Institute for the Study
of Contemporary Spirituality

About

Why are we here? How do we make sense of and cope with suffering and injustice? How do we reconnect with purpose in our work and our life? These questions transcend history and point to our perennial quest for meaning and purpose in life. We live in a rapidly changing society subject to the stresses of modern life. The impersonal nature of technology and industry have left us lacking in true social connection, creating a growing sense of isolation and futility. Confronting these contemporary forces, we enter a crucial stage and experience essentially universal emptiness and hunger.

In recent years, people have turned to other philosophies, traditions and the self-help industry to try to nourish this hunger. Where does society turn for nourishment when other means have left us lacking? In the contemporary search for immaterial sources of happiness, well-being, and purpose, drawing wisdom from the deep wells of Christian Spirituality has never been more relevant.

Watch our mini series “What is Spirituality” on Youtube to hear from our faculty and leaders in the field on how they define Spirituality.

Our Mission

We draw on the deep wells of the Christian tradition to address the needs of our contemporary world.

Advanced Degrees in Spirituality

The Institute for the Study of Contemporary Spirituality (ISCS) at Oblate School of Theology is the only concentrated, integrative program of its kind in the United States offering ATS accredited PhD, DMin, and MA degrees in Contemporary Spirituality.

For scholars and people within academia, the ISCS offers three distinct degrees in the field of Contemporary Spirituality, all taught by an internationally renowned faculty. The goal of our degree programs is to convene the academic resources emerging within the growing field of Contemporary Spirituality and make them available to the community of scholars.

ISCS inspires an ongoing and renewed interest in the rigorous study of and publication on Spirituality to benefit the world’s understanding of how the deep wells of Christian mysticism can enrich broader global theological and religious scholarship.

Degree Programs

PhD in Spirituality: The Doctor of Philosophy degree was established in response to an expressed interest for academically rigorous graduate formation and scholarship in Spirituality. This is a full-time residential program designed to give each student the tools to assess religious experience, critically evaluate contemporary movements within spirituality, help mentors others in spirituality, and do scholarly research and publishing. Our faculty is drawn from internationally recognized and published scholars, authors, and leaders in the field of spirituality not available in one program like this anywhere else.

Master of Arts in Spirituality: The Master in Spirituality is designed to help students from a variety of Christian traditions deepen their understanding of Christian spirituality. Graduates will be valuable resources for spirituality and renewal centers, parish and retreat work, as well as other spirituality-related faith formation and educational programs in a culturally diverse and globalized world. Courses may be taken full-time or part-time and face-to-face or online.

Doctor of Ministry in Spirituality and Ministry: The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Spirituality and Ministry is a degree in Practical Theology with a concentration in spirituality and ministry. The program is intended for experienced ministers with a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent who are ready to take their practice of ministry to the next level. The program can be taken in two forms: either on a semester basis (for residential or commuter students) or on an intensive basis (for students at a distance). The doctoral-level courses focus on enhancing the understanding and practice of ministry through exploration of traditional and contemporary movements in Christian spirituality.

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Spirituality Studies: The Certificate in Spirituality Studies provides an in-depth understanding of Christian spirituality that will enable students to “draw from the deep wells of the tradition” in order to more carefully respond to their spiritual needs and be in service to others. Students have the opportunity to be introduced to spirituality in an academic setting while interacting with students from a variety of pastoral backgrounds.

Forest Dwelling Program: Spirituality for our Wisdom Years: A program designed for more mature seekers who desire to mindfully embrace the challenges and opportunities of aging and diminishment by accessing the deep wisdom embedded in the world’s great mystical and contemplative traditions. The goal of the Forest Dwelling program is to prepare participants to live wisely and well during their remaining years so that in the words of Henri Nouwen, “they might be able to give both their life and death away” for the sake of the world. This two-year program of education and formation will include two week-long gatherings on the campus of Oblate School of Theology each year, directed online study, monthly participation in a small process group, regular spiritual direction and regular contemplative practice consistent with the participant’s primary spiritual tradition. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.

Call for Papers: Henri Nouwen Academic Symposium

Following the inaugural Henri Nouwen Lectureship, the Henri Nouwen Society, in partnership with the Oblate School of Theology, is pleased to announce an Academic Symposium dedicated to the life, work, and enduring influence of Henri Nouwen, a profound thinker and writer whose contributions to theology, spirituality, and pastoral care have inspired countless individuals and communities. This symposium aims to bring together scholars and practitioners to explore and critically engage with Nouwen’s rich body of work. We invite scholars from diverse disciplines, including theology, psychology, philosophy, and religious studies, to submit abstracts for presentations that delve into various aspects of Henri Nouwen’s thought and impact.

For information on paper submissions and respective deadlines, click here.

Offerings

Oblate School of Theology’s peer reviewed academic journal publishes innovative research at the disciplinary intersection between Practical Theology and Spirituality by giving voice to rich and wide-ranging expressions of human life, particularly the experiences of historically excluded and underrepresented peoples and communities.

Alumni Spotlight

Melody Escobar, PhD | Class of 2022, PhD in Spirituality

Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Baylor Collaborative on Faith & Disability
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Graduation Year: May 2022
Current Academic Pursuits: Professor Escobar’s current academic pursuits include ethnographic research in Christian spirituality and practical theology, innovative models of ministry and curricula promoting inclusion and belonging, mysticism, religion and disability, and eco-justice. Her book Revelations of Divine Care: Disability, Spirituality, and Mutual Flourishing (Baylor University Press, Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability Series) is out now.

"Oblate provided the ideal contemplative space and academic rigor I was seeking to explore research aligned with my spiritual path and justice initiatives. I had the privilege of learning with distinguished scholars, nationally and internationally recognized, and building lasting friendships with colleagues who continue to support my post-doc endeavors. The Oblate community and mission of “leaving nothing undared for the Gospel” remain an integral part of my spirituality and academic life."

Testimonials

Is it possible to blossom at age 80? In our culture, meaningful connection with other elders is a challenge and yet we sense we are not alone. The Forest Dwelling program invites you to proceed at your own pace and choose a life-changing, life-giving path to greater wisdom and faith. In a noise-filled world, we learn to listen to our souls.

— Pat Timpanaro

I am so inspired, encouraged, lifted up and amazingly proud to be among such good company as my fellow Forest Dwellers from Cohort #1 and the others who have followed. I cannot fully express how my experience in the very first cohort changed my life, both spiritually, intellectually and physically. And the bounty keeps on giving.

— Sam Gilliam

I am constantly amazed at the dedication of the Program instructors to the personal spiritual and human development of each participant. We are a very diverse group, but the leaders seem to know each of us individually and feed each of us exactly where we are, as the Spirit provides the sustenance we need through them.

— Paul S.

This is my fifth year in the Forest and maybe I am a slow learner because I keep learning more and more. I think that the mere fact that we do this in community, with people who are also questioning, and soaking in what we can receive from the Forest, really makes a difference. Being part of a community like this helps the natural process of evolving, deepening, and letting go.

— Maggie Meigs

God continues to bless us with beauty all around us as we are called to take a deep dive into diminishment, so we both take turns caring for each other, grateful to have each other and looking forward to the next 10 years, God willing. I certainly feel like I am better equipped for the last leg of our journey home because of the Forest Dwellers program.

— Gloria Hofer

I am noticing that, since being in the Forest Dweller Program, I really have gotten more motivation to make peace with my diminishments. That has been a very difficult thing for me to do. It is a major part of what I did as a Forest Dweller and what I continue to do now. I can see that I’m moving towards surrender. There is much more peace in my life and I think as I go through this process I notice that coming out of the Forest Dwelling Program – I am getting more [spiritual] directees. The reason for that is that I have been so engaged with making peace with my own diminishments.

— Nancy Shinn