This unit examines the principles of spiritual direction within the Christian tradition, with particular attention to the contemplative–evocative mode of practice. Students will engage with foundational questions concerning the nature and practice of spiritual direction, developing theological insight and professional identity. Emphasis is placed on the content of spiritual direction conversations, the fostering of relationship with God, and the cultivation of a listening, contemplative, and compassionate presence in the spiritual director.
Unit code: DD8412Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational
Unit discipline: Spiritual Direction
Proposing College: St Francis College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Explain key principles of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. |
| 2. | Apply compassionate listening to foster awareness of God. |
| 3. | Evaluate the spiritual director’s role in guiding discernment. |
| 4. | Facilitate ethical contemplative listening in group settings. |
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction. Code of Ethics for Spiritual Directors. https://www.spiritualdirection.org.au/resources/code-of-ethics.
Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. 2nd ed. Seabury Press, 2009.
Bentley, Peter, and Ann Lock, eds. Companioning at the Edges: Exploring New Dimensions of Spiritual Direction in Australia. Wellspring Centre Inc., 2021.
Birmingham, Madeline, and William J. Connolly. Spiritual Direction and the Development of Directors. Sheed & Ward, 1994.
Buckley, Suzanne M., ed. Sacred Is the Call: Formation and Transformation in Spiritual Direction Programs. Crossroad Publishing Co., 2005.
Dyckman, Katherine Marie, SNJM, and L. Patrick Carroll, SJ. Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet: An Introduction to Spiritual Direction. Paulist Press, 1981.
Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Cowley Publications, 1992.
Harborne, Lynette. Psychotherapy and Spiritual Direction: Two Languages, One Voice? Karnac, 2012.
Hernandez, Will. Henri Nouwen and Spiritual Polarities: A Life of Tension. Paulist Press, 2012.
Pickering, Sue. Spiritual Direction: A Practical Introduction. Canterbury Press, 2014.
Ruffing, Janet K., RSM. To Tell the Sacred Tale: Spiritual Direction and Narrative. Paulist Press, 2011.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 0 | 100.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Apr, 2026
Unit record last updated: 2026-04-15 10:13:34 +1000