Looking at Theology through a diverse, unusual lens



Grimm's Fairy Tales? Planet Narnia? Moral Imagination? This year's Theology Summer School will explore the theme of 'Texts and Images' from many viewpoints.

'This summer school takes a highly creative look at theology and theological issues through a variety of texts and images', says course director Ed Newell, who is Sub-Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. 'CS Lewis and imagination, medieval mystery plays, Theology and Grimm's fairy tales - these aren't topics you'd normally get on a course in Theology. We're looking at Theology through a very diverse and unusual lens.'

Participants will examine some intriguing questions: How are texts interpreted by various faiths? How does one handle difficult Biblical texts? What impact have science and philosophy had on religion? How has theology been communicated through creative writing? And what, exactly, is a moral imagination?

Speakers include:

  • Keith Ward, philosopher, theologian and author of, among many other things, The Philosopher and the Gospels: Jesus Through the Lens of Philosophy, and Is Religion Irrational? will lead a seminar entitled 'The Influence of Philosophy on Christian Theology'.
  • Angela Tilby will be known to millions for her appearances on 'Thought for the Day' on BBC Radio 4. She is a former producer for BBC broadcasting in religion and science. Her seminar will be 'What Makes Scripture Sacred?'
  • John Moses, former dean of St Paul's, will speak on 'The Prophetic Voice of Thomas Merton' and Jane Shaw, Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, will lead 'Cultivating a Moral Imagination'.
  • Henry Wansbrough, translator of the Jerusalem bible, will explore how a Christian reads the Old Testament.
  • Michael Ward, author of the groundbreaking book Planet Narnia - which unlocks CS Lewis's thought world in the Narnia Chronicles - is leading a seminar entitled 'CS Lewis and Theological Imagination'.

 

'We know this course will appeal to clergy and others wanting to have their minds stretched,' says Newell.

The Theology Summer School is held at Christ Church, one of Oxford's largest and most prestigious colleges, and comprises two one-week sessions. Details of keynote lectures and seminar topics can be found online: http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/details.php?id=V610-16

Published 5 April 2012