Christian Spirituality East and West

Course description:

On this course, you'll be supported to:

• progress in critical understanding and knowledge of aspects of the Christian spiritual traditions
• explore and evaluate contemporary manifestations of Christian spiritual belief and practice
• develop a critical understanding of the human condition as it shapes different approaches to Christian spirituality
• relate the discourse of spirituality to a wide range of contemporary personal, professional and vocational questions
• undertake a detailed exploration of some issues of significance in the contemporary context.

The approach is threefold:

1) to consider major theoretical approaches to Christian Spirituality East and West;

2) to consider the socio-historic and theological context in which major figures and expressions of Christian spirituality appeared and developed;

3) to create awareness of the plurality of expression in Christian spirituality over time, but also of the elements of continuity, both in the practice and the theology that underpins it.

In relation to this, contemporary issues will also be addressed, particularly the way in which current perceptions and attitudes around issues of faith, spirituality, culture and identity in a pluralistic, multi-cultural and multi-faith modern society impact both the spirituality of individuals and the reciprocal dialogue between contemporary society and Christian spirituality.

You will be encouraged to reflect critically on these topics and explore the ways in which an awareness and reappropriation of past expressions in Christian spirituality can lead to fresh and meaningful Christian experiences today.

This course is Online. Monday's 2.00 - 4.30 pm

Each session will be recorded and the course material available via a portal.

You also receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Provisional Course Dates:

Course Leaders: Dr Gemma Simmonds, Dr Dragos Herescu, Florence O’Taylor, Dr Karen O’Donnell, Dr Jenny Leith, Dr Christoph Schneider.

Florence O’Taylor

22/9/25 - Introductory Session:

Karen O’Donnell

29/9/25 - Methodology

Dragos Herescu

6/10/25 - Desert Spirituality and Asceticism: Still Relevant?

Gemma Simmonds & Dragos Herescu

13/10/25 - Early Monastic Traditions East and West: Still Flourishing?

Dragos Herescu

20/10/25 - Images and Icons: How Spiritual are they?

Christoph Schneider and Gemma Simmonds

27/10/25 - Spirituality, Liturgy and Sacrament: Spirituality and/vs. Materiality?

Karen O’Donnell

3/11/25 - Theories and Approaches to Studying Mysticism

Jenny Leith

10/11/25 - Activism and contemplation

Christoph Schneider

17/11/25 - Spirituality in a Secular Age: The Rise of Spirituality vs. Religion

Florence O’Taylor

24/11/25 - Concluding Session

I f you require any further details please email Adele at: aa2451@mbit.cam.ac.uk

Join our newsletter