Christian Spirituality

Certificate in Christian Spirituality

This year-long program is designed for those who wish to study and explore the theology, history, and practices of Christian spirituality and mysticism. Classes will begin in Fall 2024. To register please email us at CRS@lmu.edu or call us at 310.338.2799. Details are below under General Information.

The Christian Spirituality professional certificate program explores mystical theology as a key element in Christian spiritual thought and practice. It offers an overview of the key figures, writings and central themes in the Christian mystical tradition. Emphasis will be placed on the essence of what this chorus of voices are trying to help us understand, as well as the challenges and possibilities inherent in the spiritual journey. Ultimately, the program seeks to share the path these men and women followed so that participants can find guidance and nurturance as they engage in their own inner journey. It is an invitation to slow down, focus on the one thing that matters, and draw from the well that springs forth living water.

Who Should Participate

This program is designed for those individuals seeking to foster their own theological and spiritual formation. It is specially designed for men and women who want to deepen their awareness of the presence of God in their own lives and who are open to the transformative power of this presence. The program is open for those who are actively involved ministry and who desire to nourish their own spirituality as well as, for those individuals who want to pursue the course for their own personal enrichment.

Program Benefits

This program has a two-fold goal: to expose students to the great spiritual teachers of our tradition and simultaneously, to invite the students to engage the material intimately and personally in order to integrate the content covered into their own questions, struggles and lived experiences.

This program will cover the major spiritual thinkers, writings, and practices of our Christian tradition through a balance of academic study, theological reflection, sharing, and personal re-appropriation. Students will study the writings and spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Francis of Assisi, John of the Cross as well as the Christian monastic traditions amongst others. The central themes or “calls” of the mystics will be explored including the call to prayer, detachment, life, death, trust, surrender, action, contemplation and transformation. Ultimately, the class seeks to invite students to reflect on their own journey, and how the wisdom of the mystics can guide us today.

By the end of the program students will have:

  • Gained a deeper understanding of the varied Christian mystical traditions, practices and their possible application to their own lives and to contemporary society
  • Strengthened their understanding of prayer, various prayer practices and their own spiritual discipline
  • Gained a deeper sense of contemplative practices and how a disposition to such practices may be assimilated into daily life
  • Learned methods and practices that can help them engage others in a similar process

Credit from this program may be applicable to catechist certification at the discretion of the certifying diocese. Please be sure to check with the appropriate diocesan office to confirm that this program qualifies for credit towards certification or recertification. 

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center for Religion and Spirituality at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.

  • This program is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2024. For information, please email the Center at crs@lmu.edu.

  • This program will be offered in Fall 2024.

    Location
    LMU Westchester Campus
    1 LMU Drive
    Los Angeles, CA 90045

  • Students must complete a total of 5.5 semester hours in coursework with a letter grade of 'B-' or higher in each course to receive a certificate of completion. Please refer to the course catalog for required text, class meeting location, and other general information.

    Coursework: CSPX 900

  • CSPX 900
    Christian Spirituality
    5.5 Semester Hours

    This course explores mystical theology as a key element in Christian spiritual thought and practice. It offers an overview of the key figures, writings and central themes in the Christian mystical tradition. Students will cover the major spiritual thinkers, writings, and practices of our Christian tradition through a balance of academic study, theological reflection, sharing, and personal re-appropriation. The central themes or “calls” of the mystics will be explored including the call to prayer, detachment, life, death, trust, surrender, action, contemplation and transformation. Ultimately, the class seeks to invite students to reflect on their own journey, and how the wisdom of the mystics can guide us today.