This course will enable students to examine and reflect critically upon the theory and practice of Christian spiritual direction with a specific focus on the Ignatian Tradition. Building on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, this module will explore the dynamics of spiritual direction and issues that arise in the pastoral ministry of spiritual accompaniment. Students will examine the theory and practice of Christian spiritual direction with a specific focus on the Ignatian Tradition, engage with the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, reflect on pastoral ministry through the lens of spiritual direction, explore the issues that arise in the pastoral [...]

During this course we will be looking at how Christian spirituality relates to the arts - literature, music and visual arts, including film. We will consider this relationship in the socio-historical and theological contexts in which it has developed, exploring differences and similarities between the Eastern and Western Christian perspectives. This will enable students to appreciate the place of the arts in Christian worship and the life of the Church. Students will engage with theological ideas underpinning ekphrasis, images and icons, the relationship between literature and spirituality as academic disciplines, reflect critically on relationship between theoretical approaches to film, aesthetics, [...]

This course introduces some of the great figures in the history of Christian Spirituality. Common themes of personal transformation and of relationship with God, self and others will emerge across a wide time period from the third to the twentieth centuries. The focus on six figures and movements will allow portions of the texts to be examined in some detail, as well as following wider spiritual themes. Lectures by Dr Gemma Simmonds & Dr Edward Howells Thursdays, from 5.15 om to 6.45 pm Programme 18th January: Introduction; what is spirituality? Texts and methods 25th January: Augustine, Confessions 1st February: Monastic [...]

This course will enable students to evaluate key shifts in modern historiographical approaches to Celtic and medieval spirituality, e.g., whether Celtic spirituality is a modern construct. Assess the relationships between spirituality, theology, ecclesiology, science, politics, literature and art in medieval and Celtic thought. It will examine the relationship between Celtic and Medieval Christian spirituality and those of other religious tradition, especially Paganism, Judaism, and Islam. It will also consider the role of women in the Celtic and medieval church and their contribution to spirituality, and the place and function of the eremitic and coenobitical traditions. The course will be on [...]