ARGOMENTI
Nature and Scope of Spiritual Theology. Its sources: bible, liturgy, theology, saints. The Goal of our striving: the glory of God, salvation, sanctification, life in the Trinity. The supernatural organism: grace, gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, beatitudes. Perfection of the Christian life: definition, nature, universal call, evangelical precepts and counsels, grades of perfection. Growth in holiness: conversion from sin, remedies, progressive purgation and purification. Means of spiritual growth: sacraments, good works, prayer. Kinds and grades of prayer. Aids to spiritual growth: presence of God, examination of conscience, desire for perfection, conformity to God's will, fidelity to grace, plan of life, spiritual reading, holy friendships. Spiritual direction: definition, the spiritual director, the person directed. Discernment of spirits: definition, types of spirits, obsession and possession.
TESTI
Textbook: AUMANN J., Spiritual Theology, Continuum London-New York 2006.
CHAN S, Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life, InterVarsity Press, 1998. COLLINS K.J. (ed.), Exploring Christian Spirituality: An Ecumenical Reader, Grand Rapids, 2000. DOWNEY M. (ed.), The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, 1993. HOLDER A., The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality, Blackwell, 2006; JONES CH.- WAINWRIGHT G. - YARNOLD E., The Study of Spirituality, SCPK, 62004. MCGRATH A.E., Christian Spirituality. An Introduction, Blackwell, 92005. MURSELL G., The Story of Christian Spirituality: Two Thousand Years, from East to West, Lion Hudson Plc, 2001. SHELDRAKE P., A Brief History of Spirituality, Blackwell Publ., 2006. WISEMAN J. A., Spirituality and Mysticism: A Global View, Orbis Book, 2006. Some classical spiritual books will be also indicated.