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Russell Jefford

    Russell Jefford

    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
    September 2024
    Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford
    Clement of Alexandria (c.150 - 214 AD) - not to be confused with Clement of Rome - lived and worked in one of the most important cultural, religious & trade centres of the ancient world. …
    Sat, 07 Sep,  10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    confirmation_number Starting £25.00
    October 2024
    Ripon College Cuddesdon, 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, 12 Oct,  10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    confirmation_number Starting £25.00
    November 2024
    Ripon College Cuddesdon, 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, 09 Nov,  10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    confirmation_number Starting £25.00
    Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford
    St Cyril of Alexandria (c. 378 - 444 AD) was a consummate ecclesiastical politician, theologian and biblical commentator.  He is best known as a key player in the 5th century Christological crisis in the run-up…
    Sat, 30 Nov,  10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    confirmation_number Starting £25.00
    December 2024
    Online
    A reading group for Advent 2024 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 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December 2024 @ 7pm
    confirmation_number Free