Fall 2009
DLF6006 “Facing East: How Western Christians Can Learn From Other Spiritualities”
This course explores how elements of several Eastern religious traditions can inform Western Christianity. For Buddhism, we will study the art of silence and Thomas Merton’s interest in this tradition. Hinduism teaches us that the divine has many faces and we will explore the theme of unity within diversity. From Shinto we learn the power of place and will compare Shinto’s expression of this theme with Kathleen Norris’ “Dakota.” Jainism will teach us more about environmental stewardship. Finally from Confucianism we will discuss the role of relationship and community within the spiritual life.
This course is taught by
Elizabeth Jarnagin
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DLF6008 When God Walks Away: Exploring and Enduring the Dark Night of the Soul
John of the Cross coined the poetic term "dark night" for a painful, perturbing, and ultimately blessed stretch on the spiritual journey. In this experiential course, we will explore metaphors for aspects of the dark night as depicted in film, music, visual art pieces, and literature. We will differentiate the Night of the Senses from the Night of the Spirit; we will also differentiate the dark night from depression. Course participants will engage in spiritual practices designed for dark night endurance.
This course is taught by
Kay McKee
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DLL6001 Empowering Your Preaching: An Inquiry into "Jazzing Up" your Technique and Form
An inquiry into the importance of the form of the sermon for preaching. Students will consider both deductive and inductive forms, looking at how certain forms are best suited to certain messages and audiences. Forms studies will include preaching verse-by-verse, preaching by "moves" and narrative preaching. Students will study classic examples of the various forms, and write original sermons for feedback from the class and the instructor.
This course is taught by
The Reverend Micah Jackson
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