supplemental ~ Prof. Jonathan Linman
Prof. Jonathan Linman
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Associate Professor of Ascetical Theology Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality B.A., Carleton College M.Div., Trinity Lutheran Seminary Ph.D., Duquesne University |
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"The thoughtful integration of the fullness of theological education with the life of faith for the practice of ministry, such that our very lives convincingly proclaim the Gospel, is at the heart of my teaching mission at The General Theological Seminary."
Prof. Linman is the Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality and Associate Professor of Ascetical Theology. An ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), he served as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the inner-city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1989 - 2001). He received his Bachelor of Arts degree (Sociology - Anthropology) from Carleton College (Northfield, MN) in 1984 and his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus, OH) in 1988. In 1997, he earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) in Formative Spirituality. His dissertation is entitled, "Toward a Theory of Lectio Divina: A Reader Response, Psychoanalytic and Embodied Approach."
Prof. Linman’s current scholarly interests focus on liturgical hermeneutics, especially the application of the principles of lectio divina to liturgical participation. He also has an avid interest in the biblical, historical and theological foundations for Christian spirituality, the theory and practice of ministry, and ecumenism. In addition to academic teaching, he is a well-received leader of retreats, quiet days and other experientially-based events.
In the wider church, Prof. Linman is currently a member of the ELCA Church Council (that church’s national board of directors), a member of the Candidacy Committee of the Southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia/Western Maryland Synods and a Pastoral Associate at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Central Park West in Manhattan. He is married to Jennifer, who is an Episcopal priest serving at Church of the Epiphany in Manhattan.
Offerings for Groups Beyond the Seminary
In addition to his regular responsibilities at General Seminary, and as an expression of the Center for Christian Spirituality’s commitment to the wider church, Prof. Linman is also available to lead adult forums, workshops, presentations and discussions, quiet days, retreats, continuing education events, and so on, for parish and diocesan/synodical groups, committees and/or staff members, for laity and clergy, on or off the seminary campus. Here is a sampling of possible topics and themes for such events:
- Introduction to Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
- Lutheran Spirituality
- Spirituality and Ecumenism
- Liturgical Spirituality - How to Worship More Prayerfully
- Quiet Day: Contemplative Eucharist
- Contemplative Prayer and Silence
- Spirituality for Ministry
- Benedictine Spirituality
- Praying with Hymns
- Spirituality of Music
- Praying with Sacred Arts
- Spirituality and Baptism and Eucharist
- Christian Spiritual Classics
- Spirituality and Congregational Life
- Spirituality and Conflict and Reconciliation
- Spirituality and the Body
- Spirituality and Health and Wellness
- Spirituality in India
Courses in Ascetical Theology taught by Prof. Linman
- Christian Spirituality in Ecumenical Perspective (pdf)
- Introduction to Spiritual Direction (pdf)
- Praying with Christian Spiritual Classics (pdf)
- Spirituality for the Practice of Ministry (pdf)
- Parish-based Spirituality (pdf)
- Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Lectio Divina (pdf)
Prof. Linman is also typically a member of the teaching team for the "Tutorial Seminar Program" for incoming M.Div. students and leads this course’s "Spiritual Practices in Community" unit.
