Course Catalogue 2024-2025

Study of theory and practice of spiritual direction, and of depth psychological, humanistic, and cognitive behavioural therapeutic practice. Emphasis on Christian tradition.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr’s contemporary expression, “order, disorder, and reorder”). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the “set and setting” for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr’s contemporary expression, “order, disorder, and reorder”). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the “set and setting” for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

An introduction to the dynamics, practice, and issues of spiritual direction and discernment in our contemporary culture with components of theological reflection on personal experience.

This course will
- focus on some of the primary texts that deal specifically with the Christian doctrine fo atonement and reconciliation.
- examine the internal theological choherence and consistency of these 'theories' and their value and importance for today.
- consider thenature of the doctrines fo reconciliation as reformed and ecumenical theologians, and to explore their meaning and relevance in the contemporary world.

The course will look at the spiritual journey as it is depicted from scripture to the present day. It will examine texts from different religious traditions and cultures to explore the basic human understanding of a person as pilgrim. Learning objectives: 1. An exploration through spirituality of what it means to be human; 2. An examination of a history of spirituality; 3. An examination of some guides, compasses, maps and techniques of exploration of the territory called ?the spiritual life.? The course is of note: to those interested in 1. spirituality both theoretical and practical; 2. discernment; 3. cultural history; 4. Narrative theology; 5. Interdisciplinary studies.

Where was God when this happened?! How can religious people commit such atrocities?! What
can a religious leader say after such a horrendous event?! This course explores such questions
by analyzing theological responses to human tragedy and cultural shock. Discussion will attend
to issues of theodicy, religious terrorism and natural disasters through the perspectives of
systematic theology, ethics, and practical theology. The course focuses on popular reactions events like the Lisbon Earthquake, the First World War, the Holocaust, Fukushima, climate Change, Conspiracy Theory, and contemporary terrorism. Attention will be given to themes such as the meaning of suffering, the function of religious discourse in the face of tragedy, the nature of ideology, and the relationship between religion and violence. The course concludes by moving from these analyses to an exploration of the peril and promise of speaking of God in times of terror.

Advanced Homiletics is a one-semester course that follows Introduction to Homiletics. This course gives students an opportunity to develop a theology of preaching based on the discussions and survey of the tradition of Catholic preaching in Introduction to Homiletics and through opportunities to preach. Students will employ those characteristics of outstanding preaching as determined in Introduction to Homiletics. This course also gives students an opportunity to develop critical peer and self-assessment skills.

Introduction to the study of the Pentateuch with special attention to the book of Exodus.

This course will examine techniques and strategies used for reading Old Testament narratives through history. Special attention will be given to interpretations of the following bad boys and bad girls: Adam and Eve; Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar; Dinah; Rahab; Deborah, Sisera and Jael; Jephthah and his daughter; Samson and Delilah; the Levite and his concubine; David and his family members. We will ask questions about how to read and interpret texts in the church today.

This course will examine techniques and strategies used for reading Old Testament narratives through history. Special attention will be given to interpretations of the following bad boys and bad girls: Adam and Eve; Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar; Dinah; Rahab; Deborah, Sisera and Jael; Jephthah and his daughter; Samson and Delilah; the Levite and his concubine; David and his family members. We will ask questions about how to read and interpret texts in the church today.

This course examines the human person through an exploration of diverse interlocutors that break open the emerging field of theology and anthropology for societies and the academia today. The course first considers the valuable recourse that anthropology is for the study of the human person within the discipline of theology. Whilst exploring significant positions in any theological account of the human person, such as the image of God, to that of human nature and the natural law, the course also contextualizes a theology of the human person with respect to specific cultural circumstances and conditions of our present time. Thus, the course will also explore a theology of the human person in ways that takes seriously community, race, gender, families, and emerging calls to decolonialize theology with the Roman Catholic Tradition.