Sarum College is an ecumenical study and research centre with an international reputation for excellence in theological education and spiritual reflection.
Sarum College offers a distinguished location for meetings, conferences, events and functions with full catering services.
Sarum College Bookshop is Salisbury's most established independent Christian and theological bookshop.
The Sarum College Library has an outstanding academic theological collection of more than 40,000 books covering all denominations.
Meet the Academic Staff
Tim HarleCoordinator for the Centre for Leadership Learning Read more
Sonia WoolleyScholar in Residence Read more
Jon MorganCoordinator of the Centre for Theology, Imagination and Culture Read more
All academic staff
October 2019
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 5: History, Myth and Narritive: Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Interim Ministry and Vacancies
This seminar explores the latest ideas around Interim Ministry (IM, or Transitional Ministry) and how they can inform, and be informed by, the broader field of filling vacancies. We investigate how conversations can be used both as research methods and as a practical way of effecting change. With thanks to the generous support of the Interim Ministry Network for the reduced course fee. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Reading Fiction as a Spiritual Practice
William Blake called the Old and New Testaments ‘The Great Code of Western Art’ and we see it over and over again in great works of fiction. In this course, we will explore the symbols at play in three novels in profound conversation with the Bible: · To Kill a Mockingbird on Mon, 28 October 2019 · Jane Eyre on Tues, 29 October 2019 and · The Life of Pi Wed, 30 October 2019 Book one… Read more
Theologising Brexit by Anthony Reddie
Days before the Brexit deadline, Reddie will discuss his comprehensive analysis of the theological challenge presented by the new post-Brexit epoch. Reddie is an Extraordinary Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of South Africa and a Fellow of Wesley House, in Cambridge, UK. Free but booking is required. Refreshments will be served. To book phone 01722 326899 or email bookshop@sarum.ac.uk Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 6: Memory of Days Past and Vision of the Days to Come: Isaiah and Jeremiah
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Sense and Stigma in the Gospels: Depictions of Sensory-Disabled Characters
The senses are used within New Testament texts as instruments of knowledge and power and thus constitute important mediators of cultural knowledge and experience. Likewise, those instances where sensory faculty is perceived to be ‘disabled’ in some way also become key sites for ideological commentary and critique. However, often biblical scholarship, itself ‘disabled’ by eye-centric and text-centric ‘norms’, has read sensory-disabled characters as nothing more than inert sites of healing; their agency, including their alternative sensory modes of communication and… Read more
Resourcing a Good Advent
An enjoyable and informative afternoon to prepare you for Advent! Bring a group from your Church for some Advent course inspiration. James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College, will review the best of the new books and Advent courses this year. Author Rachel Mann will also be launching her new book In the Bleak Midwinter. Rachel is an Anglican Priest, poet, writer and broadcaster based in South Manchester. Her book Fierce Imaginings has been shortlisted for the 2019 Michael Ramsey Prize. Thursday,… Read more
November 2019
Lunchtime Concert: Musicke in the Ayre
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Musicke in the Ayre Lute songs associated with Salisbury and poets in the Wilton Circle of Mary Herbert. Artists: Din Ghani, lute; Gillian Wormley, soprano. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826… Read more
Book Launch: A Skilfully Woven Knot by Michael Mayne
Join Sarum College Bookshop for the launch of A Skilfully Woven Knot, the latest book based on the previously unpublished writings and lectures of the late Michael Mayne. The book is edited by Dr Joel Huffstetler, a leading scholar of Michael Mayne’s work. Joel will talk about his work in putting together this and the other two books of the recent trilogy. Free and Open to all, but booking is required. Refreshments will be served. To book phone 01722 326899… Read more
Love is Listening: Responding to People with Dementia
Is loneliness an inevitable ‘stage’ of dementia? This day explores how the stories we live by enable or disable us to maintain emotionally meaningful relationships with persons with dementia, including those deemed to be beyond meaningful reach. When people with dementia can’t keep up with the normal flow of conversation, emotional isolation often ensues. But is loneliness an inevitable “stage” of dementia? Michael Verde, the founder of Memory Bridge (memorybridge.org), explores how the stories we live by enable or disable… Read more
Biblical Study Break: Digging into Isaiah 40-66
These courses offer a sustained study of a single biblical book or biblical topic led by emerging and eminent scholars who bring fresh perspectives to the study of scripture. For more information surrounding the Biblical Study Breaks in general, check page 38 of our Programme. This course will offer the opportunity to read all the text of these 27 lyrical, carefully-edited chapters, which are much-quoted in the New Testament. We will look at the famous Servant Songs, and consider the… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 7: Performance and Prophecy: Ezekiel, Daniel and the 12 Minor Prophets
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Home by Another Route: Reimagining Today’s Church
What might the identity and mission of the church be in a post-Christian context? The day will explore the future nature of the church, its leadership and mission though the lenses of story, literature and theology of the biblical exile. The exile was a crisis in the life of the people of God, and a yet a period which elicited huge theological and practical reimagination. The exile provides a rich metaphorical story to explore our own sense of identity and… Read more
Sing Gregorian Chant
This day offers the chance to experience and sing Gregorian chant in a friendly context. An entertaining, informative and enjoyable experience structured around the monastic hour services. The theology of Gregorian chant is explored through singing it, for those with theological, historical or musical interests. Singing experience is welcome, but not necessary for the course. There will be a chance to sing a short service in the Trinity Chapel at Salisbury Cathedral. Using at first simple recitation in English, it… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 8: Worship and the Temple: Psalms
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Leading by Story
We tell stories; we live in stories; we lead by story. Jesus told stories, and congregations invite others (or not) to join their story. The social sciences have taken a ‘narrative turn’ which offers new ways for thinking about how we work together. We will spend time telling and retelling our stories, and thinking about how we can make stories more attractive and more memorable. How do we invite people to join the story of the church? How do we… Read more
Can There Be a Theology of Art? What Would it Look Like?
This day will look at several theologians who have written about art, and develop some of their more fruitful lines of enquiry. At the heart of the day, we will be seeking to use Trinitarian theology as a way of gaining critical insight into the evident spirituality of many works of modern as well as more traditional art. Through looking at a wide range of works of art, the aim will be to respond to the challenge of finding a… Read more
An Evening of Encountering the Bible
With Stephen Need and Helen Paynter Join us for an evening to showcase this year’s expanded biblical offerings at Sarum College’s Centre for Encountering the Bible, with an overview of the upcoming Biblical Study Breaks, Exploring Theology programme and Reading Scripture Together days. The evening will feature two book launches: Stephen Need’s Following Jesus in the Holy Land: Pathways of Discipleship through Advent and Lent Helen Paynter’s God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling Honestly with the Old Testament The evening is… Read more
Music in Worship Day: Inspiring Music in Worship – Engaging with the Rural Church
In rural areas, clergy oversee worship in multiple churches for small village congregations stretching over considerable geographical areas. This can produce unique opportunities for lay leaders and musicians to work with clergy, exploring innovative ways to worship both inside and outside the church buildings. Published by the Royal School of Church Music and Praxis, the Inspiring Music in Worship series enables creative conversations, fosters collaborative ways of working and nurtures respect and trust. Earthed in real church case studies, this… Read more
Poetry and the Psalms
From the time of Wyatt and the Sidneys, the Psalms have been at the heart of English poetry. This day will explore these ancient texts as transplanted in the work of Herbert and Vaughan as well as their later flourishing in poetry from the 18th century to the present day. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 9: The Text in Conversation: Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Ezra/Nehemiah
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Gospel of Matthew
A gospel that can scale the heights of theological wisdom and at the same time seem to descend to a low level of judgmental bitterness in its treatment of Jews and Judaism has to pose challenges for all who make it the focus of a year’s reflection and worship, all, that is, who want to make it the basis for communicating week by week the Christian gospel. No shunner of controversy with Jews or, for that matter, Christians of an… Read more
MODEM Conference 2019- Losing Control: Enabling Withness
MODEM Conference 2019 This conference, in partnership with the Susanna Wesley Foundation, will explore ideas Sam Wells has developed in his recent books and how these can relate to ideas from organisation studies about the emergence and non-imperialistic forms of organising and non-control and relate these to experience and wisdom from local churches. We will be exploring ideas that Sam Wells has been developing in ‘A Nazareth Manifesto: Being with God’ (2015), ‘Incarnational ministry: being with the church’ (2017) and… Read more
Sexuality and Spirituality
This module will provide students with the methodological tools to engage with a study of sexuality and Spirituality. Students will be enabled to understand how the Christian tradition has engaged with sexuality and Spirituality and how that impacts on contemporary debates. Students will be encouraged to relate these insights to their own experience and to critically evaluate the current theological and spiritual concerns in matters of sexuality. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on this… Read more
Working Together
This module encourages engagement with a hermeneutical approach grounded in the Holy Trinity, which is examined through several traditions. Biblical examples of ministry and working together are critiqued through the disciplines of sociology, psychology and organisational studies and implications drawn for an understanding of the various forms of authorised ministry and the role of the laity. Students are encouraged to understand themselves and each other better through the use of teamwork profiling instruments and models. This leads to the consideration… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 10: Suffering and the Meaning of Life: Job
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Queerness as a New Model for Vocation and Ministry
This day explores the nature of Queer Virtue, which puts queer experience at the heart of faith. Queer people bring extraordinary gifts to faith communities, but queer people are not unique in this. All of us bring gifts rooted in our identities and experience. ‘Queerness’ is a modus operandi that can help all of us bring our experience to bear together, to strengthen our faith and our communities. Liz Edman will explore the nature of Queer Virtue, which puts queer… Read more
Dementia: Who Cares for the Carers?
The majority of people living with a diagnosis of dementia are cared for at home by a family member. Most people living with a diagnosis of dementia are cared for at home by a family member. This hidden army of carers is often overlooked. We will hear carers’ stories and reflect on their needs for practical and spiritual support. This hidden army of carers is often overlooked, so this day will be dedicated to hearing their stories and reflecting on… Read more
December 2019
Liturgy and Mission
The church in the west faces new challenges of maintaining and communicating its identity in what is sometimes referred to as a ‘post-Christian’ society. In this context, the practice of public worship is receiving fresh attention as a means of articulating and embodying the Missio Dei, the mission of God. This module will explore how recent developments in scholarship and practice are bringing the two disciplines of liturgical studies and missiology into conversation with one another. The module will introduce… Read more
Text, Interpretation and Imagination
The images, stories, myths and teachings of the Bible have served as a foundation for the Western cultural imagination. The Bible, when read in each new cultural context, both challenges the readers’ cultural assumptions and is challenged by new ways of reading which spring forth from the readers’ distinct perspective. The discipline, art and craft of hermeneutics require that one become sensitive to both the reading of the text and the act of being read by the text. During this… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Christopher Guild
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Christopher Guild Enigma Variations. Elgar’s rarely-heard transcription for piano of one of his most well-loved works, with a detailed introduction to the music given by the performer. Artist: Christopher Guild, solo piano. Contact Alison… Read more
The Life of the Virgin Mary on Page and Screen
The Virgin Mary is the principle woman in Christian Salvation history and links the three Abrahamic faiths. Over two millennia, the Virgin Mary has inspired magnificent works of art that reveal the complexities of the Marian tradition. She is the principal woman in Christian Salvation history; a symbol of beauty and sanctity; a figure implicated in gender, ecclesiastical and ecumenical politics; and a link between the three Abrahamic faiths as a Jewish mother whose son Jesus is worshipped by Christians… Read more
Sustaining Leadership
Drawing from personal experience of coming to a halt in ministry, Paul shares insights into human nature. Leadership, whatever form it takes, carries the potential for both tremendous privilege and enormous personal cost. Paul’s experience of leading a church whilst suffering ill health led to a deep encounter with his own human fragility through break down. This prompted him to look again at the ‘Who We Are’ of leadership rather than the ‘What We do’. Beginning with this story of… Read more
Whose Story is it Anyway?
A practical course about the oral tradition in much of our sacred texts and literature. We will examine the differences in oracy and literacy and see how the telling of shared experience often creates conflicting narratives. A central story in the Bible and the Qur’an will be discussed. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Winter Silent Retreat
Retreat from all the holiday noise by participating in the first of our biannual Silent Retreat offerings at Sarum. Using gentle liturgy, spiritual reflection practises and rest we aim to create a residential community of silence and calm for the weekend. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
January 2020
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 1: Reading the New Testament as Scripture
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Christian Leadership for the Common Good
In a Divided Society, how can churches act for the common good? Here : Now: Us Churches are present in every community in the country. How can church leaders and people develop their capacity to address social divisions and strengthen civil society? This workshop has been developed by Together for the Common Good to enable church leaders to focus on exactly these challenges, in engagement with one another. The workshop explores what ‘the common good’ means in principle and practice.… Read more
The Emotional Toll of Care
Explore self-care as an ethical imperative for those working on the front line of human vulnerability. A dynamic day for professionals think, feel and engage with the human side of their work, using evidence based intervention to counter maladaptive coping strategies such as withdrawal, denial, substance abuse or suicide. How best to manage a pervasive sense of futility and the experience of being the face of what may be perceived as a failing or inadequate system? This course is designed… Read more
A Day with W.H. Auden
Auden has been described as ‘the first poet writing in English who felt at home in the twentieth century’. But where did this position him when it came to religious belief. What do his poems, so varied in tone and subjects, have to offer contemporary faith? We will look at the wide range of Auden’s poetry, his conversation to Christianity and his consequent spiritual interrogation of the world. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 |… Read more
Art Exhibition: AWE: Paintings in Response to Creation
Based on an experience of remote bothy life in Shetland, surrounding by sea and sky. Using this, Peronel experienced the rawness of elements which are the starting point for her paintings and drawings. Peronel Barnes is an award-winning painter based in Oxford, who has exhibited at the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours where she collected the Outstanding Watercolour Award in 2011. Her work hangs in private and public collections across the world. Peronel… Read more
The Nature of Contemporary Spirituality
An introduction to the nature of Spirituality in the Christian tradition from the nineteenth century to the present day. Students will investigate the proliferation of Christian spiritualities in this period and consider the impact of modernism, postmodernity, feminism and political theology on contemporary conceptions of Christian Spirituality. Students will also investigate the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of academic responses to Christian Spirituality (in relation to literature, psychology, film etc), and the extent to which they extend the taxonomy of the discipline.… Read more
Reflective Practice
A critical study of how reflective practice can ground an understanding of leadership and improve performance. It will introduce students to contemporary models of reflective practice both in the educational, theological and business worlds and encourage reflection on how these models inform and critique one another. There will be opportunities to practice a variety of methods so that students can select and design their own models apply in their own work context. This (core) postgraduate module is open to wider… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 2: Dark Good News: The Gospel of Mark
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Humour in the Bible
G.K. Chesterton wrote that those who take everything seriously make an idol of everything, and we are often so serious when we read the Bible! This day is an invitation to uncover and appreciate the comic spirit in the Bible: wordplay, absurdity, hyperbole, satire, subversion, slapstick, and the scatological. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Dag Hammarskjöld: Life and Legacy
There has been growing interest in the late UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjöld. His personality and the unique way in which he united spirituality and politics in an engaged spirituality is evident in his posthumous title, Markings. This day course will explore the significance of his insights for today’s conflict-ridden world. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 3: Of the House of David: The Gospel of Matthew
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Biblical Leaders: All Too Human
Leaders aren’t perfect; neither are characters in the Bible. That’s why biblical leaders are the perfect models for leadership case studies. Using the narratives of three biblical leaders- Abraham, Moses and Esther- as well as contemporary leadership studies and literary analysis, this course will inspire us to reflect on leadership, then and now. One of the best ways to explore leadership is through case studies of people who we admire and strive to emulate despite (or perhaps even because of)… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Anemos Trio
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Anemos Trio Groovesome Threesome by Mike Mower and 6 sonatas by C.P.E. Bach. Artists: Robert Blanken, clarinet; Karen Kingsley, piano; Richard Moore, bassoon. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main… Read more
February 2020
Pastoral Liturgy Day: Guard us Sleeping: Praying at Night
The course explores how Compline provides a means of prayer for an age that is increasingly concerned about sleep. Participants will be introduced to the history and liturgical forms of Compline, the most recent work on the theology of sleep, and a variety of practical ideas on how Compline can be used in a local church setting. Opportunity will be given for discussion and sharing in the experience of prayer at night. Ideal for those with pastoral and liturgical responsibility… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 4: A Gentle Sensibility: The Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Reading Scripture Together: The Binding of Isaac/Ishmael
This conversational one-day course series will re-read selected sacred texts in detail and consider the ways they have been interpreted, both in the written word and in art, and on their relevance and meaning to us today. Celebrated during Rosh Hashanah in Judaism, during easter in the Christianity, and for Eid al-Adha in Islam, the binding of Isaac/Ishmael is an important story. During this day, we will re-read the stories in detail and explore the ways the Christian, Jewish, and… Read more
Waiting on the Word: The Spirituality of Preaching
A contemplative approach to the art of preaching given over five sessions with time allowed for discussion. We look at how the spiritual life of preachers informs how they preach, both pastorally and prophetically, in today’s world and for a changing church. The final session focuses on practical skills. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Biblical Study Break: Sacrifice and Salvation: The Epistle to the Hebrews
The biblical concept of sacrifice is an essential component in understanding the significance of Jesus’s death and resurrection in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Sacrifice is no longer part of our world: we find the whole idea alien and repulsive. And yet the sacrifice is fundamental to the human imagination, especially to the relationship between earth and heaven, between humanity and the divine. Sacrifice is one of the basic concepts adopted by the early Christians to understand the significance of… Read more
Rural Mission and Ministry Day: Celebrating Festivals in the Rural Context
An exploration of the principles and practicalities involved in celebrating the major festivals of the church in the distinctively rural context. The course will explore imaginative ways of keeping feasts such as Christmas and Holy Week, but also the agricultural and rural feasts for which provision is made in Common Worship. Ministering in a rural context calls for a distinctive and particular approach to liturgical and pastoral provision. Rural multi-parochial benefices have a particular set of joys and challenges around… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 5: The Missionary Revolutionary: Paul and his Letters
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Bridgebuilding: Making Peace with Conflict
How can you better handle tensions and conflict in relationships and groups, including within the church? This course will offer you some tools, skills and insights for thinking differently about the conflict in human interactions, aiming to help you in building bridges with others. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Pastoral Ministry and Christian Spiritual Direction
This module enables students to explore approaches to pastoral ministry and spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. It presents them with different models of pastoral care and encourages them to reflect theologically on these models, placing them in their historical context. Students will explore issues of particular concern for pastoral ministry in the contemporary context and engage with non-theological disciplines that provide pastoral care. Students will be introduced to different approaches to the spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. They… Read more
The Bible: Cultural Critique and Transformation
The Bible is notably the most translated book in human history. Its worldwide popularity has shaped political, economic and cultural relations in societies where it is read. Its entrenchment in history has made it a language for readers, interpreters and textual critics alike who have found the Bible a useful means to address issues of concern within their contexts and so to voice various calls for social and cultural transformation. Despite the fact that the study of the Bible in… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 6: The Gospel of John and its Letter
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
The Challenge of Christian Animal Ethics
The consequences of modern animal agriculture, the environment, and human wellbeing is an increasing public concern. This study day will explore the Christian basis for concern for the flourishing of fellow animal creatures and the urgent ethical questions that follow for our use of animals for food. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 7: Quests of the Historical Jesus
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Norbert Meyn and Alisdair Kitchen
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Norbert Meyn and Alisdair Kitchen A Feast of German Lieder by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms Artists: Norbery Meyn, tenor; Alisdair Kitchen, piano. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 |… Read more
Perham-Shaped Worship
This symposium is an invitation to consider the remarkably rich and diverse influence of the late Bishop Michael Perham upon worship in the Church of England. In this public forum, speakers with first-hand experience of Michael’s ministry will address issues such as nurturing worship in the parish, liturgical leadership, the formation of praying people, and liturgical revision. Session Titles & Contributors Click on a session title for the full description Praying and Practising the Liturgy: Inhabiting the Eucharist with Tom Clammer… Read more
Marian Apparitions and Shrines
This one day course will cover shrines and apparitions of Mary in modern (19th and 20th century) Roman Catholicism, with a special emphasis on Europe. The aims of the day are that you will have opportunities to: 1. Appreciate the breadth of this phenomenon, and develop knowledge about well-known and little-known cases, taking into mind social contexts. 2. Discuss the figure of Mary at the centre of the visionary claims and messages. 3. Analyse the Roman Catholic Church response to… Read more
March 2020
The Eucharist
This module explores the most significant developments of eucharistic worship from the New Testament to the contemporary church. Students will gain an understanding of the theological, historical and social influences upon the Eucharist and the debates surrounding different interpretations of its meaning. Through the study of recent ecumenical conversations, students will be encouraged to relate their study to contemporary church contexts. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on this module as an auditor. Contact Alison Ogden… Read more
Relocating Religion: Cultural and Spiritual Realignments
In a so called ‘secular age’ has religion and more specifically Christian faith and belief simply disappeared from public view altogether? Do modern people no longer require the ‘sacred canopy’ of religion to feel at home in the world? Has the idea and practice of religion become so tarnished with notions of religious fundamentalism and extremism or institutional irrelevance and corruption that by and large, in Europe at least, most people leave it to a small minority of others to… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 8: Use of Jewish Scripture, and Anti-Jewish Sentiment in the New Testament
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
The Wondrous Story: Preaching from Palm Sunday to Easter
The period between Palm Sunday and Easter is at the heart of our Gospel, but how do we preach it in a fresh and engaging way? Palm Sunday to Easter is at the heart of our gospel, but how do we preach it in a fresh and engaging way? Preachers are speaking to those who have heard the stories often, and often to visitors who come for many different reasons. They might be speaking to mixed-age congregations, or in the… Read more
Exile and Christian Authenticity
How did early Christians deal with the problem of Christian authenticity when the official imperial persecutions came to an end? We will examine how Christian authenticity laid claim to its past as a persecuted minority while simultaneously affirming its new status as a violent Christian empire. The course works with the use of episcopal exile to impose religious conformity points to a consistent dilemma for scholars who work on early Christianity and its role in the Roman empire. The mid-… Read more
Understanding Organisations
This module examines contemporary images and models of organisations, bringing multi-disciplinary critical insights into the emergence of organisational culture. The role of the leader is examined, especially through questions of power and authority and comparisons made between different approaches to ecclesiology and church organisation. Systems theories are used to examine organisations, including congregations: students are encouraged to reflect on their own situation and experience in the light of this. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 9: Epistle as Performance: The Letter to the Romans
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Leading From a Secure Base
This workshop explores how new understandings of attachment theory can promote change. Developing John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s work, we will explore such ideas as God as an attachment figure, and examples from churches’ liturgy as a secure base, which reduce anxiety and promote exploration. Read more
Making Sense of Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
This course explores the range of apocalyptic texts produced by early Jews and Christians, including revelation, 4 Ezra, 1 Enoch, Apocalypse of Peter, and others. Revelation is perhaps the best-known apocalypse since it is the only example of its genre to make it into the biblical canon. But the first and second centuries produced a wealth of apocalyptic texts, including Revelation, 4 Ezra, 1 Enoch, Apocalypse of Peter, and many more. The reasons why this genre enjoyed such a surge… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 10: The Apocalypse of St John
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
The Faith Journeys of Millennials
Today’s young adults are the least religious generation on record and yet there are still those for whom Christian faith is central to their identity. This one-day course will explore contemporary theories of identity and faith formation among young adults. It will be based on the findings of a large-scale qualitative research project undertaken with Millennials, in which they told the story of their life and faith through their twenties. They include the accounts of those who have lost their… Read more
Theology and Film
This module explores the growing field of theology and film. Students will become conversant in the language and history of cinema, noting specifically the unique ways in which film uses technology, editing, framing, and sound to convey meaning. After a brief introduction to film studies, students will then explore the historical relationship between theology and film, with specific reference to the reception (ranging from prohibition to utilisation) of film by the Christian Churches. We will spend time looking at and studying… Read more
Medieval Spirituality
This module will encourage students to evaluate Western Medieval schools of Spirituality. It will examine the role of women in this period and evaluate their contribution to the Mysticism and politics of the period. Students will be encouraged to assess the impact of the Crusades on the ongoing relationship between Islam and Christianity. The module will highlight the legacy of this period to the Churches in our day. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Hannah Laurens and Tom McCoy
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Hannah Laurens and Tom McCoy A glorious romantic sonata by Julius Röntgen and other gems by Dutch composers. Artists: Hannah Laurens, violin; Tom McCoy, piano. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826… Read more
Spirituality and Nordic Noir Crime Fiction
Using material from the Nordic Noir crime fiction genre, we explore three themes of spiritual and religious interest. Nordic Noir has achieved a major place in popular fiction, through books, TV series and films. As well as its qualities as whodunits and glimpses into the different-but-accessible Scandinavian world, it has been committed to interrogating aspects of Nordic and increasingly world society. Nordic environmentalism is both reflected and challenged in Scandi-crime narratives, questioning the impact of globalisation and corporatism and exploring… Read more
April 2020
The Spiritual Care of People Living With Dementia
Following an introduction to the medical aspects of dementia, this study day will explore some of the important human questions it poses from a Christian theological perspective. We will also cover practical implications, particularly in supporting the continuing spiritual growth of individuals living with this condition, together with their carers and loved ones. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Music in Worship Day: The Legacy of African American Spirituals for Congregational Song
This course will explore theology and spirituality of African American Spirituals against their cultural and political backgrounds and assess their legacy for church music today. The Spirituals emerged from a cauldron of conflict, deep pain and suffering. They were, for enslaved African Americans, a source of affirmation, protest and liberation. So too, congregational song has, from its beginnings, been mired in controversy and conflict. Church authorities have regarded it with suspicion because singing affirms and emboldens the people in the… Read more
Transgender People: Feeling at Home in Your Church and Community
Many Churches want to be sensitive to the needs of trans people and their loved ones but are unsure how to do so. This course, based on what Christian trans people and those who love them have told us, will be helpful to churches and communities at the early stages of this specific journey of inclusion and those already on the way. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Reading Scripture Together: Encounters with Rabbis in the Gospel of John
This conversational one-day course series will re-read selected sacred texts in detail and consider the ways they have been interpreted, both in the written word and in art, and on their relevance and meaning to us today. The teachings and customs of the early Rabbis form a seitz im leben for the ministry of Christ and the accounts of his ministry we find in the New Testament. Yet they are surprisingly absent from much New Testament scholarship. In this study… Read more
Stories From The Other Half Of Holy Week: Earth
Drawing on the Gospel narratives between Psalm Sunday and Maundy Thursday, these days offer the opportunity for learning, prayer, and reflection before the Easter weekend. Those who wish to attend more than one day for a prolonged Holy Week retreat can stay B&B at Sarum College at a reduced educational rate. Contact Alison Odgen for all enquiries. In Holy Week 2020 at Sarum we are focusing on ‘Living in the Other Half of Holy Week’ reading the narratives of Palm… Read more
Stories From The Other Half Of Holy Week: Return From Exile and the Way Back In: Bodies, Land and Community
Drawing on the Gospel narratives between Psalm Sunday and Maundy Thursday, these days offer the opportunity for learning, prayer, and reflection before the Easter weekend. Those who wish to attend more than one day for a prolonged Holy Week retreat can stay B&B at Sarum College at a reduced educational rate. Contact Alison Odgen for all enquiries. Return From Exile and the Way Back In: Bodies, Land and Community. This course will be split into two halves: one half learning… Read more
Stories From The Other Half Of Holy Week: Love
Drawing on the Gospel narratives between Psalm Sunday and Maundy Thursday, these days offer the opportunity for learning, prayer, and reflection before the Easter weekend. Those who wish to attend more than one day for a prolonged Holy Week retreat can stay B&B at Sarum College at a reduced educational rate. Contact Alison Odgen for all enquiries. Love The third day of our Holy Week 2020 retreat will be focussed on the theme of love, taking the narratives of the… Read more
Confronting the Violence in the Old Testament
The Old Testament is full of violence- isn’t it? The God of the Old Testament is vengeful and wrathful- isn’t he? This course will tackle some of the hardest Old Testament texts and ask the question; can we love the Old Testament and believe in the goodness of God. The Flood… the sacrifice of animals… the conquest of Canaan… the rape of the Levite’s concubine… the violent prayers of the psalmist. Violence permeates the Old Testament. Is it possible to… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 3: Week 1: Christian Interpretation of the Bible
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Ambrose of Milan: Prayer, Preaching and the Pastoral Care in the 4th Century
Ambrose is mentioned in passing but not much attention is paid to him in his own right. So what did Ambrose teach and how did he live? What was his role in the emerging church of the fourth century? Why would you come on a study day on Ambrose? Ambrose is mentioned in passing but not much attention is paid to him in his own right. Augustine arrived in Milan a Manichean heretic and left a baptised Christian which he… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 3: Week 2: Thinking About the Bible Theologically
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
May 2020
Spring Silent Retreat
Retreat from the busyness of life through gentle liturgy, spiritual reflection practices, and rest. Silent Retreats are a time for you to let go of high expectations of yourself and others. It is not a time to get things done, but a time to rest, reflect, listen, and be at ease. Some may use this time to write, walk, take an extra nap, read, create art, or be in silence with the company of others. It is an opportunity to… Read more
Liturgy and Culture
This module will investigate the relationship between liturgy and its changing cultural contexts. This is a topic that has become increasingly important for churches as they reassess their relationship to society and for liturgical studies as churches and scholars recognise the significance of cultural context for liturgical development. The module will introduce students to different ways of understanding the relationship between culture and liturgy, and the implications and theological assumptions of each approach. Reflection on these issues will be concerning… Read more
Music in Worship Day: Hearing the Sacred in Music: Listening as Prayer
This course will examine various views of the relationship between music and the listener and how spirituality may enter this experience. It will embrace a variety of styles and contexts, both secular and sacred. It will examine how tone, colour, expressive character, musical construction and value systems relate to spirituality and whether the spirit resides in the music itself or in the relationship between music and musicker. It will include the role of memory in the listening process and the… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 3: Week 3: The Bible as Liturgical Text
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
A Kind of Belonging: An Introduction to the Theology of Place
This day is an introduction to the Christian theology of place. It particularly relates to the parish system in England. This day has three sessions. We look first at the idea that God is in this place. We introduce a Christian theology of place, including place in scripture and Anglican tradition and an overview of how human and physical geography contribute to our understanding of locality, with discussion. Session 2 looks at Common Ground and the history and influence of… Read more
Just Pay Attention… Appreciating the Poetry of Mary Oliver
The late Mary Oliver is one of the most cherished and admired contemporary American poets. Her lucid and uncomplicated poems, inspired by nature and dog-walking in Cape Cod and Florida, the experience of friendship, love and grief, are a balm for the soul in a frenetic culture. ‘…a poet of wisdom and generosity whose vision allows us to look intimately at a world, not of our making’. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722… Read more
Biblical Study Break: Biblical Models for Conflict Transformation
Jesus said ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Today the phrase “conflict transformation” has been used to describe the various processes whereby people and nations seek to establish constructive and positive dynamics and institutions in their communities in place of the destruction and sorrow of war and civil strife. Conflict transformation includes the work of confronting evil nonviolently, establishing justice, negotiating agreements, peace-building and forging reconciliation. This participative, experimental course will… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 3: Week 4: The Bible in Conflict Transformation
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Reading Scripture Together: Tales of Two Cities
This conversational one-day course series will re-read selected sacred texts in detail and consider the ways they have been interpreted, both in the written word and in art, and on their relevance and meaning to us today. From Jewish and Christian perspectives, we will delve into two deeply problematic, misused, and misunderstood texts: the tale of the city of Sodom in Genesis 19 and the tale of the city of Gibeah in Judges 19. We will read these two stories… Read more
What is Prayer? A Very Theological Approach
This study aims to investigate what, theologically speaking, is going on in the Christian practise of prayer. Seeking throughout to integrate doctrinal reflection and contemplative practise, it explores the difference prayer makes and what is going on when Christians pray. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Sarum College 2019-20 Courses and Events Brochure
