Content

This unit introduces the study of the foundations and characteristics of the spiritual life from an Orthodox Christian perspective. The unit deals with such issues as the relationship between orthodox doctrine, the sacraments, and spiritual life. The unit also covers themes such as the relation between divine grace and human struggle; prayer, sin, forgiveness and repentance; purity of heart, discipleship, fellowship, and service, sanctification, saints, and holiness, asceticism, virginity, and monasticism. Every theme starts with a Biblical introduction and foundation, and includes selected readings from the patristic and ascetic tradition.

Unit code: DS8800A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the key characteristics of spiritual life from an Orthodox perspective

2.

Contrast and compare spiritual life within the Orthodox tradition from other Christian traditions

3.

Analyse the Biblical foundations of some of the key patristic and ascetic texts on spiritual life in the studied theme

4.

Evaluate the relationship between orthodox doctrine, the sacraments and spiritual life

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Ward, Benedicta, trans. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection. London: Mowbrays, 1975. (recommended for purchase)
  • Athanasius, Saint. The Life of Antony and the Letter to Marcellinus. Trans. RC Gregg. Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1980. (recommended for purchase)
  • Cassian, John. The Conferences. Trans. Boniface Ramsey. Ancient Christian Writers, 57. New York: Paulist Press, 1997.
  • Climacus, Saint John. The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Trans. Archimandrite Lazarus Moore. London: Faber & Faber, 1959.
  • Hausherr, Irenee. Spiritual Direction in the Early Christian East. Trans. Anthony P Gythiel. Cistercian Studies Series, 116. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1990.
  • Isaac the Syrian, Saint. The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian. Boston: Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 1984.
  • Russell, Norman. The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition. Oxford Early Christian Studies. Oxford University Press, 2004.
  • Veilleux, Armand, ed. Pachomian Koinonia. Cistercian Studies Series, 45-47. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1980-82.
  • The Poor, Father Matthew. Orthodox Prayer Life. Crestwood, New York: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2003.
  • Ware, Bishop Kallistos. The Inner Kingdom. The Collected Works, Vol. 1. Crestwood, New York: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2004.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Written Assessment Task 3000 words

3000 50.0
Essay

Written Assessment Task 1000 words

1000 20.0
Oral Presentation

Presentation equivalent to 2000 words

2000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 3 Aug, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:46:39 +1100