MM503: Integrating Spirituality and Theology (4 units)

Stephanie Smith, Director of SIS Masters Program and Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Theology
Spring 2004 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course will teach students to reflect on the implications of Christian doctrine for spiritual formation in Western and non-Western cultural contexts. Special emphasis will be given to the doctrine of the Trinity as it informs Christian self-understanding, spirituality, and community. The course will be organized around primary Christian doctrines including God, creation, reconciliation, Christian life, and Christian hope. Students will read, discuss, and assess a variety of authors who have integrated theology and spirituality within their own cultural and historical contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Develop a deeper understanding of the vital interdependence of Christian theology and the spiritual life.
2. Gain tools to appreciate and critically engage with theology and spiritualities of the West and non-West.
3. Reflect upon and challenge one’s personal understandings of God, self, and others through the contributions of the worldwide Christian community.

COURSE FORMAT:

This class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Athanasius of Alexandria. On the Incarnation. Translated and Edited by a religious of C.S.M.V. NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1996. Or in The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Schaff and Wace, Ed. Grand Rapids: WmB Eerdmans, 1991. (20 pgs.)
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together. London: SCM Press, 1972. (96 pgs.)
Collins, Kenneth, Ed. Exploring Christian Spirituality. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000. (Required essays listed in syllabus)
Dyrness, William, Ed. Emerging Voices in Global Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994 or one of books on required reading list.
Peterson, Eugene H. Run With The Horses : The Quest For Life At Its Best. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1983.
Required Articles/Essays in Syllabus. (260 pgs.)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Balthasar, Hans Urs von. Prayer. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1955.
Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology. Downers Grove: IVP, 1998.
Gutierrez, Gustavo. We Drink from Our Own Wells. NY: Orbis Books, 1984.
Louth, Andrew. The Wilderness of God. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.
Migliore, Daniel. Faith Seeking Understanding. Grand Rapids: WB Eerdmans, 1991. (212 pgs)
Torrance, James. Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace. Downers Grove: IVP, 1996.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Annotated Bibliography: Three to five sentence summaries of required articles/essays, On the Incarnation and Life Together to be written before relevant class meeting. Due on Friday, June 4.
2. Practicum: Meet once/week (9-10 times) with another person in the class (preferably of a different nationality, context, or stage of life than your own) to discuss personal life with God and the theology and spirituality arising out of each persons’ context and community. Submit a 5-7 page written report (1250-1750 words) on Wednesday, June 9.
   Final Essay: Research and assess the theological beliefs and spiritual expression of one person or tradition addressed in class. Students are expected to read at least 600 pages to complete this assignment-3500 words) is due on Friday, June 4. Th.M. students: This paper should be 1000-1500 words longer and reflect more reading/research.
   Optional Desert Retreat: A weekend camping trip in the Mohave Desert will focus on the beliefs and spiritual practices of the desert mothers and fathers. The retreat is not required and will not count as credit toward the course, though the instructor welcomes students (and their spouses) to attend. Louth’s Wilderness of God is recommended reading for the retreat.

PREREQUISITE: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective in SIS; meets SPIR for SOT.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

Last Date Edited: April 19, 2004