Code
DS9207W
Level
Postgraduate
Discipline
Spirituality (DS)
Field
Theology: Mission and Ministry (D)
Prerequisites
Nil
Location
WellSpring Centre, Ashburton view location >
Faculty
Christopher Page
Class Time
5 days plus one residential weekend retreat (Contact WellSpring for additional costs applicable to residential component). NOTE: 2019 June intensive cancelled.
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Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Examine and evaluate their personal approach to exploring the inner spiritual landscape
- Demonstrate both an understanding and integration of Parker Palmer’s approach to the spiritual life
- Establish and design a contemplative circle
- Lead a contemplative group
- Integrate personal spiritual experience with ancient and contemporary contemplative knowledge through the group process
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Assessment
- One essay (3,000 words) (50%)
- One tutorial paper (1,500 words) (25%)
- One report on a Contemplative Circle (1,500 words) (25%)
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Recommended reading
Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue
- Belden, Lane. The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.
- May, Gerald G. Pilgrimage Home: The Conduct of Contemplative Practice in Groups. New York: Paulist Press, 1979.
- O’Donohue, John. Benedictus: A Book of Blessings. United Kingdom: Bantam Press, 2007.
- Palmer, Parker J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
- ————. Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit. San Francisco. Jossey-Bass, 2011.
- ————. The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity and Caring. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1990.
- ————. The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2008.
- ————. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2007.
- ————. Community, Knowing and Spirituality in Education. www.infed.org/thinkers/palmer.htm
- Rohr, Richard. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. New York: The Crossroad Publishing Co., 2009.
- Vennard, Jane E. Be Still: Designing and Leading Contemplative Retreats. Washington: Alban Institute, 2000.
- Whyte, David. Where Many Rivers Meet. Washington: Many Rivers Press, 2004.