
Russell Jefford
Russell earns a living in IT and runs the OrdinaryTheology.com website.
Over time he's developed interests in the two subjects which underpin this website – the history and theology of the Early Church, and the Psychology of Religion. As his interest in these subjects gained momentum he acquired an MA in Patristics from King’s College London followed by another MA in the Psychology of Religion from Heythrop College London.
Importantly, his studies have not been merely academic pursuits but also (trans)formative, and it’s this experience that generates the energy that powers his teaching efforts and the website.
Especially with regard to the writings of the Early (Eastern) Church Fathers he finds much that’s inspirational and of relevance to the contemporary Western Church and is mystified as to why these figures and their thought are not more widely known.
Upcoming Events
October 2025
/ Study Day
Origen - The Pursuit of the Beautiful Word
Pusey House, Oxford
Origen (c. 185 - 254 AD) was an ascetic scholar, teacher, priest, apologist and prolific author with a prodigious output. He was called upon as a theological trouble-shooter to resolve disputes in the world-wide Church…
Sat, October 4, 2025, 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
£5.00
Starting / Reading Group
Early Church Reading Group: Origen
Pusey House, Oxford
A reading group to work through a number of excerpts from Origen’s writings, seeking (orthodox!) insights from Scripture in the company of Origen and each other, and sharing our inspiration as we go. Origen (c.…
Mondays from 6th Oct to 17th Nov 2025 @ 6:30 - 8pm
£0.00
November 2025
Pusey House, Oxford
"Begotten not made, of one being with the Father"... is a crucial but perplexing phrase in the Nicene Creed. What does it mean, why was it so important (and controversial) and how did we end…
Sat, November 8, 2025, 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
£0.00
Pusey House, Oxford
The life of St Athanasius (c. 295 - 373 AD) the “fiery bishop of Alexandria” is intimately connected with the fourth century formation of the doctrine of the Trinity. He played a vital role in…
Sat, November 29, 2025, 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
£5.00
Starting
December 2025
/ Online Reading Group
Advent Reading Group - "On the Incarnation" by St Athanasius
Online
A reading group for Advent 2025 meeting online to work through the classic text "On the Incarnation" by St Athanasius, examining the event & implications of the Incarnation through the eyes of this key Early…
Monday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December 2025 @ 6:30 - 8pm
£5.00
Starting