THEO/DSMN 697 THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF VIBRANT SPIRITUALITYJULY 14-18, 2014

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is to familiarize students with the life-transforming treasures preserved in the Christian spiritual tradition from the Reformation onward. Such exposure will enhance the student’s own spiritual life and enable him or her to effectively minister spiritual graces to others on their life journeys.

II. RATIONALE

As followers of Christ we stand on the shoulders of giants who have gone before. Second only to Scripture, classical Christian writings that have stood the test of time (C.S. Lewis) represent graced commentaries on the spiritual life. Theologically faithful spiritual authorities offer fresh perspectives for living the Christian life, help recapture the transcendent perspective often lost in our materialistic age, challenge culturally shaped perspectives on the Christian faith, and enhance our discipling and mentoring ministries. “The Christian past holds a rich store of information on spiritual formation. It is a treasure—a God deposit—in Christ’s people. We must take the trouble to know it and to own it in ways suitable for today” (Willard). This course introduces students to the wisdom of leading spiritual authorities from the Reformation to the present and challenges students to explore the theology and practice of Christian leaders who have gone before.

III. PREREQUISITES

None

IV. REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASE(S)

Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN 0-310-23848, 515 pp.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Various editions. Book III, chaps. 6-10 and Book IV, chap. 20, (Christian life and prayer), 110 pp.

Francois Fenelon, The Royal Way of the Cross. Christian Classics Series. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 1982. ISBN 0-941478-009, 150 pp.

Fred Sanders, Wesley On The Christian Life. Theologians of the Christian Life Series. Carol Stream, IL, Crossway Books, 2013. ISBN 978-143-351-5644, 272 pp.

V. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING

DSMN 697 SyllabusA. Computer with basic audio and video equipment. Internet access (broadband

required)

B. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

(Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to LU students.)

C. Christian Classics Etherial Library (online)

VI. MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Identify leading Christian spiritual authorities from the Reformation onward.

B. Evaluate foundational theological principles in classic spiritual formation writings.

C. Relate the spiritually transforming principles and practices from assigned readings to one’s own life.

D. Explain how Christian spiritual writings can enhance ministries of evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual mentoring.

VII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A. 4-MAT Book Review

The student will critique the Fenlon textbook, The Royal Way of the Cross, using the 4MAT Book Review system. The book review must: be 4-5 pages and must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document on the first day of the intensive (MLO: A, B, C).

B. Research Paper

Informed by assigned readings, PowerPoints, library and web resources, the student will write a twelve (12) page paper on the “Spiritual and Mentoring Contributions of a Leading Spiritual Authority.” Select one authority not treated in class. The paper will also include the master’s historical and cultural context, theological orientation, psychological emphases (if any), and implications of his/her writings for one’s personal formation and ministry to others. Due August 4, 2014 (MLO: A, B, C, D).

C. Group Discussion Projects

Students will participate group discussions on two assigned spiritual writings (Fenelon and Calvin). In this discussion, focus on context of the writing, theological orientation, and the implication of this writing on the development and reproduction of one’s spiritual formation. This will take place on Thursday of the Intensive (MLO: B, D).

D. Student Presentations

Student will make an initial and preliminary presentation on the chosen “Leading Spiritual Authority” (see B., above). In this presentation the student will outline the context, theology, psychological emphasis, and the implication of this master on the spiritual formation of the student, the class, and how this can be used in

Page 2 of 5

DSMN 697 Syllabusdiscipling others toward Christian maturity. Other students will offer suggestions for research. This will be due on Friday during the final day of the intensive (MLO: B, D).

E. Exam

There will be an open book, take home exam containing three questions. Due July 28 (MLO: B).

F. Reading Report

The student will provide an annotated reading report of the remaining textbook readings (i.e., Boa and Sanders). This annotation should reflect an in-depth reading and synthesis of the course texts. This will be due July 28 (MLO: A, B, C, D).

VIII. COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES

A. Research Paper 250 pts.

B. Student Presentation 150 pts.

C. Group Discussion Project (and Interaction)

D. Take Home Exam

150 pts.

200 pts.

E. Reading Report

F. 4-MAT Book Review

150 pts.

100 pts.

Total Points 1,000

IX. Grading Scale

940-1000 A

920-939 A-

900-929 B+

860–899 B

840–859 B-

820–839 C+

780–819 C

760–779 C-

740–759 D+

700–739 D

680–699 D-

BELOW 679 F

Page 3 of 5

DSMN 697 SyllabusA. Assignment Policies

Papers will not be accepted beyond the stated deadlines.

B. Attendance Policies

The student is obliged to follow the attendance policies identified in the graduate catalog.

C. Academic Misconduct Policies

Academic misconduct is strictly prohibited. See the graduate catalog for specific definitions, penalties, and processes for reporting.

D. Drop/Add Policies

The student is obliged to follow the drop/add policies identified in the graduate catalog.

E. Dress Code

The student is expected to maintain a neat, professional appearance while in class. The code is described in the graduate catalog and may be amended with guidelines by the school of study.

F. Classroom Policies

The use of cell phones will not be permitted. The use of computers is provisional. The student will only be allowed to use a computer if he/she is taking notes during class. Surfing of the web, social networking, or any other activity on a computer that distracts the student from the lecture (in the opinion of the professor) will result in the forfeiture of the privilege of the use of the computer in class. Should one student’s behavior result in the forfeiture of the use of a computer for that student, the entire class may lose the privilege of the use of computers.

G. Disability Assistance

Students with a documented disability may contact the Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) in Green Hall 2668 to make arrangements for academic accommodations. For all disability testing accommodation requests (i.e. quieter environment, extended time, oral testing, etc.) the Testing Center (Green Hall 2700) is the officially designated place for all tests administered outside of the regular classroom.

H. Student Conduct Policy

The student is expected to conduct himself/herself in a Godly and civil manner when addressing the professor or other students. While good healthy discussion will be expected and encouraged, at no time will personal attacks be tolerated.

X. CALENDAR

Semester: The following calendar is a general representation of the course material and is subject to date adjustment if necessary

Page 4 of 5

DSMN 697 Syllabus

Date Lesson Assignment (LO) Notes

July 14, 2014 Definitions of terms. Why Read the Classical Spiritual Writings?

July 15 Theology, Spirituality and Spiritual Formation

July 16 Insights From Prominent Post-Reformation Spiritual Masters. Spiritual Mentoring

July 17-18 Group Discussion on Two Assigned Spiritual Writings (Fenelon and Calvin

Student Presentations, Discernment & Discussion on Chosen Spiritual Masters & their Writings

XI. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Demarest, Bruce. Satisfy Your Soul: Renewing the Heart of Christian Spirituality. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1999.

Foster, Richard J. Life With God: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation. San Francisco: Harper One, 2005.

Goggin, Jamin & Kyle Strobel, Reading the Spiritual Classics: A Guide for Evangelicals. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2013.

Sitser, Gerald L. Water from a Deep Well. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2007.

Talbot, John Michael. The Way of the Mystics. SanFrancisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2005.

Tyson, John R., ed. Invitation to Christian Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart. NavPress, 2002.

Page 5 of 5