Spirituality and Theological Formation Course Catalog

Introduction to Theological Formation (SP-101)
This foundational course provides students with a chance to reflect on what it means to think theologically about personal faith, ordained leadership, and the leadership of all the baptized. Students will have the opportunity to write a spiritual autobiography, to reflect on the ways in which they are being called to serve God and the church, and to explore the challenges and growing edges of being formed for the ministries of word, liturgy, and compassion. This course is especially important for students who wish to pursue the process for discernment for leadership and for students approved to participate in the process for diaconal formation.

Introduction to Spirituality (SP-102)
An introduction to the spiritual dimension of human experience as explored in recent academic studies of spirituality, and as evidenced in various religious traditions, texts, and practices. Topics explored include: definitions of spirituality; the relevance of religion and theology for the spiritual life; the history of Christian spirituality; the phenomenon of mysticism (both Western and Eastern); spirituality among those not affiliated with a religion; the Augustinian school of spirituality; Benedictine spirituality; ecological spirituality; embodied spirituality; and, the nature and purpose of spiritual direction.

Introduction to Diakonia and Diaconal Formation (SP-103)
What does it mean to be a deacon? What did the historic diaconate look like in the early and medieval church? Deacons are members of one of three distinct orders of ordained ministry in the church (with bishops and presbyters). In the Episcopal Church, a deacon exercises “a special ministry of servanthood” directly under the deacon’s bishop, serving all people and especially those in need (BCP, p. 543). This definition reflects the practice of the early church, in which deacons were ordained “not to the priesthood but to the servanthood [diakonia, “ministry”] of the bishop” (Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition). In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore what it means to be a deacon, and how the historical concept of diakonia impacts the church today.

History of Christian Monasticism and Monastic Theology (SP/CH-201)
This course has a foreground and a background. In the background is the institutional and social history of monasticism and related religious movements, from the “desert tradition” and the origins of Christian monasticism to the end of the Middle Ages. In the foreground are some classic and perennially popular examples of monastic writing, from Benedict’s Rule to the Showings of Julian of Norwich, which we will read closely by analyzing the theological arguments and by interpreting them in light of their historical contexts. Cross-listed with Church History as CH-201.

Spiritual Practices, Prayer, and the Contemplative Tradition (SP-202)
Students in this course will be introduced to the rich history of Christian spiritual practices across the centuries. They will apply the practices of contemplation and prayer both personally and in small groups; examine the construction of a personal prayer life through readings that are historic as well as contemporary; consider the relationship between their own personal prayer journey and others; and consider the use of spiritual practices in pastoral care and within a congregation.

Mystical Theology (SP/ST-203)
An examination of a wide variety of medieval mystical theologians in light of the shared concept, or paradigm, of “mystical” theology. Emphasis is on the close reading of primary texts in translation. Authors include Plato, Plotinus, Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Pseudo-Dionysius (for the foundational paradigms), and then William of St. Thierry, Guigo II, Bonaventure, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Marguerite Porete, Meister Eckhart, and The Cloud of Unknowing. Cross-listed with Theology as ST-203.

Glorious Companions: Spirituality in the Anglican World (SP/AS-204)
This course offers a look inside the hearts and minds of significant shapers of Anglican spirituality over the past five centuries — Thomas Cranmer, John Donne, George Herbert, John Wesley, Dorothy Sayers, C. S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and many more. Covering twenty-nine of the most influential Anglican figures from the sixteenth century to the present, the course will use Richard H. Schmidt’s book, Glorious Companions, which deftly chronicles the lives and work of these thinkers while capturing at the same time the deep personal faith that they have managed to communicate so powerfully to the rest of the world. Join us for an inspiring look at these icons of the Christian faith, which include not only bishops and scholars but also poets, novelists, and teachers. Cross-listed with Anglican Studies as AS-204.

Diaconal Formation Reflection Group (SP-205)
In the ancient Greek-speaking world, the term diakonos meant an intermediary who acted or spoke for a superior. Christian deacons were agents of the bishop, often with oversight over charity and charitable projects. Since ancient times the liturgical functions of deacons have suggested the activity of angels. As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants. The revival of the order of deacons in the twentieth century has emphasized social care and service. Many bishops in the Episcopal Church expect their deacons to promote care of the needy outside the church. This course will allow deacons and the recently ordained to reflect on ministry and how they can thrive and flourish in their unique callings.

Anglican Spiritual Practices for Christian Formation (SP/AS-207)
Students in this course will have the opportunity to go further in their study of Anglicanism by looking at the religious practices and practical pieties of Anglicans and Episcopalians over history. Different movements in Anglican history utilized different approaches to the spiritual life, and these can have a real impact on our own spiritual formation today. Opportunity will be given for students to learn more about these religious practices by experimenting with them and reflecting on them through journaling. Cross-listed with Anglican Studies as AS-207.

Special Topics in Spirituality and Theological Formation (SP-301, -302, and -303)
These courses explore specific topics of interest and importance and are offered periodically as electives. Examples may include but are not limited to: Companions in the Way (Readings in Spiritual Direction); Mystical Literature from the Orthodox Tradition; and Benedictine Spirituality.