 10%). (12) Final project: Personal Rule of Life (4000 words; 20%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Spirituality (SPIR) requirement for MA degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.