Theological Frameworks for the Spiritual Exercises (DS8261J)

Content

This unit will assist supervisors and spiritual directors to develop a deeper appreciation of the range of theological worlds that serve as a background and context to the Spiritual Exercises. This unit explores how images of God (theological and Christological frameworks) emerged from Ignatius particular context – historical, familial, religious affiliation, educational, social, linguistic and cultural. The unit offers theoretical and historical frameworks for a responsible theological and spiritual interpretation of the Spiritual Exercises; it also offers a range of possibilities and strategies for communicating the key content in a contemporary context.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

24 points in CT 48 pts in DS

Prohibited combinations: Can only take one of the following:
DS8261J / DS8269J CT8261J / CT8269J

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, facilitated interaction in small groups

Indicative Bibliography

• Barry, William A. "Toward a Theology of Discernment." The Way Supplement, no. Spring (1989): 29-40.
• Coleman, Gerald. Walking with Inigo: A Commentary on the Autobiography of St, Ignatius. Gujarat: Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, 2001.
• Conn, W. The Desiring Self: Rooting Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction in Self-Transcendence. New York, NY: Paulist Press, 1998.
• Cusson, Gilles. Biblical Theology and the Spiritual Exercises: A Method Toward a Personal Experience of God as Accomplishing Within Us His Plan of Salvation. Institute of Jesuit Sources, 1998.
• Dyckman, Katherine et al. The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed: Uncovering Liberating Possibilities for Women. Manwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2001.
• Edwards, D. How God Acts: Creation, Redemption and Special Divine Action: Theology and Sciences. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010.
• Fleming, David L. What Is Ignatian Spirituality? Chicago, Ill.: Loyola Press, 2008.
• Fleming, David L. Draw Me into your Friendship: The Spiritual Exercises. St. Louis, MO: Institute of Jesuit Sources, 1996.
• Hartt, J., Theological Method and Imagination. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publications, 2006,
• Hughes, Gerard W. God of Surprises. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2008.
• Ivens, Michael. Understanding the Spiritual Exercises. Surrey, UK: Inigo Enterprises, 1998.
• Jones, W. Theological Worlds: Understanding the Alternative Rhythms of Christian Belief. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press,1989.
• Leonard, Richard. Movies that Matter: Reading film through the lens of faith. Chicago, Ill. Loyola Press, 2006. (recommended for purchase)
• May, G. The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins, 2005.
• McGinn, Bernard. The Presence of God. A History of Western Christian Mysticism. 5 vols. New York: Crossroad, 1991‐2012.
• McIntosh, Mark Allen. Discernment and Truth: The Spirituality and Theology of Knowledge. "A Herder & Herder Book.". New York: Crossroad Pub. Co., 2004.
• Munitiz, Joseph A., Philip Endean, and Ignatius. Personal Writings : Reminiscences, Spiritual Diary, Select Letters Including the Text of the Spiritual Exercises. Penguin Classics. London: Penguin Books, 1996.
• Palmer, P.J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
• Rainbow Spirit Elders. Rainbow Spirit Theology: Towards an Australian Aboriginal Theology, 2nd edn. Hindmarsh, SA: ATF Press, 2007.
• Raitt, Jill, ed. Christian Spirituality: High Middle Ages and Reformation. World Spirituality 17. An Encyclopaedic History of the Religious Quest. New York: Crossroad, 1987.
• Schemel, George & Judith Roemer. Beyond Individuation to Discipleship. Scranton, PA: Institute for Contemporary Spirituality, University of Scranton, 2000.
• Tetlow, Joseph A. and Thomas Martin Rochford. Choosing Christ in the World: Directing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola According to Annotations Eighteen and Nineteen: A Handbook. Series Iv--Studies on Jesuit Topics. St. Louis: Institute of Jesuit Sources, 1989.

Assessment