Christian Spirituality
MA

Modules

• Foundations of Christian Spirituality 

Foundations of Christian Spirituality

In common with many contemporary academic approaches to the study of Christian spirituality this module adopts an interdisciplinary approach analysing the subject through theological, anthropological and historical perspectives. Having established the relationship between spirituality and theology the module takes historical moments of the story of Christian spirituality and analyses their pastoral and contemporary relevance. 

• Christianity in Dialogue 

Christianity in Dialogue

The module explores the interface between Christian spirituality and that of other world religions as it essays the possibilities and potentialities of dialogue. As well as looking at the nature of dialogue from Christian perspective it will explore specific case studies of dialogue. It will investigate the contemporary nature of inter-religious dialogue and the pastoral application of the same. 

• Contemplative and Monastic Spirituality 

Contemplative and Monastic Spirituality

The module explores the monastic and contemplative traditions of spirituality relating them to the development of Christian spirituality. As well as working with definitions of ‘contemplation’, ‘meditation’, ‘mindfulness’ and ‘mental prayer’ the module takes an in-depth look at the main currents of monastic and contemplative spirituality tracing them from their origins in the medieval Eastern and Western milieus to their present-day applications and relevance. Key figures, writings and themes will be examined.

• Marian Studies 

Marian Studies

The module critically examines the tradition of Marian spirituality and Mariology in the history of Christian spirituality and beyond. The module familiarises students with the role of Mary in Christian theology from the close of the New Testament era to the Nestorian crisis and the application of the title theotokos. As well as medieval devotional attitudes to Mary the module will also explore contemporary applications of Marian spirituality in liberation theology, interfaith dialogue and feminism. 

• Mystical Theology 

Mystical Theology

The module explores the philosophical, historical and psychological conditions of the Christian mystical tradition with particular reference to the medieval tradition of theologia mystica. It will also encompass early Christian understanding of the mystikos and late modern ideas of ‘mysticism’. As well as the Christian tradition it will dialogue with the mystical traditions of other major world religions. 

• Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation 

Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation

The module explores the interface between psychological and theological methodologies as it reflects on the interaction between psychotherapy, counselling and spiritual direction.Students will learn how to critically assess the spiritual anthropology of these differing approaches whilst exploring key moments in the development of spiritual direction. Whilst not a training course in either spiritual direction or counselling students will be encouraged to relate the theoretical aspects of the study to contemporary pastoral situations. 

• The Mendicants: Franciscan, Dominican and Carmelite Spirituality 

The Mendicants: Franciscan, Dominican and Carmelite Spirituality

Accepting the widespread influence and importance of mendicant spirituality to the development of Christian spirituality this module takes an in-depth look at the main currents of mendicant spirituality tracing it from its origins in the medieval Western milieu to its present-day applications and relevance. Key figures, writings and themes will be examined.

• The Theologies of Liberation and Political Theology 

The Theologies of Liberation and Political Theology

The first part of the module will examine in detail the Theologies of Liberation. These theologies have been a major phenomenon in contemporary Christian theology in the period, focussed on enabling the voice of the poor to be heard in theological discourse and reflection. It has at times proved to be deeply controversial; over the decades theologies of liberation have also emerged from other parts of the world and other communities and the whole tradition remains vibrant and important. In parallel both with the development of Catholic Social Teaching and the growth of the Theologies of Liberation there has arisen in Europe and North America the discipline known as Political Theology which will be examined in the second part of the module.

• Aspects of Biblical Interpretation Core

Aspects of Biblical Interpretation

(Core)

This compulsory module is at the heart of the MA. It provides you with a foundation of the variety of approaches to the interpretation of the Bible today which are in play in scholarly and popular discourse. It equips you to reflect on your own and others’ reading of Scripture thoughtfully, critically and creatively.

Indicative syllabus:

• Reading Scripture: you will engage with specific biblical texts in conversation with a variety of scholarly resources, methods, and approaches;
• Relating Scripture to today’s world: you will engage with the Bible both in general and specific biblical texts in relation to contexts in today’s world
• Engaging with Scripture in traditions of faith: you will consider how current and previous generations of Christian and Jewish believers interpret and have interpreted Scripture

Available in semester 1; three-hour seminars. 

• Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes Core

Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes

(Core)

This core module brings together and seeks to interrelate two articulated components:

1. An historical component examining the origins of Christian doctrine (or ‘theology’) by examining foundational controversies in the opening centuries of the Christian church via key patristic texts.
2. A present-day component examining ecclesial and academic controversies, over how best to interpret and perpetuate this theological heritage today.

In addition, students will be introduced to core research skills.