Because the program is experiential and theoretical in nature with respect to spiritual growth and the dynamic processes involved, the M.A. Concentration in Spiritual Formation draws upon an interdisciplinary faculty from both Talbot and Rosemead School of Psychology. It includes both in-depth theoretical and integrative coursework, employing the creation disciplines such as theology, philosophy, psychology and education as well as experiential-relational soul work in classes and co-curricular requirements to aid in understanding the spiritual life mentoring. Note also that this more academic M.A. with a concentration in Spiritual Formation is to be distinguished from the more professional M.A. in Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, the latter being fashioned more along the lines of an Apprentice Training Model which includes training, supervision and service components in spiritual direction and mentoring.
7. Penetrate the secular university and venues of popular culture (art, media, music) by providing visionary leadership at Christian colleges, seminaries and parachurch ministries in articulating a Christian worldview. 8. Minister effectively in academic, local church and parachurch settings with a spirit of graciousness and humility, standing for truth and fostering community with those to whom the student ministers. Reduction & Transfer Guidelines for Philosophy of Religion & Ethics Concentration Students with satisfactory undergraduate parallel content in philosophy will be considered for course reduction. All requests for course reduction are subject to departmental approval on a case by case basis. Students seeking course reduction must have earned at least a “B” grade. Students may only transfer courses that are parallel in content and taken from accredited graduate schools and seminaries. Request for transfer of courses should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar with prior approval from the department. Students must complete in residence a minimum of 24 units in the Philosophy of Religion & Ethics concentration.
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As a result of this program, the student will:
1. Appreciate and deeply grow in the reality that true Christian spirituality is grounded in the Double Knowledge and encounter of God and Self. Students will understand through experience and theory that growth in Christ is based upon an encounter with God and oneself in the Truth. 2. Understand the Word of God and its role as a primary datum for true Christian spirituality. Students will come to have a sufficient grasp and commitment to the Word of God as a primary source of truth for their understanding of spiritual formation and spiritual direction (through courses in theology, biblical studies and spiritual formation). 3. Integrate truth from the data of extra-biblical sources of wisdom and true Christian spirituality. Students will also come to appreciate the relevant information from the history of the church, spiritual classics, personal experience, the humanities and the social sciences relevant to spiritual growth. 4. Discern what is of truth or falsehood in light of various contemporary competing spiritualities. Students will be able to discern truth and error, what is helpful and unhelpful in true Christian spiritual growth in light of various competing contemporary spiritualities. 5. Foster honest self-assessment and humility. Students will gain an honest understanding of themselves in the presence of God and truth through various experiential prayer projects, meditation on the Word, retreats, spiritual direction and a small exposure to therapy.
Concentration-specific Requirements (35 units):
Philosophy Electives: 6 units Electives: 5 units TTPH 523 Metaphysics I
Units: 3
Epistemology I
Units: 3
TTPH 544
The Theology & Philosophy of Science History & Normative Systems of Ethics
Units: 3
TTPH 547
Units: 3
TTPH 566
Seminar in Ethical Issues I
Units: 3
TTPH 624
Seminar in Philosophical Anthropology & Philosophy of the Mind Seminar in Philosophy of Religion Seminar in Philosophical Theology
TTPH 667
Units: 3
Units: 3
TTPH 684
Units: 3
TTPH 685
Spiritual Formation Concentration
Spiritual Formation Concentration Learning Outcomes This concentration is designed as a personal growth and academic degree. It is an intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology, designed to equip men and women for the ministry of discipleship and spiritual formation in general, in the local church, and for further academic training in spiritual formation. The program is designed entirely around promoting growth in the believer’s inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community and developed knowledge-base in the Word.
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