This module will examine key movements within and connected with Christian Spirituality in the 20th and 21st century and consider how they fit within the social projects of modernity and postmodernity. Significant focus will be given to Black and postcolonial spiritualities, spiritualities of activism, biblical hermeneutics, secularisation, mysticism in modernity and postmodernity, Orthodox spirituality and Jewish-Christian relations in this period.

Dr Michael Hahn will teach an introductory session on how Christian spirituality can be approached in ‘modernity’ and ‘postmodernity’ both in terms of how it is lived out and practised and also how such approaches might study spirituality.

He will then teach two sessions on modern and postmodern mysticism. The first looks at major writers of the 20th century such as Evelyn Underhill and Thomas Merton, and the second looks at how writers who are atheist or who struggle with religion such as Georges Bataille and Annie Dillard fit into the development of mystical theologies.

Dr Susie Snyder will teach a session on modern mysticism and social action, drawing particularly from the work of Dorothee Soelle and Gloria Anzaldua.

Dr James Roberts will lead a session on modern orthodox spirituality, considering figures like Mother Maria Skobtsova and Nikolai Berdyaev. James will then teach a session on Jewish-Christian relations in the 20th and 21st century and consider how this links to spirituality.

Dr Carlton Turner will teach two sessions on Black Spiritualities and Decolonial Spiritualities. The first introduces some of the key considerations of Black Spiritualities as experienced across the world, grounded primarily in the African Caribbean context, and the second examines global calls to a decolonial ethics.

Dr Pollyanna Magne will lead a session on Christian spirituality practices today, focusing primarily on spiritual direction/accompaniment, considering how it draws on Christian heritage but also engages with secular mindfulness.

Dr Jayme Reaves will first lead a session on spiritualities of activism, exploring particularly the role of memory within this. Then, Jayme will introduce feminist and womanist biblical hermeneutics to consider how we make meaning of biblical texts and particular contexts today.

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

Learn more about postgraduate study in Christian Spirituality

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.  The audit fee and hospitality prices are reviewed annually with any changes effective from 1 July.