MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture

Tate Modern by Anna Simmons

Theology is primarily expressed through signs, symbols, metaphors, myths and stories. Though one can be tempted to treat theology solely as an intellectual exercise, theology must also be examined as an imaginative and creative pursuit.

This new MA programme (beginning January
2011) offers students the chance to think critically
and creatively about the relationship between
God and human culture, and will enable students
to explore how culture, the arts, and the human
imagination relate to God’s ongoing creative
work in the world.

Core Module: Theology and Human Culture

Mon 17–Thur 20 January 2011
Mon 24–Thur 27 October 2011

Going to the cinema, listening to music, supporting a sports team, shopping, reading fiction, and consuming media are just a few aspects of our engagement with human culture.

Though such cultural forms and practices may make up our ‘everyday life’, what does theology have to do with going to the cinema or enjoying a book?

This module will engage with the ‘texts’ and practices of human culture and encourage students to explore the nature of the relationship between theology and culture. Throughout, students will be given the opportunity to refine and update their knowledge of theologians and key theological debates as they relate to human culture, show how central theological ideas are expressed through different forms of culture in history and today, and be given opportunities to reflect critically upon human culture through theological lenses.

Optional modules

Re-imagining Church in a Changing Culture
Text, Interpretation and Imagination
Theology and Film
God, Beauty and Imagination: Theological
Aesthetics
Guided Artist Study
Guided Reading

Co-validated Optional Modules
Worship, Art and Architecture
Music in Christian Worship
Literature and Spirituality
Art, Belief and Spirituality

Academic Staff

  • Programme Leader: Dr Michael DeLashmutt, Director of Studies, Sarum College
  • Associate Programme Leader: Dr Jane Gledhill, Lecturer, Sarum College
  • Dr Juliette Day, Director of Liturgical Studies, Sarum College
  • The Revd Dr David Holgate, Vice Principal and Director of Training, Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme (STETS)
  • Dr Susan Stephenson, Director of Spirituality Programmes, Sarum College

Visiting Lecturers

  • Dr Chris Deacy, Senior Lecturer in Applied Theology, University of Kent
  • Dr Brannon Hancock, composer, multi-instrumentalist, worship leader, author and teacher
  • Prof Jeff Keuss, Professor of Ministry, Theology and Culture, Seattle Pacific University, USA
  • Dr Gesa Thiessen, Lecturer in Systematic Theology and History, Milltown Institute, Ireland

To learn more, contact:

Dr Michael DeLashmutt, MA programme leader

Anne Jensen, academic administrator

Download an online application pack

For more information about all courses and events in our speciality areas, visit:

Contact our academic administrator