Interrelations: Spirituality and Theology

This conference is premised on the belonging together of spirituality and theology (or doctrine) in Christian life and thought.

‘Spirituality’ is a relatively recent name in Christianity for sensibilities and practices that are far older. Today, however, non-ecclesial spirituality is frequently lauded, just as the cultural brilliance of theology can seem dulled.

This conference will explore the historical and present-day dilemmas of distinguishing and interrelating Christian spirituality and theology.

Conference Programme Outline

The conference begins with registration from 9.30am for a 10am start. The morning will contain three plenary sessions, with papers from:

• Dr Edward Howells (Heythrop College)
• Dr Jacob Philips (St Mary’s University, Twickenham)
• Dr Barnabas Palfrey (Sarum College)

After lunch, eight short papers will run on two parallel tracks, with ample space for questions and discussion. Paper topics include:

• Forged Together in the Furnace of War: the career and contemporaries of Geoffrey Studdart Kennedy (‘Woodbine Willie’)
• The concept of ‘home’ and ‘homecoming’ in Christian spirituality
• St Francis as an extensive or limited model for contemporary Christian spirituality
• August Courtauld: the Arctic Lazarus and the deathly fear of silence
• Poetry and spirituality
• Relating the praxis of Christian contemplation and Christian theology
• Leonard Cohen: Worker-in-song in and between spiritual traditions

The call for short papers (now closed) can be viewed here.

The conference is £35 for students and short-paper presenters; £50 for others.

Optional supper is available after the conference priced at £10 per person. Those attending the conference can stay B&B at Sarum College for the reduced price of £51 per night for a single en-suite room or £79 per night for a double/twin en-suite room.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)