Rediscovering our Creatureliness

To rediscover our creatureliness, we will begin by considering Darwin’s gift to Christian spirituality, so as to reassess the significance of our vulnerability and mortality, as well as the role of humankind in the created order.

Two sessions, entitled ‘From souls to selfies’ and ‘Solidarity in suffering, sin and salvation’, will then focus on the contrary pulls, both in modern thought about human nature and in the history of Christian theology, of the solidarity of humankind, on the one hand, and, on the other, of individualism (from Plato and Descartes to evangelicalism and consumerism).

Further sessions will explore the nature of God’s creativity, and move towards a creaturely spirituality which is accepting of limitation, and enables a paradoxically mature dependence on God. Thus, science, philosophy, psychology and disability studies, as well as biblical and early Christian resources, will inform discussion.

These five plenary sessions will consist of 15-20 minute presentations, interspersed with periods for questions and discussion. Saturday afternoon will provide time for Bible study and reflection, either individually or in small groups, with space for resting, pottering and thinking, with a feedback session in plenary before supper. Sunday morning will include opportunity for worship in the Cathedral.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)