PC064-712 - Christian Spirituality

  • 2,679 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC530. Unit exclusions: PC045-512, PC045-712, PC064-712, PC065-812, PC040-812

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of Christian spirituality and spiritual disciplines.

B. Be able to

1. Practice the skills of Christian spirituality and spiritual disciplines. 
2. Integrate theological study, college activities and ministry experience as elements a Christian spiritual journey.
3. Present Critical evidence-based perspectives on Christian spirituality and spiritual disciplines.
 

C. Be in a position to

Apply perspectives and skills from “Christian Spirituality” to ministry contexts and Christian living as a reflective practitioner.

Content

Section A: Spirituality for Christian Life and Ministry

  1. Defining spirituality and spiritual formation: their nature, function and goals, and the factors that give rise to the variety of patterns of spirituality.
  2. Biblical patterns of spirituality: Old Testament and New Testament models, elements such as encounter with God, renewal of the mind, vocation, accountability and community, recreation, work, spiritual warfare, justice and mercy.
  3. Biblical patterns and their implications for contemporary spirituality with reference to expressions in contemporary Christian traditions: Contemplative, Evangelical, Charismatic-Pentecostal, Holiness, Puritan/Reformed, social-ecological justice.
  4. Theological study of biblical patterns: imitation of Christ, beatific vision, “in Christ”, “the communion of saints”, godliness, “indwelling of the spirit”, pilgrimage, etc.
  5. Growing in a context of spiritual opposition and divine help.  A study (biblical, theological and contemporary) of the influence of spirit beings (the Holy Spirit, angelic, and demonic) on personal spiritual growth.

Section B: Historical Spirituality

  1. A brief exposure to at least two historical expressions of Christian Spirituality with special focus on the contextual factors involved in their formation and the implications for today.

Section C: Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Formation

  1. The functions and misuse of the spiritual disciplines in spiritual formation.
  2. Disciplines of the inner life, including prayer, silence, solitude, self-examination, confession, Bible study, meditation, contemplation, fasting, and journalling.  Special attention should be given to the devotional use of Scripture in the context of biblical scholarship (Lectio Divina).
  3. Lifestyle disciplines, including simplicity, giving, hospitality, chastity, Sabbath observance, and service.
  4. Corporate disciplines, including worship, guidance and discernment, submission and authority, fellowship and community, confession and spiritual direction.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Journals:

Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life (Nashville: Upper Room, 1986-).

The Way: A Review of Contemporary Christian Spirituality (London: The Way, 1990).

Grove Spirituality Series (Cambridge: Grove, 1982-1991).

 

Monographs:

Arnold, C., Three Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997).

Barton, S., The Spirituality of the Gospels (London: SPCK, 1992).

Gire, K., Windows of the Soul: Experiencing God in New Ways (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996).

Guenther, M., Holy Listening (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1994).

Holt, B., A Brief History of Christian Spirituality (Oxford: Lion, 1993).

Leonard, B. J. (ed.), Becoming Christian: Dimensions of Spiritual Formation (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1990).

Maas, R. and G. O’Donnell, Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church (Nashville: Abingdon, 1990).

McGrath, A., Spirituality in an Age of Change (Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1994).

Mulholland, M. R., Invitation to a Journey (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1993).

Murphy, E., The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003).

Nouwen, H., Life of the Beloved (New York: Crossroad, 1992).

Packer, J. and L. Wilkinson, Alive to God (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1992).

Peterson, E., The Contemplative Pastor (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993).

Rice, H., Reformed Spirituality (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1991).

Smith, M., The Word is Very Near You: A Guide to Praying with Scripture (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1990).

Sheriffs, D., The Friendship of the Lord (Carlisle: Paternoster, 1996).

Steere, D., Dimensions of Prayer (Nashville: Upper Room, 1997).

Thompson, M., Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1995).