Modern & Post-Modern Perspectives on Christian Spirituality (2023) course
An introduction to the developments of forms of Christian Spirituality and to ways of studying spirituality in the modern period and beyond.
This course will examine the ways in which spirituality and theology have been brought together (or pulled apart) in this period and examine the specific themes of mysticism, feminist spirituality, black spirituality, liberation theologies, and the relationship between psychology and spirituality.
We will discuss the contributions these movements have made to Christian Spirituality in modernity and postmodernity and consider how Christian Spirituality stands today in the wider understanding of spirituality. We will be discussing a range of sources, including primary material.
Specific session themes include:
- The relationship of spirituality and theology, ways of studying spirituality, and the concept of being ‘spiritual but not religious’ with Dr Michael Hahn
- Feminist approaches to the bible and theologies of activism with Dr Jayme Reaves
- The relationship of spirituality and psychology, focusing particularly on Sigmund Freud and C. G. Jung with Professor Peter Tyler
- Liberation theologies and black spirituality with Professor Anthony Reddie
- The developing concept of mysticism in the modern church, focusing on Thomas Merton and Evelyn Underhill, and the idea of postmodern mysticism with Dr Michael Hahn.
What does it mean to audit a course?
This course would made 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.
