Spring 2010/Pasadena
SP508
Peace

SP508: THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. Richard Peace.


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: The student will

  1. understand the nature of the spiritual journey and how the spiritual disciplines assist in our growth;

  2. explore and experience various spiritual disciplines and practices including writing a spiritual autobiography and engaging in spiritual journaling;

  3. develop a deeper understanding of one particular spiritual discipline;

  4. develop skills as a Minister of Spiritual Formation;

  5. experience a silent retreat.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of lecture, discussion, small groups, media, case studies, and interactive dialogue. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. In addition, each student will participate in a one-day silent retreat, preferably with the class at a local retreat center on Friday May 14th, 9:00-3:30, for which a $20 fee will be charged at registration. (In the event of a schedule conflict on the 14th, a student may meet this requirement individually on a day of his/her choice.)

REQUIRED READING:
Allen, Diogenes. Spiritual Theology. Cowley Publications, 1997.

Peace, Richard. Spiritual Autobiography. NavPress, 1998.

__________. Spiritual Journaling. NavPress, 1998.

Theibodeaux, Mark. Armchair Mystic. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2001.

Choose one:
Barton, Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Or Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. rev. ed. HarperOne, 1988.

Or Thompson, Marjorie. Soul Feast. Westminster/John Know, 1995.
Read 300 pages from the following books:
Chase, Stephen. The Tree of Life: Models of Christian Prayer. Baker, 2005.

Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Cowley, 1992.

Johnson, Ben Campbell. Living Before God: Deepening our Sense of the Divine Presence. Eerdmans, 2000.

Peace, Richard. Pilgrimage: A Handbook on Christian Growth. Fuller Bookstore, 1976.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course including active involvement in a small group (10%)

  2. Attendance at a silent retreat plus reflection paper (10%)

  3. Research paper on a spiritual discipline (10 pages) (30%)

  4. Personal engagement in various spiritual exercises plus journal (30%)

  5. Reading (20%)

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MA requirement in Foundational Spirituality (FSP or SPIR).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Revised February 15, 2010)