Spring 2007/Pasadena
SP503
Hernandez

SP503: THE CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. Willy Hernandez.


DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to explore the nature and direction of our Christian journey--a journey into the depths of one's life, the life of God, and the life of the world--within the context of the discipline of Christian spirituality. At the heart of this life-long journey we all embark upon is a profound, encompassing experience of God. Thus the main focus will be critical reflection on the shape, texture, and significance of spiritual experience which is vital to a maturing faith.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: It is hoped that by the end of the course, the student will (1) be able to understand the nature and thrust of the spiritual journey; (2) be able to situate one's experience of the journey within the context of the discipline of Christian spirituality; (3) be familiar with three of the primary texts that deal with the classic notion of spiritual journey and be able to interact with them critically; (4) be able to articulate the shape and direction of one's own journey based upon an integrative reflection of one's past and present experiences; (5) be able to recognize the importance of the communal dynamics of "spiritual accompaniment" such as spiritual guidance, direction, mentoring, and friendship in one's journey.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course aims to help us develop greater sensitivity to and awareness of what is involved in living out our spirituality within the context of our own journeying reality, including ministry--where spiritual experience figures centrally in our lives, and in the life of the church and the world.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of class lectures by the professor and possible invited guests, short video presentations, devotional/experiential exercises, student reports/discussion, and small group interaction. The class is scheduled to meet weekly for three-hour sessions. The course will be capped by a half-day Personal Silent Retreat to be arranged individually by each student.

REQUIRED READING:

Athanasius. The Life of Antony and the Letter to Marcellinus. The Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press, 1980. (Selected portions.)

Augustine, Saint. Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford University Press, 1998.

Lewis, C. S. Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. Any Edition.

Teresa of Avila. The Interior Castle. The Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press, 1979.

Course Reader.

ASSIGNMENTS:

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MA in Theology requirement in Spirituality (SPIR).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.