According to Durham Professor Jeff Astley, theology is not just an activity carried out by professionals or academics, but something in which all of us engage.  Astley coined the term “Ordinary Theology” to describe...

“the theology and theologizing of Christians who have received little or no theological education of a scholarly, academic or systematic kind”

Astley, J. (2002) Ordinary Theology : Looking, Listening and Learning in Theology. Aldershot: Ashgate

In short, for Astley, we’re all theologians now and the voice of the Ordinary should be considered alongside (and perhaps even influence) official/ professional/ denominational theology.

Whilst welcoming the focus on the Ordinary, Russell Jefford also believes it’s important to realise that we live in a specific (post-Enlightenment) context which necessarily has an often unconscious impact on how we (whether Ordinary or professional) do our theological reflection.  Some ways of processing will therefore be emphasised and encouraged and others de-emphasised or even denigrated, with a potentially significant effect on our theology.

The aim of this event is for us to consciously reflect on our contemporary context at the same time as considering some of the key inputs that typically make up theological wrestling (Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience) and how these resources might, and might not, be used as we do our Ordinary Theology today.

To help with this, Russell will be invoking some of the debates and thoughts of key figures from the very different Early Church era (100 - 451 AD) as a source of inspiration.

The afternoon will run from 12:30 to 4pm and consist of two sessions of input, followed by a third session for discussion in smaller groups. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided!

You’d be very welcome to join the Quakers for their Sunday Meeting for Worship that morning (10.30 - 11.30am).  In which case, you may wish to bring a packed lunch with you. 

The venue is… Friends’ Meeting House, 25 London Road, High Wycombe, HP11 1BJ. The entrance is through a small white gate round the corner in Stuart Road.

Note: If coming by car, please use the Railway Place car-park.

Whilst there is no charge for the event, places are limited due to the size of the venue.  It’s therefore important to book if you're planning to attend.