This course is essentially a sociological exploration of spirituality in the contemporary United States. In other words, we will attempt to analyze how Americans discern meaning and experience transcendence in their everyday lives in ways that both connect them to ""official"" religious institutions and in ways that distance them. Among the topics to be addressed are: patterns of religious belief and belonging; contemporary understandings of the self; new institutions for spirituality; changes in spirituality across the lifespan and among generational cohorts; research methods for interrogating spirituality in everyday life; and the connection between spirituality and wider socio-cultural changes within the United States and beyond. Format: each class session will incorporate both lecture and class discussion. Requirements: classroom participation, and a choice between multiple shorter papers or one longer paper.[20 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
Spirituality and Ministry are profoundly related aspects of the Christian life. In this lecture/discussion course, we explore these disciplines separately and in relationship to one another across a wide variety of types and topics. These include: ministry on the margins, theological reflection on ministry, discernment and decision-making for ministry, and themes in personal and communal spiritualities. The course is scheduled to meet on a series of Saturdays at JST, from 9:00a to 3:00p on these dates: 9/7, 9/28, 10/12, 11/9 and 12/7. In addition, between on-site sessions students will be involved in several online exercises individually and in small groups. This schedule is meant to accommodate the work and study lives of busy students, but the topic also avails itself to a slower rhythm and pace associated with more contemplative processes.
The Psalms have nourished the spiritual and theological life of the Christian and Jewish communities for centuries. Their vitality is manifest in liturgy/worship, in theological studies, in personal spirituality. This course will pursue such connections by studying psalms as part of the Old Testament and ways in which psalms impact the life of the early Christian writings in the New Testament. We will explore different ""types"" of psalms, moods of sadness and joy, hope and disappointment in them. Other literary questions, including their ""ordering"" in the Book of Psalms will contribute to our study. Course will explore spirituality of the Psalter by considering: relationship to individual and communal prayer, worship, music, and the Sunday lectionary, and history of Psalm reception in Jewish and Christian communities of faith. Course is designed primarily for ministry students ('praxis' course for J.S.T. M.Div. students). Lectures/discussions;midterm exams papers [PIN code required; 20 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This seminar will introduce students to the research field of Christian Spirituality, and to the structure and content of the Doctoral Program in Christian Spirituality at the GTU. It will also initiate students into the techniques of research, some methodologies appropriate to the interdisciplinary field and promote skills in organizing and writing. The seminar will be specifically geared to the needs and interests of doctoral students in Christian Spirituality but doctoral students from other fields who are interested in the field are welcome. Discussion, lecture, presentation and term paper. [Faculty Consent required]
This seminar explores the vital connection between ecology and the theology/practice of Christian worship. It aims to deepen earth consciousness and build a sensitivity to the sacramentality of the earth and cosmos, which can flow into an eco-liturgical spirituality, a worship practice infused with a sense of God's active presence in the sacred earth community, and a deepened sense of ethical responsibility for the future of the earth. Biblical, eco-theological, liturgical and scientific perspectives will be explored using a wide range of authors, with specific attention to Franciscan themes. Format: seminar. Intended for MDiv, MA, MTS, DMin, PhD. Evaluation: weekly written assignments, research paper or annotated bibliography, oral presentation, and contribution to common bibliography. [12 max enrollment; PIN code required; Auditors with faculty permission]
This seminar will explore contemporary women's engagement in worship across three interrelated arenas: 1)official liturgical/sacramental practice; 2)women-identified liturgical communities; 3)domestic rites and popular religious practice--with special attention to how women's spirituality shapes this engagement. Issues of language, leadership, space, women's bodies, images of God, symbols, and reordered relationships will be explored. Readings will draw on feminist, womanist, mujerista and Asian/African ""women church"" perspectives. The course will open with a brief look at the biblical and historical precedents for women's engagement/leadership in worship, and the role of gender analysis in re-imagining Christian liturgical history. Students will develop research papers or annotated bibliographies related to their specific interests and will prepare ritual prayer that will be included in each class. [PIN code required; 12 max enrollment]
To explore ways of prayer and meditation within the western Christian tradition. Through these experiments in prayer one hopes to develop his or her relationship to God and one's sensitivity to the religious dimension of one's everyday life. The course aims to help people notice and articulate their religious experience as a ground and test of their theological reflection. Class participation, practices and journaling required. Combination audience with varying requirements [Faculty Consent required; 20 max enrollment]
This course offers in-depth studies of Ignatian discernment, how it is found in the foundational documents of the Society of Jesus, namely, the Spiritual Exercises, the Spiritual Diary, the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and some of Ignatius' letters; how it is interpreted and understood both by Ignatius' contemporaries and scholars of contemporary time. Particularly, the course will explore in depth the Rules of Discernment of the First and Second Week found in the Spiritual Exercises [Ej 313-336]. Students investigate the personal and ministerial applications of Ignatian discernment through case studies, classroom discussions, 3 short reflection papers (2-3 pages), and a final research project (15-20 pages). Format is seminar and lecture. [Experience with the Spiritual Exercises; PIN code required; 17 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course will offer an introduction to Ignatian spirituality as developed by Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) by his early companions. Reading materials will include Ignatius' own writings and those of his contemporaries as well as contributions by modern authors and interpreters. Themes will include Ignatian worldview, Ignatian discernment, contemplative in action, the practice of examen, and finding God in all things. Class format will include both lectures and discussion. Evaluative components of the course consist of, in addition to students' active participation in discussion, a personal autobiography project from each student for presentation in class, three short reflection papers (1-2 pages), and a final term paper (15 pages). [Auditors with Faculty permission]
To refine a focus on religious experience in spiritual direction for those engaged in or preparing for this ministry. This course will enable participants to identify, articulate and develop religious experience. Each class will combine theory and practical application to ministry through presentations, verbatims, role plays, case studies, journal exercises and group discussion. Requirements: Two verbatims; assigned readings; two reflection papers; two worksheets. Combination of students with varying requirements [Faculty Consent required; Interview required]
CHURCH RENEWAL: FRANCISCAN LEAVEN,JESUIT LIGHTS: The papacy of ""Francis"" seems very promising. In this context, using contextual, interdisciplinary theological methodology, this course will look at the current situation of the world, today. First, each student will highlight one or two areas where s/he sees the need for renewal and reform in her/his church/community, and/or the world, at large. Second, after an introductory lecture on the dynamics of contextual theological methodology, using insights from the discipline of her/his interest, students will be assisted to analyze the roots and ramifications of the 'ecclesial concern' or 'societal/global problem' that calls for renewal and reform. Then, in the light of Scripture, partially, but, more specifically, seeking inspiration from ""Francis"" (of Assisi, and the Jesuit Francis Xavier), and Jesuit/Ignatian spirituality, the student will provide pointers as to how theology can be an effective means to catalyze the required renewal and reform. This course-designed for students of S.T.L., M.T.S., Th.M., M.Div., and M.A. levels-will employ a lecture/discussion format. Evaluations through weekly one-page papers, class presentations, and a final 5-7 page paper. [18 max enrollment]
This course is designed for Jesuits preparing for ordination to the Roman Catholic Priesthood. The course will examine a sacramental, ecclesial and Jesuit understanding of presbyteral orders, and will include some reflection upon the biblical foundations for priesthood as they occur in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Historical, Conciliar and papal documents will also form part of the content of the course. Contemporary Sacramental theology will be the underlying lens through which the Sacraments of Orders will be understood. Finally we will examine a spirituality of contemporary priesthood in a postmodern Church through the specific lens which a specifically Jesuit formation offers. This will be aided by Society documents and recent provincial directives in this important aspect of apostolic mission. This course can meet the requirement of the elective praxis course in the JST MDiv curriculum. [PIN code required]
This course offers in-depth studies of Ignatian vision and cultures that have become foundational for Ignatian spirituality, Ignatian discernment, and Jesuit mission and inculturation. The core reading materials will come from Ignatius' own writings, including the Autobiography, the Spiritual Diary, the Spiritual Exercises, the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and his voluminous correspondence, as well as the writings of Ignatius' companions. The course is organized as a seminar, and class participation is expected and valued highly. Student evaluation consists of 2 short reflection papers (1-3 pages) and a final research project (~10 pages). [20 max enrollment]
This course offers in depth studies exploring how Jesuit theology of mission was formulated and developed starting with the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, being embodied in the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and flowing out into Jesuit practices and policy in their missions during the 16th and 17th century. The core reading materials come from primary sources such as the Spiritual Exercises, the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius' correspondences and the first five Jesuit General's correspondences to Jesuits in Asia as well as commentaries and critiques from contemporary scholars. Format is seminar. Student participation in class through classroom seminar/ discussions, 1written short reflections (2 - 3 pages), a book review, and a final research project (~ 20 pages). [Experience with the Spiritual Exercises; reading Spanish is advantageous; Faculty Consent required; 10 max enrollment; auditors with Faculty permission].
This seminar will engage women in a process of reflection on their experience from the perspectives of spirituality, psychology, and the arts. We will consider women's religious experience; relationships; personal/social transformation; the body; nature. Class will include feminist readings, written reflections, discussion, and ritual. Format: Seminar. Evaluation: Informed class participation, reflection papers. [Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to a comparative reading of Christianity and Tibetan Buddhism tradition, focusing on a series of conceptual and theological foci that are developed in analogous, yet distinctive manner in the two different traditions. After a general introduction to Buddhism and an initial presentation of the specific character of Vajrayana, students will explore the foundations of interreligious dialogue, and the chief differences between dialogue in the strict sense, theology of religions, and comparative theology. After a brief excursus into the realm of exegesis, the course will shift to questions of cosmology, anthropology, and divine embodiment. The final part of the course will focus on spiritual practice and the role of the virtues, addressing the question of gradual and immediate approaches to salvation, as well as issues of sexuality and gender. Students will be encouraged to explore the points of contact between the two traditions, but also evaluate and address any irreducible difference that may emerge from their reading. The course is primarily geared to advanced Masters students, but doctoral students are also welcome. Previous classes in Buddhism or interreligious dialogue are helpful, but they are not required. [PIN code required; 22 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
How do spiritual practices make us better people? Guided by the exploration and disciplined, community-assisted practice of virtue, this course will examine character and virtue through the lenses of philosophy, history, liberation spirituality, and psychology while prioritizing the student's own personal character growth. Students will consider virtue-based spiritual formation, what constitutes a virtue, methods for growing in virtue, and approaches to teaching virtue in ministerial contexts. We will study spiritual exemplars (from Christian and also non-Christian traditions) and their particular virtues and methods of cultivating virtue while practicing a variety of traditional and innovate methods of forming virtue. Students will keep a virtue journal; some class time will be spent in small groups for discussion and virtue-centric exercises. Format is lecture and discussion. Grade will be based on student presentation(s), final paper, and small group participation. This course is appropriate for MDiv and other master's students. This course is taught by PhD student Matthew Boswell with a Newhall Award, under the supervision of Lisa Fullam. [15 max enrollment]
The Course will approach Mariology from the perspective of the various theological disciplines: Christology, Soteriology, Doctrine of Grace, Ecclesiology, Theological Anthropology and Eschatology. Mariology represents the crossroad of Systematic Theology. The study of Mary verifies and validates for all human beings what Catholic faith believes as salvation in Jesus Christ. The ecumenical and interreligious approach will also shape the methodology of this Course. The format of this course is lecture/discussion. The audience required is MDiv, MA/MTS, DMin, ThD. The evaluation consists of weekly written position papers, class discussions and final paper. [30 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course offers in-depth studies of various spiritual dynamics found in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Such a dynamic will be examined both in each individual week of the Spiritual Exercises as well as the Exercises as a whole. The core reading materials will come from Ignatius' own writings, including the Autobiography, the Spiritual Diary, the Spiritual Exercises, the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and some of his personal correspondences, as well as the writings of Ignatius' companions. The course is organized as a seminar, and class participation is expected and highly valued. Built upon what have been presented in the course, students will have a chance to reflect and work on various spiritual dynamics that have been part of his/her life journey. The course is organized as a seminar. Thus, class participation is required. Student evaluation consists of 3 short reflection papers (1 - 3 pages) coming out from either assigned reading or group discussion and a final research project ( ~10 pages). [20 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
TAKING HER WORD: PASTORAL THEOLOGY & FEMINIST HERMENEUTICS This seminar will look at feminist hermeneutical principles operative in pastoral theology and spiritual care. The seminar will invite students to think about their perceptions and how they interpret what they encounter: Whose words are we listening to? Who are we taking as witnesses for pastoral theological reflection? How are we hermeneutically accountable in our pastoral practices? In addition, we will explore how pastoral theology is vulnerable to splitting into endless fragmented specializations for subgroups as the 21st century unfolds. Given this tension, in what ways are hermeneutical reflections indispensable in order for caregivers to be transparent and self-critical in the presence of the contending agendas of various constituencies. This hybrid course will meet 6:10 - 9:00 p.m. on September 4 and December 11, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on two Saturdays, October 18 and December 15. The rest of the work will be done online. This is primarily a seminar/workshop format. There will be online reflections on the readings and discussion questions, with a final research paper or project due the end of the semester. Mid-to upper level, for MDiv, MA/MTS, STL, DMin, STD, PhD/ThD. Assignments to be adjusted for varying degree requirements. [Previous courses in Pastoral Theology helpful but not required; Faculty permission for first year students; PIN code required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
In this advanced seminar in Spirituality and Theology we draw on the resources of hermeneutics, theology, spirituality, aesthetics and artistic experience to investigate the hermeneutical connections among theological thought, photographic expression, and poetic utterance. At the same time, we probe how theological reflections are found in and forged through photography and poetry as artistic/spiritual disciplines. While engaging a range of photographers, poets, and theologians, as well as photography and poetry critics, we frame our investigations around themes highlighted in contextual/ political theologies, including memory, beauty, suffering, time and narrativity. At the same time, we will engage the understanding of 'religion/spirituality as interruption' (Metz) as a theological quest underlying all our specific investigations. [PIN code required; 12 max enrollment; Interview required; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course will offer a concrete means to deepen one's spiritual life in the Ignatian tradition and identity through re-reading Ignatius' Autobiography, exploring the meaning of the Camino while experiencing a simple life in an intentional faith community on the road. The first part of the course consists of readings and discussion over Ignatius' Autobiography in classes on the JST campus during the spring semester of 2015. The second part of the course is the Pilgrimage beginning in Spain and ending in Rome over weeks. Course work includes lectures, discussion, and composing and presenting in group one's own extensive spiritual biography. Pilgrimage consists of walking, sharing faith and the Eucharist, and at time preparing meals together. Assignments include a personal autobiography project, three short reflection papers (2 - 3 pages), and a final project. Participation in the pilgrimage depends on how the student participates in the course work. Application/interview required. [Personal knowledge or working experience in Ignatian Spirituality, good physical health to be able to walk in mountainous regions, respect of and sensitivity to different cultures, open to share and able to live simply; PIN code required; Interview required; 15 max enrollment]
2015 marks the 100th anniversary of Thomas Merton's birth! This seminar will explore Merton's writings through several ""tracks"" that will be running consecutively. First, we will follow Merton's life chronologically as presented in a summary of his journals. Second, we will read selections of Merton's writing that correspond to the time period under discussion. Third, we will read ""New Seeds of Contemplation"", one of Merton's books on spiritual practice, in small segments. Finally, in the latter part of the semester students will have the opportunity to make presentations on a topic of their choice. The goal of the class is to give students an opportunity to read and reflect on a wide variety of Merton's writing, including his spiritual writing, social critiques, letters, journals, and poetry. Evaluation based on class participation, two short papers, a presentation, and one long paper. Open to students in all programs. [12 max enrollment; PIN required; Auditors with Faculty permission]
The aim of this course is to explore a contemplative-prophetic spirituality which is grounded in contemporary history. We will consider calls to prayer and to personal/societal conversion within the context of the earth and of our world. Liberation and ministry will be considered, particularly in relation to the marginalized and oppressed. Opportunity for interaction with individuals and groups struggling with liberation issues is an option for members of this seminar, as a way of grounding our reflection in direct experience. Format: Seminar. Evaluation: Informed class participation, reflection papers, some presentations. This course meets the requirements of a praxis course for the 2nd and 3rd year JST MDiv curriculum. Intended audience: MA/MTS, MDiv New Directions. [Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
SPRING 2016 The course will examine features of the book of the prophet Jeremiah, emphasizing in particular ways in which the prophet coped with frustration and failure and may be understood to have come to insights of compassion. Anticipate a seminar style course, where the responsibility to lead will be shared and the responsibility to participate actively assumed. There will be a course paper, 20-25 pages. This course is designed particularly for students in Christian Spirituality completing their biblical comprehensive requirement but is suitable for biblical studies students as well. [Recent critical work in OT, ideally in prophetic texts; Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]. SPRING 2017 MEMORY & SPIRITUALITY - BIBLICAL TEXTS This seminar will probe how a Hermeneutic of Memory is operative in Biblical texts, with special attention to post-Auschwitz interpretations of Psalms, Lamentations, Job and the Parables of Jesus. The political theological discourse by Johann Baptist Metz and Dorothee Soelle opens participants to various contemporary realities of suffering, and thus to the realm of Jewish and Christian Spirituality. Participants in Biblical Studies and Christian Spirituality may explore how a hermeneutic of memory can impact the research projects and the biblical spirituality of the seminar members. Short papers, research paper, seminar presentation [esp. for PhD, STD, STL students ]. [Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This doctoral seminar course explores primary readings in the classical sources of Christian spirituality from the early, medieval, early modern, and modern periods, as well as secondary readings on the sources and on historical methodology. By the end of the course, students will have gained a more detailed knowledge of a select number of topics within the history of Christian spirituality, and should have developed the ability to handle historical material for research projects in the same field. Open to doctoral students in Christian Spirituality and related fields and to advanced Masters students with a strong background in the history of Christianity.
This course is designed for candidates preparing for ordination to the Roman Catholic Priesthood. It will examine a sacramental and ecclesial understanding of presbyteral orders, and will include some reflection upon the biblical foundations for priesthood as they occur in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Historical, Conciliar and papal documents will also form part of the content of the course. Contemporary Sacramental theology will be the underlying lens through which the Sacrament of Orders will be understood. Teaching methods includes lectures, discussions, papers, and guest speakers. This course can meet the requirement of the elective praxis course in the JSTB MDiv curriculum. [30 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course unfolds at the intersection of spirituality, integrative medicine, pastoral care and issues of fundamental theology. Utilizing a modified seminar format, it brings into dialogue political awareness, eco-spirituality and feministhermeneutics addressing questions of health and healing. Health and healing is understood individually and communal. The theoretical analysis will be developed in close relationship with the experience at site visits to urban farming and spirituality centers focusing on health and healing , and through encounters with experts in the area of integrative medicine and healing. (see www.commonweal.org )We will work from theologies of creation, revelation and baptism to develop an understanding of life as sacred and consecrated integrating body and health, rather than starting with traditional theologies of religious life and lay consecration, The goal of the seminar will be to develop theological categories that grow out of human experience of need for healing and academic research into the wholeness and holiness of life. The seminar will meet bi-weekly and includes a full day immersion on October 30th . This course is primarily intended for MDiv, MA, and MTS, although STL, ThM, STD and PhD students are very much invited to integrate the course with advanced requirements that meet their specific research interests [PIN code required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to a comparative reading of Christianity and Buddhism, focusing on a series of conceptual and theological foci that are developed in analogous, yet distinctive manner in the two religious traditions. After a general introduction to Buddhism and an overview of the differences between Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, students will move on to explore the foundations of interreligious dialogue, as well as the chief differences between dialogue in the strict sense, theology of religions, and comparative theology. A brief excursus into the realm of exegesis and Scriptural interpretation will segue into questions of cosmology and anthropology, and address the different ways in which the two traditions have conceptualized the notion of divine embodiment. The final part of the course will focus on spiritual practice and the role of the virtues, addressing the question of gradual and immediate approaches to salvation, as well as issues of sexuality and gender. Students will be encouraged to explore the points of contact between the two traditions, but also evaluate and address any irreducible difference that may emerge from their reading. The course is primarily geared to advanced Masters students, but doctoral students are also welcome. Previous classes in interreligious dialogue are helpful, but they are not required. [20 max enrollment]
This course designed for Advanced M.Div, MA or STL, STD and PhD students will employ a modified seminar format to bring into dialogue political/ contextual theologies and/or spiritualities with with mystical traditions & biblical horizons. The seminar is going to employ different hermeneutical approaches to facilitate this dialogue and will give the student an opportunity to think through their own hermeneutical approach in their research. [Faculty Consent required; 18 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
The primary focus of this lecture/seminar course is the development of Christian Patristic spirituality, tracing the gradual development of the notion of theosis (deification) in the writings of the Eastern Fathers. We will begin with Origen's spiritual theology and the Origenist school of spirituality, giving particular attention to the teaching of Evagrios Pontikos. We will then study the role of the spiritual senses and the question of mystical knowledge in the writings of Gregory of Nyssa and the Pseudo-Denys. Finally, after a look at the issue of anhypostasis, we will discuss Maximos the Confessor's theology of deification and the role of images in the writings of John Damascene and Theodore the Studite. The course will conclude with a foray into the later Byzantine theology of Gregory Palamas. This class is primarily for STL or doctoral students, though advanced MA or MDiv students may also attend. Students are expected to give class presentations on the assigned material, submit a weekly reflection (1-2 pages), and write two papers (10-12 pages each) or a longer research paper (20-25 pages). [Faculty Consent required]
This course explores the norms and contexts, ethical resources and particular ethical issues and challenges facing Catholic High School teachers in our time. The course will proceed according to a Virtue/Care ethical model. Particular topics will include an assessment of the USCCB's Curriculum framework and some sociological analyses of Catholic schools. Other topics will be chosen by the students. Here are some examples of questions we might explore: questions of racial and economic diversity, justice and hiring/firing, Creative pedagogies, teaching science in Catholic schools, teaching sex in Catholic schools, the vocation and spirituality of the teacher, et al. Grades will be based on weekly Moodle posts and responses addressing the course readings, and a final reflection paper of 10-12 pages, and will be taught in seminar format.
This course offers a survey studies of the history of Christian spiritualities. Selected figures and movements found in various historical periods in the development of Christianity will be studied through different approaches and perspectives, e.g. intercultural, feminist, etc. Since spirituality remains prior to and basis of theology, the course focuses and emphasizes on spiritual experiences, formation and practices. After having studied these figures and movements, students has the opportunity to reflect on their own spiritual experiences and practices moving towards applying and forming their own spirituality and that of the others in their ministry. The course is organized as a seminar. Thus, clasS participation is required. Student evaluation consists of 3 short reflection papers (1 - 3 pages) coming out from either assigned reading or group discussion and a final research project ( ~ 10 pages). [20 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
SPRING 2016 ""The only constant is change."" This course will examine the experience of transition from the perspective of the Christian tradition, the human sciences, and contemporary spirituality. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon the transitions they have experienced/are experiencing in their own lives. The class will unfold in four parts: 1) A look at the lived experience of transition in the stories of two persons; 2) Analysis of the process of transition; 3) Transition as seen through the lens of theology and psychology; and 4) How might we sustain transformation in our lives? Both personal and cultural transformation will be considered. [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission] SPRING 2017 ""The only constant is change."" This course will examine the experience of transition from the perspective of the Christian tradition, the human sciences, and contemporary spirituality. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon the transitions they have experienced/are experiencing in their own lives. The class will unfold in three parts: 1) A look at the lived experience of transition in the lives of two representative persons. 2) Analysis of the process of transition from the viewpoint of psychology and theology; and 3) How might we sustain transformation in our lives. Both personal and cultural transformation will be considered. Evaluations based on short reflection papers, a presentation, and an 8-10 page final paper. This course is open to students in all programs. [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
Seminar course in fundamentals of spiritual direction. Evaluation through verbatims, reflection papers, class participation and supervision. [Faculty Consent required; 14 max enrollment] SUMMER 2016 Class meets weekdays, 6/20/2016-7/22/2016, from 9:00am-2:00pm at Chardin House.
A stereotyped understanding of Asian Christian art, for instance, one featuring an Asian-faced Jesus in tropical surroundings, betrays a notable bias. It illustrates an Asia imagined as an oriental, distant land, rather than an invitation to a renewed creativity or reimaging of Jesus from the contemporary perspective in which Asian Christian art is actually emerging. This course would take the present social-historical context as a starting point to analyze the many ways Christian art of Asia has intertwined inculturation and social-political commitment within a non-Christian world. By using cultural symbols and narratives, this form of art has followed the trends of ethnic concerns, including theories of hybridity, cultural criticism and exchange. Our investigation will privilege Asian aesthetic traditions and movements that are being reinvigorated in contemporary artistic production. For example, we will examine He Qi's Ecce Homo in China, which draws from Chinese literature, while at the same time reconstructing the Christian teaching of crucifixion. Japanese artist Sadao Watanabe's biblical figures appear garbed in kimonos, hinting at a more complex political vision of a nation steeped in Buddhist aesthetics. This course explores manifestations of artistic acculturation in non-Western art history and invites students to examine the Christian message in light of Eastern wisdom and religions. Course requirements include a mid-term presentation, a group facilitation, and a final research paper. This course, taught by a doctoral student in Art and Religion under the supervision of a JST professor in mission studies, is open to MA/MTS, STL, MDiv, and DMin students. Auditors are welcome with permission of the instructors. This course is taught by PhD student Su-Chi Lin with a Newhall Award, under the supervision of Eduardo Fernandez.[Auditors with faculty permission]
This seminar addresses the quest for personal and societal transformation through the thought and writings of Thomas Merton. Emphasis will be given to his vision of the human person, contemplation, nonviolence, solitude, and solidarity. Reflection papers, some presentations. [12 max enrollment; Faculty Consent required; Auditors with Faculty permission]