Theology at the University of Otago

Theology at the University of Otago The official page for the Theology Programme at the University of Otago. Who is Jesus? What does it mean to be human? How should we live in this world?

To study Theology is to engage with the deepest questions of life:

What can we say about God? Where do we find meaning and identity? Theology will equip you to think through these questions – and many others like them – in ways that are consistent and coherent. Theological education at Otago is respected here and overseas for the calibre of its staff, the quality of its research, the reach of

its postgraduate programme and the grounding it provides to new students of Theology. The programme offers a nurturing environment for you to explore answers in light of the biblical writings, study the rich history of the Christian faith, investigate the thinking of past and living theologians, and learn about contemporary practice – while gaining the skills and knowledge you need to address the questions that really matter. We are a part of the School of Arts in the Division of Humanities at the University. (The University of Otago's copyright and disclaimer statement can be found here: http://www.otago.ac.nz/tools/disclaimer.html.)

The public lecture by Revd Dr Paola Onoafe Latu can now be viewed online: "Church Growth and Development: On the History...
02/06/2026

The public lecture by Revd Dr Paola Onoafe Latu can now be viewed online: "Church Growth and Development: On the History of Christianity in Tonga, 25 May 2026"

Public lecture by Revd Dr Paola Onoafe Latu

This year's paper on Christian Theology and the Arts looks at Italian Renaissance and Baroque painters. As part of Otago...
01/06/2026

This year's paper on Christian Theology and the Arts looks at Italian Renaissance and Baroque painters. As part of Otago's Continuing Education programme, it can also be taken as an interest-only paper for $300.

The paper will be taught as an intensive from Monday 6 July to Friday 10 July 2026:

• Day One: Lukan Themes in Italian Renaissance and Baroque Painting

• Day Two: Michele Tosini and the Florentine Renaissance

• Day Three: Artemisia Gentileschi – Woman Artist in the Catholic Reformation

• Day Four: The Art of Christian Reflection – Meaning and Formation Across the Ages

• Day Five: Art Historical Mapping – Digital Humanities and Data Visualization of Christian Art

The lecturer for the paper is Heidi Hornik, Professor of Art History and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at Baylor University, Texas. Hornik is globally renowned for her expertise in Renaissance and Western Art and was recently named Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year at Baylor University for her excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Image: Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith and Her Maidservant.

Register here: https://events.otago.ac.nz/2026irbp/registration/Site/Register

Professor Paul Trebilco has just had his chapter published, “Paul as Not-the-Founder of the Church at Ephesus and Luke’s...
01/06/2026

Professor Paul Trebilco has just had his chapter published, “Paul as Not-the-Founder of the Church at Ephesus and Luke’s Historical Reliability,” in Engaging the First Christian Historian: Essays on Luke–Acts (T&T Clark, 2025).

Dr Katie Marcar writes on "Passover, Liberation, and the Defeat of Death and the Devil in Hebrews: A Proposal for the De...
29/05/2026

Dr Katie Marcar writes on "Passover, Liberation, and the Defeat of Death and the Devil in Hebrews: A Proposal for the Descensus Christi and the Harrowing of Hades in Hebrews 2:14-15" in New Testament Studies. You can read her article open access here:

Passover, Liberation, and the Defeat of Death and the Devil in Hebrews: A Proposal for the Descensus Christi and the Harrowing of Hades in Hebrews 2:14-15 - Volume 71 Issue 3

Explore the spread of Christianity in the Pacific, including the role of Western and Pacific Island missionaries in the ...
27/05/2026

Explore the spread of Christianity in the Pacific, including the role of Western and Pacific Island missionaries in the evangelisation process, Pacific churches’ growth and development, and the relevance to contemporary society.

Taught by Dr Terry Pouono, on campus and by distance, semester 2, 2026.

It was our honour and privilege to host a visit to the University today by the Revd Dr Paula Onoafe Latu, Principal of S...
25/05/2026

It was our honour and privilege to host a visit to the University today by the Revd Dr Paula Onoafe Latu, Principal of Sia'atoutai Theological College in Tonga. Dr Latu presented a lecture on the history of Christianity in Tonga. Dr Latu's visit was one of the first fruits of an MoU recently signed to enable greater collaboration and partnership between Sia'atoutai College and the University of Otago.

Who is God, and what is God up to? What is the Bible all about anyway? Many smart people have thought about these things...
24/05/2026

Who is God, and what is God up to? What is the Bible all about anyway? Many smart people have thought about these things. Come and check out their responses. In an age that values easy answers to hard questions, this paper will help students to pursue the truth. It will also enable students to gain new perspectives on the content of Christian faith and to develop their thinking, writing and reflective skills.

Taught by Prof Christopher Holmes on campus and by distance, semester 2, 2026.

More information: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/papers?papercode=CHTH111

This year marks an important milestone for the Church in Tonga: two hundred years of faith, resilience, and the transfor...
24/05/2026

This year marks an important milestone for the Church in Tonga: two hundred years of faith, resilience, and the transforming power of the gospel across the islands of the Pacific. In celebration of this historic occasion, we warmly invite you to a special public lecture:

"Church Growth and Development: On the History of Christianity in Tonga," delivered by Revd Dr Paula Onoafe Latu, principal of Sia'atoutai Theological College, Tonga.

4pm-5:30pm Monday 25 May, Burns 2 / online

Revd Dr Latu brings with him a wealth of theological insight and a deep connection to the living heritage of Christianity in Tonga. The lecture will be given in Tongan with English translation.

Dinner will be provided after the lecture.

View the lecture via livestream: https://www.otago.ac.nz/its/services/teaching-and-research-services/streaming/video-streaming-channel-2

Read the Old Testament in its historical context, learn about the overall biblical story, study methods of interpreting ...
19/05/2026

Read the Old Testament in its historical context, learn about the overall biblical story, study methods of interpreting the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) and the historical Books (Joshua-2 Kings), and undertake in-depth exegesis of selected texts.

Taught by Associate Professor James Harding in semester 2, 2026.

More information: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/papers?papercode=BIBS112

Study Theology at Otago for academic excellence and an outstanding student experience. Learn about qualifications, papers, and programme requirements.

Dr Katie Marcar writes on the value of expertise in understanding a subject such as sailing or archaeology
17/05/2026

Dr Katie Marcar writes on the value of expertise in understanding a subject such as sailing or archaeology

Katie Marcar considers lessons on faith from Master and Commander. This week, for the first time, I opened a copy of the book Seamanship in the Age...

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