This course explores compassion formation processes that are grounded in Western monotheistic spiritual traditions. These formation processes promote a spiritual path of radical compassion rooted in contemplative encounters with an all-inclusive sacred Source and embodied in compassionate action that extends toward all—one's self, one's neighbor, even one's enemies. This course does not so much study compassion; it explores how to cultivate a compassionate presence in the world through these spiritual traditions. All suggested course readings are provided as links or pdfs throughout the course.

Learning Objectives:
After taking this course, students will be able to:

• Understand how to cultivate a connection to a compassionate sacred Source as
  described in monotheistic spiritual traditions.
• Understand how to cultivate compassion toward one’s self grounded in western spiritual sensibilities.
• Understand how to cultivate compassion toward others through western spiritual practices.

Course Details

Learning Area

Social Justice

Instructor

Frank Rogers, PhD

Dr. Frank Rogers Jr. is the Muriel Bernice Roberts Professor of Spiritual Formation and Narrative Pedagogy and the co-director of the Center for Engaged Compassion at the Claremont School of Theology. A trained spiritual director and experienced retreat leader, his work focuses on spiritual formation that is contemplative grounded, personally empowering, and socially liberative. He is the author of several books including Cradled in the Arms of Compassion: A Spiritual Journey from Trauma to Recovery; Practicing Compassion; Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus (and its supplemental curriculum, The Way of Radical Compassion, and The God of Shattered Glass, A Novel. He lives in southern California with his wife, Dr. Alane Daugherty, with whom he shares three young adult sons, Justin, Michael, and Sammy. With his wife, he loves to run, hike, snorkel, and follow baseball.