COURSE: Liberal Theology 2024

Liberal Theology
Saturday 23rd November to Monday 25th November 

Liberal theology is not much in vogue now. Some believe it has been squeezed out between conservative evangelicalism and equally conservative Catholicism within the churches and to have given way to indifference and unbelief in the wider community. This weekend course explores its origins, its distinguishing characteristics and its relevance at a time when it seems in danger of disappearing. 

Ian Bradley, who has written, broadcast and lectured widely on liberalism in theology and politics, notably in his 2010 book, Grace, Order, Openness and Diversity: Reclaiming Liberal Theology, has led or co-led several highly popular courses at the Gladstone Library on this theme over recent years. He returns by invitation with a new look at the nature and future of liberal theology, informed by recent study and research.

He was educated at Oxford University where he gained a congratulated first class degree in modern history and a doctorate. After a general traineeship with the BBC, he spent six years as a journalist and features writer on The Times and then combined school teaching with freelance writing. After taking a first class degree in theology at St Andrews University, he was ordained into the ministry of the Church of Scotland. He spent six years teaching practical theology and church history at Aberdeen University and twenty years teaching church history at the University of St Andrews where he also served as honorary Church of Scotland chaplain and Principal of St Mary’s College. He is now Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at St Andrews University and still active as a Church of Scotland minister, regularly taking services. He is the author of 46 books ranging from theology, spirituality, political and church history to musical theatre and spa culture.

Schedule

Day 1 Saturday 23rd November

5pm        Welcome and introductions 
6pm        Dinner (two courses plus tea/filter coffee) 
7.30pm   Session 1: Defining Liberal Theology

Day 2 Sunday 24th November

9.45am     Session 2: Origins and antecedents of Liberal theology
11am        Coffee break
11.30am   Session 3: The mystery of God and Jesus the liberator  
1pm          Lunch (two courses plus tea/filter coffee)
                Time off
4.30pm     Public Lecture: Liquid Faith: Heeding the wild swimmers (separate tickets available for non-delegates. Click here for info)
5.45pm     Drinks in the Gladstone Room
6.30pm     Dinner  (two courses plus tea/filter coffee)
8pm          Film: Babette’s feast 

Day 3 Monday 25th November

9.45am      Session 4: Liberal theology in other faiths 
11am         Coffee break 
11.30am    Session 5: Where Now for Liberal Theology? 
1pm           Lunch (two courses plus tea/filter coffee) and departure 

Residential rates

One delegate in a single ensuite: £400 (or £327 with a student, clergy or Society of Authors discount) 
Two delegates in a twin or double: £600 (or £525 with discount) 
One delegate in a double or twin (sole occupancy): £460 (or £369 with discount)  
One delegate and one non-delegate guest in a twin or double: £550 (or £475 with discount) This rate includes food (two courses plus tea or coffee) for the non-delegate on condition that they eat with the group.

Cover image by Peasap (Creative Commons)