Spirituality and Spiritual formation
Code:
TAM303Name:
Spirituality and Spiritual formationTeaching semester:
Spring, AutumnLocations:
BergenYear:
2026 — 2027Teaching language:
EnglishStudy points:
15 Credits
Compulsory course in Master in Theology and Ministry
Elective for Master of Theology/Profesjonsstudium i teologi
This course offers introduction to Christian spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively from a theological viewpoint on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week's topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
Compulsory course in Master in Theology and Ministry
Elective for Master of Theology/Profesjonsstudium i teologi
This course offers introduction to spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week's topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
Compulsory course in Master in Theology and Ministry
Elective for Master of Theology/Profesjonsstudium i teologi
This course offers introduction to spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week's topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
This course offers introduction to spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week's topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
This course offers introduction to spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring. Exception for academic year 2020-2021: Autumn.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week¿s topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
This course offers introduction to spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring. Exception for academic year 2020-2021: Autumn.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week¿s topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
This course offers introduction to spirituality from three perspectives: Contextual: Encountering spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary culture. Historical: Encountering writings from and about important spiritual traditions. Personal: Encounter spiritual formation as a means of personal formation.
Semester of Education: Spring. Exception for academic year 2020-2021: Autumn.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week¿s topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week¿s topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
Total number of pages: 1100
Barry, William and William Connolly (2009). The Practice of Spiritual Direction 2. Rev Upd Edition. HarperOne
Bianchi, Enzo. Words of spirituality: Exploring the inner life. London: SPCK Publishing, 2012, 2nd ed.
Chryssavgis, John (2008). In the heart of the desert, Revised: The spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Bloomington IN: World wisdom.
Endean, Philip. "Spirituality and Theology." In The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Philip Sheldrake, 74-79. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
Heelas, Paul, and Linda Woodhead. The spiritual revolution: Why religion is giving way to spirituality. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publ., 2005.
Hoffman, Bengt R. Theology of the heart: The role of mysticism in the theology of Martin Luther. Minneapolis, Minn: Kirk House, 2003.
Lesniak, Valerie. "Contemporary Spirituality." In The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Philip Sheldrake, 7-12. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
McGinn, Bernard. "Mysticism." In The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Philip Sheldrake, 19-25. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
Rizzuto, Ana-Maria (1979). The birth of the living God: A psychoanalytic study. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Schneiders, Sandra M. "Christian Spirituality: Definition, Methods and Types." In The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Philip Sheldrake, 1-6. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
Shea, John. "Spirituality, Psychology and Psychotherapy." In The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Philip Sheldrake, 49-54. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
Sheldrake, P. (2013). Spirituality: A brief history (2nd ed., Wiley-Blackwell brief histories of religion). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
White, Susan J. "Spirituality, Liturgy and Worship." In The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Philip Sheldrake, 44-48. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality
for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week¿s topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
Subject to changes
Total number of pages: 1100
Mursell, Gordon. The Story of Christian spirituality : two thousand years, from East to West, A Lion book. Oxford: Lion Publ., 2001.
Heelas, Paul, and Linda Woodhead. The spiritual revolution: Why religion is giving way to spirituality. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publ., 2005.
Bianchi, Enzo. Words of spirituality: Exploring the inner life. London: SPCK Publishing, 2012, 2nd ed.
Rizzuto, Ana-Maria. The birth of the living God : a psychoanalytic study. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.
Chryssavgis, John (2008) In the heart of the desert, Revised: The spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Bloomington IN: World wisdom.
Barry, William and William Connolly (2009) The Practice of Spiritual Direction 2. Rev Upd Edition. HarperOne
Walton, Roger. The reflective disciple. London, UK: Epsworth Press, 2009.
Either/Or:
Hoffman, Bengt R. and Pearl Willemssen Hoffman. Theology of the heart : the role of mysticism in the theology of Martin Luther. Minneapolis, Minn: Kirk House, 2003.
Veith, Gene E. (2010) Spirituality of the cross. Revised Ed.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has fundamental knowledge about the academic field of spirituality
- has fundamental knowledge about spirituality as a phenomenon in contemporary society
- has specialized knowledge about various traditions of Christian spirituality
- has thorough knowledge about effects of experiences and context in early childhood for spiritual life.
- has insights into spirituality as a phenomenon in late modern society
- can analyze the role of spirituality on the basis of the Church's history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society
Skills
The candidate:
- can analyze the relationships between biographical narratives, faith, self, and theology
- can discern and reflect upon central methods and phenomena in spiritual formation
- can reflect critically and constructively on matters of spirituality
for personal, professional, and scholarly development
- is sufficiently equipped with theory and methodology from the forefront of research on spirituality in order to design a limited research project of his/her own
General competence
The candidate:
- can relate to professional ethical problems relevant for spiritual formation in a reflexive manner
- can use knowledge and skills about spiritual formation for personal growth in limited assignments
- is a capable conversation partner in ministry
- can communicate independent work and masters language and terminology of the area of spirituality
- can participate in scholarly discourses about spirituality and spiritual formation in academia, the church, and in wider society
- can contribute to a renewed reflection on the role of spirituality in society and ministry
Two weeklong learning sessions on campus comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes.
Participation in an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions. Each week is comprised of at least one video-lecture, self study of syllabus related to the week¿s topic, online office hour (a live-chat with a lecturer), and a small assignment (coursework requirement).
- 80% attendance at the learning session is a requirement. (Alternative assignments will be provided for students prohibited from attending).
- 8 minor online assignments. (Alternative submission deadline may occasionally be approved)
English.
Alternatively, one of the Scandinavian languages.
Other languages could be accepted by application.
Total number of pages: 1100
Mursell, Gordon. The Story of Christian spirituality : two thousand years, from East to West, A Lion book. Oxford: Lion Publ., 2001.
Heelas, Paul, and Linda Woodhead. The spiritual revolution: Why religion is giving way to spirituality. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publ., 2005.
Bianchi, Enzo. Words of spirituality: Exploring the inner life. London: SPCK Publishing, 2012, 2nd ed.
Rizzuto, Ana-Maria. The birth of the living God : a psychoanalytic study. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.
Chryssavgis, John (2008) In the heart of the desert, Revised: The spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Bloomington IN: World wisdom.
Barry, William and William Connolly (2009) The Practice of Spiritual Direction 2. Rev Upd Edition. HarperOne
Walton, Roger. The reflective disciple. London, UK: Epsworth Press, 2009.
Either/Or:
Hoffman, Bengt R. and Pearl Willemssen Hoffman. Theology of the heart : the role of mysticism in the theology of Martin Luther. Minneapolis, Minn: Kirk House, 2003.
Veith, Gene E. (2010) Spirituality of the cross. Revised Ed.