SPIR 501: Introduction to Spirituality

The course presents spirituality and its biblical roots including the Greek contemplative ideal. The early classical spiritual writers; Origen, the Desert Tradition, Pseudo Dionysius; the middle ages including the Franciscans, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich; later middle ages including the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, culminating in a survey of 20th century spiritual figures. An examination of contemporary spirituality including the practice of prayer and spiritual discernment, a review of current secular and non-Christian forms of spirituality.