Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/christian-theology-virtues
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us seek ways to deepen our spiritual lives and cultivate a more meaningful ethical framework. The Coursera course, ‘Christian Virtues for Spiritual Growth,’ offered by Duke Divinity+, provides a compelling pathway for just that. Taught by renowned theologian Stanley Hauerwas, this course is designed for anyone looking to nurture their interior lives and engage with ethics through the lens of Christian tradition.
Hauerwas masterfully unpacks the significance of specific virtues for Christian living, focusing on four key pillars: kindness, hope, humility, and generosity. Each module delves deeply into the meaning and practical application of these virtues, offering profound insights into living a good and purposeful life.
The course begins with an exploration of kindness, framing baptism as a catalyst for a life of virtue. Hauerwas emphasizes virtue as a habit, a crucial distinction from mere moral behavior, and explains how cultivating these habits shapes character. The module on hope draws from Romans 5, illustrating how Christian hope, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, enables us to live in the present without succumbing to despair. We see this virtue in action through the inspiring lives of Pauli Murray and Desmond Tutu.
Humility is presented not as self-deprecation, but as a path to self-knowledge and understanding our relational nature. Hauerwas traces its history, highlighting its paradoxical nature and its centrality to a scriptural worldview. Excerpts from Archbishop Óscar Romero’s homilies beautifully connect humility with faithful witness.
Finally, the course examines generosity, moving beyond the simple act of giving to embrace receptivity. Hauerwas posits that understanding our existence as a gift from God fosters humility and joy in receiving, thereby deepening our generosity. This module beautifully illustrates how generosity intertwines with the other virtues discussed.
‘Christian Virtues for Spiritual Growth’ is an exceptionally well-structured and insightful course. Stanley Hauerwas’s thoughtful reflections and the practical application exercises make this a truly transformative learning experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to deepen their faith, refine their ethical understanding, and cultivate a more virtuous life.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/christian-theology-virtues