Course Description

This course introduces important theological themes and provides a historical overview of the Christian spiritual tradition. As the title suggests, it is the Trinitarian and incarnational touchstones that give Christian spirituality its authentically Christian character.

From this biblical and creedal basis, we will read, understand, and engage with the spiritual practices found in the various Christian traditions. Emphasis is given to Ignatian spirituality, as this serves as a preparatory framework to the spiritual practicum component in CS102.

The trajectory of the course is for participants to draw appropriate spiritual disciples from the deep well of the Christian history that resonate with their own temperament, vocation, and season in life. It is hoped that this course will provide the resources for a deepening of self-knowledge and spirituality for everyday life.

The course aims to be both academic and practical. Besides live and recorded lectures, students engage with readings, group discussion, as well as individual reflections throughout the course.

There will be in-depth discussions dealing with how we can grow deeper in our spiritual life in a busy world, e.g., finding the rhythm between work and rest, cultivating the spiritual disciplines to keep one's spiritual life vibrant.

Instructor(s)

Dr Tan Seng Kong

Lecturer in Systematic and Spiritual Theology

Dr Tan Seng Kong is BGST's Head for Technology and Resources, and a Lecturer in Systematic and Spiritual Theology. A graduate from Regent College, Vancouver (MA, Spiritual Theology). Seng Kong completed his PhD in Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he focused his research on Jonathan Edwards' Doctrine of Salvation. Seng Kong was formerly an architect. He currently serves at Bethel Assembly of God. When he isn’t preoccupied with theological materials, he dabbles with indoor gardening, watches Korean media with his wife and eats Indian food with his son.

Dr Tong Mee On

Associate Lecturer

Dr Tong Mee On worked 10 years as a public relations officer in the public sector and communications specialist in the private sector respectively before she served 18 years in full-time ministry in her home church, The Bible Church, Singapore. During this time, she graduated from TTC (MTS) and Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre (HK) and was conferred DMin (Spiritual Direction) by Graduate Theological Foundation, USA. Her passion is to help people be aware of and live in the presence of God. She does this through offering spiritual direction, companionship and retreats.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    General

  • 2

    Assignment submission

    • General formatting for all assignments

    • Reflection Report (40% of Course Grade)

    • Case Study paper (60% of the course grade)

  • 3

    Session 1

    • Theological Foundations for Christian Spirituality

  • 4

    Session 2

    • The Necessary, the Trivial and the Menial

  • 5

    Session 3

    • A Historical Overview of Christian Spirituality

  • 6

    Session 4

    • Family

  • 7

    Session 5

    • Introduction to Ignation Spirituality: Philosophy and Practice

  • 8

    Session 6

    • Friendship and Spiritual Friendship

  • 9

    Session 7

    • Word and Prayer

  • 10

    Session 8

    • Marriage and the Single Life

  • 11

    Session 9

    • The Spirit

  • 12

    Session 10

    • Time, Busyness and Play