Spiritual Formation (DS9312B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The unit provides an introduction to the concept and practice of spiritual formation through the lens of evangelicalism. It draws on biblical sources and the wider Christian tradition to explore foundations for spiritual maturity, as well as examining aspects of psychosocial and emotional health in Christian ministry. The unit presents a framework that is holistic and relational and identifies intentional practices as necessary for spiritual formation. It invites students to reflect on their own personal history of formation and to experience selected classical spiritual disciplines as a way of engaging in both personal and vocational formation.

Unit code: DS9312B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

To reflect on, articulate and evaluate spiritual and developmental journey as a personal history of spiritual formation.

2.

Critically analyse biblical sources and other Christian texts and traditions to discern and evaluate current spiritual formation teaching and practice.

3.

Explore and evaluate personal experiences of engagement with classic spiritual disciplines.

4.

Evaluate psychosocial and emotional markers necessary for spiritual maturity and healthy Christian ministry.

5.

Construct a model of spiritual formation for your ongoing personal and vocational development.

Unit sequence

No prerequisites required.

Pedagogy

In an asynchronous environment students will engage carefully designed learning materials which may include readings, audio and video materials, a variety of learning activities, response to questions, refection upon practice. They will also attend structured synchronous online engagement sessions which will promote peer to peer engagement and learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
  • Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
  • Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2018.
  • Heuertz, Phileena. Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2018.
  • Gruen, Anselm. Building Self-Esteem: The Christian Dimension. New York: Crossroad, 2000.
  • Mulholland, M. Robert Jr. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Expanded Edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2016.
  • Palmer, Parker J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
  • Peterson, Eugene H. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
  • Scazzero, Peter. *Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: it's impossible to be spiritually mature, while remaining emotionally immature. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.
  • Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Seminar or Tutorial 2100 30.0
Essay 2800 40.0
Critical Review 2100 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-08-16 11:03:31 +1000