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

Dr Tan Seng Kong

Lecturer in Systematic and Spiritual Theology

Dr Tan Seng Kong is Head, Technology and Resources at BGST and 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.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    General

  • 2

    Theological Foundations for Christian Spirituality

    • Lecture slides & articles

    • Lecture 1 Pt I

    • Lecture 1 Pt II

    • Lecture 1 Pt III

  • 3

    The Necessary, the Trivial and the Menial

    • The Necessary, the Trivial and the Menial

  • 4

    A Historical Overview of Christian Spirituality

    • Lecture slides + articles

    • Lecture 3 Pt I

    • Lecture 3 Pt II

    • Lecture 3 Pt III

    • Lecture 3 Pt IV

  • 5

    Family

    • Lecture 4 Pt I

    • Lecture 4 Pt II

    • Lecture 4 Pt III

  • 6

    Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality: Philosophy and Practice

    • Slides, articles & optional reading

    • Lecture 5 Pt I

    • Lecture 5 Pt II

    • Lecture 5 Pt III

    • Lecture 5 Pt IV

    • Lecture 5 Pt V

    • Lecture 5 Pt VI

    • Lecture 5 Pt VII

  • 7

    Friendship and Spiritual Friendship

    • Lecture 6 Pt I

    • Lecture 6 Pt II

    • Lecture 6 Pt III

    • Lecture 6 Pt IV

    • Lecture 6 Pt V

  • 8

    Word and Prayer

    • Slides + notes + articles

    • Lecture 7 Pt I

    • Lecture 7 Pt II

    • Lecture 7 Pt III

    • Lecture 7 Pt IV

    • Lecture 7 Pt V

  • 9

    Marriage and the Single Life

    • Lecture 8 Pt I

    • Lecture 8 Pt II

    • Lecture 8 Pt III

    • Friendship and the single life

  • 10

    The Spirit

    • Article : Sabbath rest ( D Bass )

    • Articles : Befriending Our Desires ( P Sheldrake )

  • 11

    Time, Busyness and Play

    • Lecture 9 Pt I

    • Lecture 9 Pt II

    • Lecture 9 Pt III

    • Course Evaluation Form

  • 12

    Assignment submission

    • General formatting for all assignments

    • Case study paper (60% of Course Grade)

    • Reflection Report (40% of Course Grade)