Events for 10 May 2024

During this course we will be looking at how Christian spirituality relates to the arts - literature, music and visual arts, including film. We will consider this relationship in the socio-historical and theological contexts in which it has developed, exploring differences and similarities between the Eastern and Western Christian perspectives. This will enable students to appreciate the place of the arts in Christian worship and the life of the Church. Students will engage with theological ideas underpinning ekphrasis, images and icons, the relationship between literature and spirituality as academic disciplines, reflect critically on relationship between theoretical approaches to film, aesthetics, [...]

This course introduces some of the great figures in the history of Christian Spirituality. Common themes of personal transformation and of relationship with God, self and others will emerge across a wide time period from the third to the twentieth centuries. The focus on six figures and movements will allow portions of the texts to be examined in some detail, as well as following wider spiritual themes. Lectures by Dr Gemma Simmonds & Dr Edward Howells Thursdays, from 5.15 om to 6.45 pm Programme 18th January: Introduction; what is spirituality? Texts and methods 25th January: Augustine, Confessions 1st February: Monastic [...]