Winter 2002/Pasadena
SP835/535
Peace
SP835/535: INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY. Richard Peace.
DESCRIPTION:
- An advanced seminar which explores the study of Christian
spirituality. Christian spirituality is a multi-faceted discipline that must be
approached from various vantage points. The aim of the course is to discuss
methods of research appropriate to this discipline and to identify and explore
categories of inquiry such as the history and theology of Christian
spirituality, OT and NT spirituality, and the relationship between philosophy
and psychology and spirituality.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The fascination with spirituality in culture today has given rise
to new interest in the study of spirituality. In particular, for Protestants,
there is a desire to explore spiritual traditions other than their own with the
aim of discerning new insights into the spiritual life. The church is enriched
as these insights are made available to lay Christians (and others).
COURSE FORMAT:
- This is an advanced seminar for Th.M. and Ph.D. students into which
a limited number of M.A. and M.Div. students will be admitted. Each session
will consist of a free-standing seminar presented by a member of the CATS
faculty on a particular topic of spirituality followed by student
presentations.
REQUIRED READING:
Dupré, Louis and Don E. Saliers, eds. Christian Spirituality:
Post-Reformation and Modern. Volume 18 of World Spirituality: An
Encyclopedic History of the Religious Quest. New York: Crossroad, 1991.
McGinn, Bernard and John Meyendorff, eds. Christian Spirituality: Origins to
the Twelfth Century. Volume 16 of World Spirituality: An Encyclopedic
History of the Religious Quest. New York: Crossroad, 1987.
Raitt, Jill, ed. Christian Spirituality: High Middle Ages and
Reformation. Volume 17 of World Spirituality: An Encyclopedic History of
the Religious Quest. New York: Crossroad, 1988.
- Readings in Christian Spirituality: A Collection of Articles and
Papers (Bookstore).
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Ph.D. and Th.M. students are expected to read 3000 pages drawn from
the essays in the class texts, the Reader, and primary sources as well as write
a 40 page paper. M.A. and M.Div. students will read 1500 pages and write a 20
page essay. Students will present their research in class.
PREREQUISITES:
- Permission from the Instructor is necessary for master's level
students to enroll in this course.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.