Spiritual Formation

Course Summary

This unit introduces spiritual formation within a Christian framework, drawing on readings, forums, Zoom sessions, spiritual direction sessions and a weekend retreat. Key topics include defining spiritual formation, exploring spiritual practices both biblically and historically, using journalling as a spiritual formation practice, developing a personal spiritual formation rhythm, and considering how spiritual rhythms can be shared in community.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the importance of ongoing spiritual formation as a follower of Jesus.
  2. Reflect on engagement in spiritual practices drawn from the Christian tradition, with a view to identifying points of resistance and areas of flourishing.
  3. Design plans for personal spiritual formation that demonstrate an understanding of sustainable rhythms and the value of spiritual direction.
  4. Compare and contrast Christian spirituality with generic understandings of spirituality in the wider culture.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Spiritual Formation
  2. Journalling
  3. Slowing Down — Silence and Solitude
  4. Sabbath Rest and Nature
  5. Simplicity
  6. Creativity — Art, Music and Poetry
  7. Lectio Divina
  8. Prayer and Liturgy — The Examen
  9. Retreat
  10. Rule of Life and the Spirit — the Breath of the Gospel, the Person of the Holy Spirit