Course Description
The Spiritual Formation class is designed to create a communal space for students to be formed spiritually through the knowledge and love of God by developing spiritual rhythms that create space for just such a cultivation. A balance between theory and practice will be sought with a sensitivity to the students’ life-stage and personal experience. While students will be introduced to essential teachings in Christian theology and spirituality, they will also participate in formational practices that are rooted in the Bible and in Church’s rich and varied tradition and wisdom spanning ancient to contemporary history. This course is designed to help the student see that all of life is sacred, and thus to ground their studies as a means to experience personal, holistic transformation.
These two verses set the vision for our course purpose.
But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed
into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
These two verses set the vision for our course purpose.
But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed
into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Major Topics
Introduction to the Christian Spiritual Life & Tradition
The Spiritual Life as Journey & Process
Biblical and Theological Foundations: Our Experience of Life with God
The Nature and Character of God
The Nature and Character of Humanity in Relationship with God
Life as Prayer
Prayer and the Scriptures
The Virtuous Life
The Spirit-Empowered Life
The Compassionate Life
The Sacramental Life
Spiritual Life: Freedom, Peace, Joy
The Spiritual Life as Journey & Process
Biblical and Theological Foundations: Our Experience of Life with God
The Nature and Character of God
The Nature and Character of Humanity in Relationship with God
Life as Prayer
Prayer and the Scriptures
The Virtuous Life
The Spirit-Empowered Life
The Compassionate Life
The Sacramental Life
Spiritual Life: Freedom, Peace, Joy