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Exploring Theology Autumn 2026

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About|Details|What our students say|Tutor(s)|Related short courses

Home Short Courses Exploring Theology Autumn 2026

Exploring Theology Autumn 2026 course

Exploring Christian Belief

Year B of the Exploring Theology programme is primarily devoted to rigorous study of study of theology and the Christian tradition, focusing on the diversity of history, approaches, and understandings found in Christianity. This year with Exploring Christian Belief will be divided into three terms: Exploring the History of Christian Belief, Exploring Modern Developments in Theological Conversations, and Living out the Christian Faith.

Exploring the History of Christian Belief

The Autumn Term looks at where the Christian faith has come from and how it has developed, from the time immediately following the Ascension of Jesus through to the 20th Century. We will explore how key theological beliefs have their origins in debates that emerged from thought-worlds shaped by the social, political, cultural and spiritual knowledge and concerns of particular times and places in history. We will ask how (and whether) they remain fresh and valuable in the moment of history we inhabit today.

Key topics may include:

How did Christinaity become a faith of its own? What key influences shaped belief and practice at the birth of Christianity?

Where does Faith belong? Individual? Church? State?

Who was Jesus? Why does it matter?

Whay do we believe God is Trinity? What does this mean?

How do Christians understand what it means to be human?

Why so many different Christian churches with such different beliefs?

Does believing mean switching off your brain?

 

A full programme will be made available nearer the beginning of the term.

Taught by a team of experts in the field.

Book Event

Online ticket £100

Weekly two-hour course delivered online via Zoom over 10 weeks each Tuesday evening from 7-9pm GMT, with sessions being recorded and readings made available via SarumLearn to registered students.

Available Tickets: 98
The Online ticket ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
Online ticket with assignments £200

Weekly two-hour course delivered online via Zoom over 10 weeks each Tuesday evening from 7-9pm GMT, with sessions being recorded and readings made available via SarumLearn to registered students. If you are interested in the option with assignments please refer to page https://www.sarum.ac.uk/exploring-theology/ for further details.

Available Tickets: 50
The Online ticket with assignments ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

22 Sep 2026
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tutor(s)

The Revd Anna Bishop
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What our students say

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.
Mark Oakley

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

 

 

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

 

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Read more 

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

Read more

Tutor(s)

The Revd Anna Bishop

Programme Leader, Short Courses & Exploring Theology programmes

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