This course centres on the question of the place of the body in Christian Spirituality. We will explore how different dimensions of bodily existence impact the Christian relationship with God, the natural world and other creatures (human and otherwise).

This course will be led by Dr Michael Hahn who will provide an introduction to the place of the body in Christian spirituality, and consider ascetical dimensions to spirituality and the role of the body in religious experience.

Dr Dulcie Dixon McKenzie will teach on physical movements within the liturgy as they relate to Black Pentecostal spirituality.

The Revd Jarel Robinson-Brown will lead two sessions on the place of the body in Black spirituality and in Queer spirituality and bring these two topics into dialogue.

Dr Eleanor McLaughlin will introduce the field of disability theology and particularly consider the role of technology for embodied spiritualities and the questions disability theology raises for the valuing of self.

The Revd Lyndon Webb will use the New Materialist framework to explore the roles of materiality and embodiment in spirituality and particularly how this framework impacts our spiritual responses to climate change.

Professor James Woodward will lead us in an exploration of the vulnerabilities and frailties of the human body, considering how our stories are shaped by language, metaphor and culture and how we need humanity and imagination to nurture compassion.

Dr Jayme Reaves will introduce the place of trauma in embodied spiritualities and consider particularly how a consideration of Jesus as a victim of sexual abuse can contribute to our understandings of the role of the body in Christian spirituality.

This is a postgraduate course open to ‘auditors‘ e.g. those not enrolled for academic credit.

What does it mean to audit a course? 

This course would make an excellent addition to a study break, retreat or sabbatical in the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral Close, where residential participants enjoy full board, access to the library and to the pattern of liturgy at Salisbury Cathedral.

Whether it’s cultural events, sightseeing (Stonehenge is nearby for example) or shopping — there’s plenty to do if you’d like to extend your stay the weekend before and after the course. For ideas, visit Salisbury Cathedral Close attraction websites to see what’s on Sarum’s doorstep. Visit the Wiltshire Creative website to view events at nearby Salisbury Playhouse and the Salisbury Arts Centre. The Experience Salisbury website has an excellent city-wide listing of forthcoming events around the city.

Need financial assistance? View our list of grantmaking trusts

Enrolled students also may attend teaching weeks for modules in addition to the modules which they are studying for credit, by permission of the Programme Leader. Student rates for hospitality costs during a teaching week currently are: £250 (en-suite), £200 (standard) and £60 (non-residential), along with an educational fee of £125 per booking. The audit fee and hospitality prices are reviewed annually with any changes effective from 1 July.