Course Catalogue 2025-2026

A review of all of the surviving works of Richard Hooker, often called the first theologian of Anglicanism, his Calvinism and reaction to Calvinism, his scholasticism, and his defence of the institutions of the Church of England.

The course aims to familiarize students with some of the main innovations and challenges in interpreting the figure of Jesus of Nazareth and of Christian claims regarding his divine status that have taken place since 1800. There will be a consideration of Jesus from the standpoint of the development of historical approach to the bible as well as new formulations of speculative Christology. It will introduce perspectives from a range of perspectives, including representation of Jesus in politics and the arts, and consider some new approaches within theology.

The course aims to familiarize students with some of the main innovations and challenges in interpreting the figure of Jesus of Nazareth and of Christian claims regarding his divine status that have taken place since 1800. There will be a consideration of Jesus from the standpoint of the development of historical approach to the bible as well as new formulations of speculative Christology. It will introduce perspectives from a range of perspectives, including representation of Jesus in politics and the arts, and consider some new approaches within theology.

Study of theory and practice of spiritual direction, and of depth psychological, humanistic, and cognitive behavioural therapeutic practice. Emphasis on Christian tradition.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr’s contemporary expression, “order, disorder, and reorder”). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the “set and setting” for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr’s contemporary expression, “order, disorder, and reorder”). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the “set and setting” for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

The aim of this course is threefold. 1. To expose the student to contemporary forms of critical and cultural analysis. 2. To use that analysis to look at spirituality. 3. To expose the student to contemporary manifestations of spirituality in a post-modern age.

This course will look at the spiritual journey as it is depicted from scripture to the present day. It will examine texts from different religious traditions and cultures to explore the basic human understanding of a person as pilgrim. The course is of note: to those interested in (1) spirituality both theoretical and practical; (2) discernment; (3) cultural history; (4) narrative theology; (5) interdisciplinary studies.

This course explores the nature of religious experience (spirituality) in some of the major religions of the world, with special attention to Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Native North American, Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It includes some comparative analysis between traditions, and creative reflection on the theological and pastoral significance of such comparative study.

The human person in our contemporary culture has a fluid spectrum of interpretation. Biblical precedents suggest a certain Judaeo-Christian hermeneutic while cultural mores reference alternatives. This course looks to explore the Roman Catholic tradition in identifying the graced human person and contemporary papal guidelines stressing the inherent dignity of the human person. Accordingly, time will be spent considering biblical foundations and questions posed by the text of Genesis and the Noahic covenant. Aquinas and key documents from Vatican II assist our exploration. The question of whether we are discerning the human person or designing humans arises. Identity and the sense of self are important issues raised with reference to both the Qumran community and the work of Charles Taylor. Hans Urs von Balthasa's reclaiming of personhood and the ecclesial person bridges into consideration of the way in which contemporary papacies have identified the human person and the concomitant dignity of every human being made in the image of God.

In this course we will study the theological, social, and economic components of Old Testament ethics and explore a variety of themes related to contemporary issues, including the problem of war, violence, and moral injury; economics and the poor; medical ethics; slavery, racism, and apartheid; law and the legal system; ecology, nature, and the earth.

In this course we will study the theological, social, and economic components of Old Testament ethics and explore a variety of themes related to contemporary issues, including the problem of war, violence, and moral injury; economics and the poor; medical ethics; slavery, racism, and apartheid; law and the legal system; ecology, nature, and the earth.