Ignatian Mysticism in the World: Reconciliation and Justice after a Secular Age

Class Description

Online Unit

This unit explores Ignatian mystical spirituality as a resource for the construction of religious narratives that contribute to intentional, social transformation in a secular context. Students develop a transdisciplinary approach to ecological, social, cultural and ecclesial reconciliation. They will also develop an understanding of the evolution of a religious and cultural recognition of the autonomous rights of indigenous peoples. Elements of recognition theory and transitional justice are introduced through a discussion of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Identify  the principles of Ignatian mystical spirituality and apply them in the construction of an intentional religious narrative that contributes to social transformation in a secular context;
2. Apply their knowledge of recognition, vulnerability and transitional justice theory to their own ministry and context;
3. Propose a transdisciplinary approach to ecological, social, cultural and ecclesial reconciliation;
4. Identify a relevant research question or problem, apply a relevant, critical methodology, and formulate and support a well-defined thesis statement with a reasoned argument and evaluated evidence.

LECTURER

Rev Dr Gordon Rixon SJ

VENUE

Nadal Classroom

Jesuit College of Spirituality, 175 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052

FEES – For 10 cp units. Double for 20 cp units.

Students enrolled for academic credit | $2,266 Domestic Students | $2,925 International Students

Audit students (not for academic credit) | $1,133

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Butler, Judith,  Zeynep Gambetti, and Leticia Sabsay, eds. Vulnerability in Resistance. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2016.

Calhoun, Craig, Mark Juergensmeyer, and Jonathan Van Antwerpen, eds. Rethinking Secularism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Coutinho, Paul. An Ignatian Pathway: Experiencing the Mystical Dimension of the Spiritual Exercises. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2011.

Fraser, Nancy. Scales of Justice: Reimagining Political Space in a Globalizing Word. New York: Columbia University Press, 2009.

Honneth, Axel. The Struggle for Recognition: The Moral Grammar of Social Conflicts. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1995.

Haers, Jacques, Hans Van Leeuwen, and Mark Rotsaert, eds. The Lord of Friendship: Friendship, Discernment and Mission in Ignatian Spirituality. Oxford: Way Publishing, 2011.

Hayner, Priscilla B. Unspeakable Truths: Transitional Justice and the Challenge of Truth Commissions. Second Edition. New York: Routledge, 2011.

McGrath, Alister E.  Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justification. Third Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Ricoeur, Paul. The Course of Recognition, trans. David Pellauer. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2005.

Saarinen, Risto. Recognition and Religion: A Historical and Systematic Study. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.