Fall 2008/Pasadena
SP517
Branson

SP517: SPIRITUALITY AND EVERYDAY LIFE. Mark Lau Branson.


DESCRIPTION: Spirituality has to do with receiving and participating in avenues of relationship between ourselves and God. We can encounter the large narratives of creation, redemption, and eschaton in the daily activities which are in the context of cultures and societies. Some regular practices are known to be "spiritual"--prayer, Scripture reading, worship. Additionally, our daily activities at home, work, and play; the ways we relate to creation, world, cultures, and neighborhood; and our interaction with media and arts are all significant in our "spiritual" lives. 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Clarify concepts about Christian spirituality with attention to the relationship between corporate and personal aspects. Skills: Practice some classic disciplines, explore reflection exercises. Affective: encourage an attentiveness to the relationship between the mundane and the holy and a commitment to personal and corporate aspects of Christian spirituality.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Spirituality, and the practices that promote attention to God and participation with God's initiatives, is essential for a leader's own life. Further, leaders need to provide experiences and resources for others.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for one weekly three-hour session, for ten weeks. Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises, and reflective discussions of materials and experiences. Assignments will include readings, meditation, conversations, a prayer journal, a Sabbath observance, retreat, and reflective writing. This course is part of the Fuller-Christian Assembly Cohort, and will meet in Eagle Rock, CA; non-cohort students need permission of the instructor.

REQUIRED READING:

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

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.

Scharen, Christian. Faith as a Way of Life. Eerdmans, 2008.

Articles posted on moodle site.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Banks, Robert. God the Worker. Judson, 1994.

Bass, Dorothy. Practicing Our Faith. Jossey-Bass, 1998.

Clapp, Rodney. Tortured Wonders. Brazos, 2006.

Cone, James. Spirituality and the Blues. Orbis, 1991.

Haughey, John. Converting 9 to 5. Crossroad, 1989.

Nouwen, Henri. Lifesigns. Doubleday, 1986.

Wadell, Paul. Becoming Friends. Brazos, 2002.

Yaconelli, Mark. Contemplative Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2006.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Attend and participate in all classes (10%). (2) Complete all reading assignments on time (10%). (3) Submit 5 pieces of "public writing" including book reviews of texts (10%). (4) Write a spiritual autobiography (800+ words), journal at least 3 times weekly for 9 weeks, and provide 3 summaries (10%) (5) Complete a half-day spiritual retreat and write a summary reflection (5%). (6) Do one activity from the list of everyday activity options (cinemas, novels, concert, gallery, civic engagement), write a reflection (5%) (7) Develop a course portfolio, including items from #3-6 and reflection on what you learned; plus 3 essays (600 words each) based on the course goals (50%).

PREREQUISITES: Permission of the instructor; mbranson@fuller.edu.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Spirituality (SPIR) or SP2 requirement for MA programs.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)