Art of Contemplative Practice (DS9201W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit explores the foundational principles of contemplation and its relevance to our life, work and ministry contexts. The formation program will draw on the various contemplative elements of inner silence, solitude, Sabbath, prayer, listening, discernment and the human experience of God. Participants will be invited to reflect on these aspects of contemplation and their impact on their developing awareness of God in their everyday life experience.

Unit code: DS9201W

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate an informed and critical appreciation of contemplation
2.

Articulate an understanding of various experiences of contemplation
3.

Assess models of prayer, listening and action that relate to everyday life experience
4.

Compare and contrast various approaches to contemplative practices as they relate to vocational engagement
5.

Systematically evaluate the lectio divina approach to contemplative practice
6.

Creatively apply the principles of contemplative practice to discernment processes in life decisions

Pedagogy

There will be lectures, experiential workshops, a retreat experience and a field trip

Indicative Bibliography

  • Ahlgren G., Entering Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, New York: Paulist Press, 2005.
  • De Mello A., Awareness, London: Harper Collins, 1990.
  • Delio I., The Humility of God: a Franciscan Perspective, Cincinatti: St Anthony’s Messenger Press, 2005.
  • Edwards D., How God Acts: Creation, Redemption and Special Divine Action, Minneapolis: Fortress, 2010
  • Heschel A. J., The Sabbath, New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005
  • Holt S. C., God Next Door: Spirituality & Mission in the Neighbourhood. Melbourne: Acorn Press, 2007
  • Laird M. S., Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation, New York: Oxford Press, 2006 (texts recommended for purchase)
  • Palmer P. J., Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1999
  • Palmer P. J., A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An Undivided Life, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004
  • Pitchford, S., The Sacred Gaze: Contemplation and the Healing of the Self, Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2014.
  • Rohr R., The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See, Mulgrave: John Garratt, 2009.
  • Tacey D., The Spirituality Revolution: The Emergence of Contemporary Spirituality, Sydney: Harper Collins, 2003
  • Yaconelli M., Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
  • Yaconelli M., Growing Souls: Experiments in Contemplative Youth Ministry Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2,500 word essay or ministry project

2500 50.0
Report

1,500 word field-trip report

 1500 30.0
Journal

2,000 word Journal

 2000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 28 Oct, 2015

Unit record last updated: 2019-10-17 16:21:54 +1100