Theology at the University of Otago

Two more of our PhD students ring the thesis submission bell. Congratulations Jenny Hsu and Tim Stanton. All the best for the examination process.

Dr Lynne Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, has just published an excellent article offering suggestions about how churches can engage constructively with the data gathered through the Church Life Survey. Recommended reading!
https://baptist.nz/churches-engaging-with-their-church-life-survey-results/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEaTIdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWiD2o7z_CSzkzgeEvlCb1RTZFOHMqLDlPzPH72KiqO0tjIvjKJmPmbjBw_aem_WMz3oB1aC593HCqbb1u0vw

Churches engaging with their Church Life Survey results | Baptist New Zealand Lynne Taylor is Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology at the University of Otago, where one of her main research interests is contemporary faith formation. She was part of the original group that established the Church Life Survey in New Zealand and continues to serve on the Church Life Survey Commit...

Ever thought of studying Theology at the University of Otago, but got put off by the Dunedin weather? Don't believe all you have heard! Here is a typical (cough!) mid-winter's day on campus. Check out the options for study here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/theology

David Tombs offers first thoughts on the Abuse in Care report that was published yesterday and encourages us to read the report.

Don’t look away: damning report demands our attention OPINION: For the nation – and especially for the state and New Zealand’s churches – this report will be hard reading. But facing up to failure cannot be avoided.

Hilary Willett completed her Masters Thesis last year on the legitimacy of online Anglican communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now you have the chance to hear some of the fruits of her research at a presentation on August 7th hosted by New Zealand Christians in Science. See details here: https://www.nzcis.org/the-convo/the-community-of-st-julian-rev-hilary-willett/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0S_F2qB8NMHA_7WAPE_hRqrwg8D9JPjwwAEt7cEKqd8nAcERqw-70ZAgY_aem_IGejuC2CRsZtSFJjHYd49g

The Community of St. Julian | Rev. Hilary Willett - New Zealand Christians In Science (NZCIS) Rev. Hilary Willett discusses the legitimacy of online Anglican communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, using insights from a ten-week online community initiated in 2021, emphasising the importance of continuing such communities.

We congratulate Deborah Broome who has successfully completed her PhD thesis: 'Living Together in the City: Sociality in Augustine's City of God – Lessons for the Church Today'. Deborah is the Diocesan Ministry Educator for the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu. Well done Deborah, and thanks to her PhD supervisors, Chris Holmes and Lynne Taylor.

We welcome Professor Robin Jensen to Dunedin next week to deliver a series of lectures on Christianity and the Visual Arts. All welcome. Prof Jensen will also be delivering lectures in Wellington and Auckland . See details here: https://www.venn.org.nz/events-courses/the-arts-early-christianity/

We congratulate Andrew Picard whose PhD thesis completed at Otago has now been published by T&T Clark. https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/colin-guntons-trinitarian-theology-of-culture-9780567712332/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2A9Krr1EWOSv0868Fo97HZO4ydznTt2o4iGEtBKQQ-NVBtL4HBOll3wfQ_aem_F7ic2FlPgdkokYntvo2MPg

Colin Gunton’s Trinitarian Theology of Culture Whilst upholding some of the criticisms of Colin Gunton's work, this incisive book argues that there is a Hauptbriefe in Gunton reception that assumes his early…

We have a tradition at the University of Otago of PhD students ringing the University bell when they submit their PhD theses. Congratulations to Jonathan Seiuli who continued the tradition today. Congratulations too to his supervisor Paul Trebilco.

Our Māori Theology and Religion paper is underway at Te Maungarongo marae in Ōhope. We had a visit today from Professor Taiarahia Black and students from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi to share stories about Te Kooti and Rua Kēnana and the strong bonds of friendship between Ringatu, Iharaira, and the Presbyterian Church.

There is still time to enrol in our new paper in semester 2 on 'Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pasifika Perspectives' PAST225/325. It will focus especially on Church life in Pacific communities and will be taught by Rev Dr Latuivai Kioa Latu. It can be done on campus or by Distance and at 200 or 300 level. See further details here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/papers?papercode=PAST225

Theology papers, Theology Programme | University of Otago A list of Theology papers for pre-Christmas summer school, as well as semester one and two intensive papers, with links to details about each of the papers.

In this ODT article from last week, David Tombs explains why the Nicene Creed was trending in social media 1699 years after it was first agreed...

Faith in flag vs faith in God — an argument 1700 years in the making David Tombs explains why debate on the Nicene Creed at a Southern Baptist convention attracted wider attention. Nobody expected the words "Nicene...

Livestream: https://www.otago.ac.nz/its/services/teaching-and-research- services/streaming/video-streaming-channel-1

Check out our AWESOME lineup of Semester 2 Theology papers!
Find out more here:

Theology papers, Theology Programme | University of Otago A list of Theology papers for pre-Christmas summer school, as well as semester one and two intensive papers, with links to details about each of the papers.

Here is a great interview with Katie Marcar on the Crosby-Schoyen Codex that has recently been in the news. Indulge your inner nerd and delight in the intriguing story of the oldest known Christian book in the world.

The Oldest Christian Book: Revd Dr Katie Marcar on the Crosby-Schoyen Codex Written between the middle of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th, the Crosby-Schoyen Codex is also ‘the earliest Christian liturgical book in exist...

We are glad to celebrate former students of our Theology Programme contributing to the life of the Church in Aotearoa. Here Malcolm Gordon (PhD, 2022) writes on 'Unexpected Unity' in the Presbyterian tradition. Malcolm writes for the 'Catch Network' which is hosted by former students, Scottie Reeve, Esme Putt, and Ana Fletcher, all of whom are ably assisted by Paul Fletcher who is not a former student of Theology at Otago, but, judging by the company he keeps, is sure to be a good guy.

https://www.catchnetwork.org.nz/articles/unexpected-unity-part-1-presbyterianism?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1BF37P_uqbkDLx5nY3VBsfcxPo-MVyaIbQW8ecpCzsu7Lh2Ua1K26bB4E_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Unexpected-unity-part-1-presbyterianism — CATCH NETWORK “All revivals are preceded by three features. Extraordinary prayer, unexpected unity... and heightened expectation.” Dr. Stuart Piggin, Australian Christian Historian.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Terry Pouono to the position of Lecturer in Pacific Theology at the University of Otago. Terry is a graduate of Malua Theological College in Samoa, the Bossey Ecumenical Institute at the University of Geneva, and the University of Auckland where he completed a BA in 1996 and his PhD in 2017. Dr Pouono has previously taught at Malua Theological College and at Laidlaw College in Auckland. He has a deep understanding of Christianity and Samoan culture and of the challenges faced by New Zealand born Pacific youth. We look forward to welcoming Terry to our Theology Programme at Otago and to the contribution he will make, both in the classroom and in furthering his research into Christian faith among the peoples of the Moana. We are profoundly grateful to the Longview Trust for making this appointment possible.

Rev Brendon McRae recently completed his Master of Ministry thesis on incorporating the celebration of Matariki into Christian worship. Appreciating the glory of God in creation, giving thanks for the fruits of creation, remembering those who have gone before, and providing a welcoming space for all are some of the themes of Matariki that cohere well with Christian tradition. In a documentary made by Shine TV, Brendon shares some of his insights along with Sue Mepham, Michael Wallace, and Brad Haami. It's great to see our graduates sharing their understanding of where God is at work among us in this land.
https://www.shinetv.co.nz/videos/god-within-matariki?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1fo_9J860BXHDrGhL8UnS_vggWWd3-7mdsdSb2lBK6295BRc3ZftQKcKA_aem_AaQf1TIAVXXac9thDV5nhcFP40bjh5NQ_F53y7SouaQk-lvDR-hB-O9jlXrn-gjQIKihuV6Wo0mCT1b_u3jrQ7wk

God within Matariki A stunning new documentary produced by Shine TV for the upcoming celebration of Matariki. What does the bible say about this time in our kiwi calendar, and how do we navigate the celebrations and complexities of this season as Christian communities. Theologian - Dr Brad Haami and church leaders h...

We are glad to be introducing a new paper next semester on 'Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pasifika Perspectives' PAST225/325. It will focus especially on Church life in Pacific communities and will be taught by Rev Dr Latuivai Kioa Latu. It can be done on campus or by Distance and at 200 or 300 level. See further details here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/papers?papercode=PAST225

We are delighted to congratulate theology graduate, the Very Reverend Taimoanaifakaofo Kaio, who has been awarded an ONZM, for services to the Pacific community

Fakaofo graduated from Otago with a Bachelor of Theology and has held prominent positions within the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. These include leading the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic with online pastoral messages and regular online sermons which were attended by thousands of people worldwide.

Reverend Kaio says he was surprised and feels very honoured to have been recognised. “When I thought about it, it goes back to the people who guided me here, back to my parents. It’s their recognition, for everything they poured into me as a person. I felt very emotional, as they’re not here to see this.”

He is still in touch with the principal of his high school, Mr Cyril Hicks, who is now aged 103. He recently learned that when he was in the fifth form he said he was going to leave school and start a carpentry apprenticeship, but Mr Hicks said ‘hold on’. He talked to my father and Dad said to convince me to stay in high school, which he did. “It’s the village mentality.”

He says he didn’t realise to start with how much receiving the Honour would mean to people.

“To the church, to business, family, and friends. Recognition has come from all over the world. It’s a big deal.”

Reverend Kaio served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand from 2018-2021, the highest position within the Church’s hierarchy. He has been a Minister with the Onehunga Cooperating Parish since 2005, multi-denominational, multicultural, and cross-culture faith community, preaching in multiple languages including Tokelauan, Samoan, Niuean, Cook Islands Māori, and English.

He has also represented the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand at numerous Global Assemblies and consultations across the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean regions.

Reverend Kaio says his time at Otago was life changing. “It was exactly as I’d expected, and more. It was home and education and people. The pace of learning was suitable for me as an older student.

“I was on the edge of my seat, with lectures, with the whole set up. I was hungry for what I was taught. Otago as a whole and Knox [College] as part of that, to this day I say is the best university in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Congratulations to Lynne Taylor and Annabel Hawkes for their jointly authored article on dementia care published in the journal 'Religions'. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/6/704?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3C30k_L_EKXPYUDc61ug0JHl4JrUdHIrnTXbNCC7xxUOHaFXWspJGQ4sQ_aem_ARF3OTFFPjd4Cd-c3cKhyba0hFuIf9N92kRmiQw-AFFdQ-TFV3LGJJ5Sg60bRnZfU_rGIILQ6fgsc5MF0h9ACmZ7

Presence and Personhood: Investigating Christian Chaplaincy Care in Two Residential Dementia Units Dementia is a growing global health issue, particularly in developed countries with high and increasing life expectancies. Often, health care and social approaches problematise and see as defective people with dementia; they are viewed in terms of their deficiencies. The concept of personhood helps....

Our one-week block course on 'Māori Religion and Theology' (CHTH236/336) is fast approaching. This paper will be taught on location at Te Maungarongo marae in the Bay of Plenty from July 1-5.

Here's some feedback form a former student who has done the paper: “By the end of the week, I had surprised myself as I had begun to feel a sort of spiritual connection with the marae. Eating within the walls, enjoying fascinating lectures and discussions, participating in the morning karakia, and witnessing the spiritual connections that others were making within the space gave me no other option than to recognize how special the marae is and just how much being there supplemented my learning experience.”

You don't have to be enrolled in a degree programme at Otago to do this paper so if you are interested in joining us, please contact Murray Rae: [email protected]

We warmly invite you to an Open Lecture by New Testament Scholar Professor Darrell Bock from Dallas Theological Seminary.

"Between Jesus and the Gospels: Eyewitnesses, Memory and Orality"

Date: Tuesday June 18, 5:15 – 6.30pm,
Venue: Biochemistry Building Ground Floor, Room G13, University of Otago.

The Lecture also will be live-streamed at:
https://www.otago.ac.nz/its/services/teaching-and-research-services/streaming/video-streaming-channel-2

It was a wonderful day of celebration today at St John's College as we celebrated the University of Otago's newest PhD graduate and the first ever PhD thesis in Theology written entirely in Te Reo Māori. Congratulations Te Hira Paenga and all those who have supported you on the journey. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe e te rangatira.

Alistair Reese, a Research Affiliate of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago, is one of the leading commentators on Treaty issues in New Zealand today. He was interviewed by the Otago Daily Times ahead of a public presentation on Te Tiriti at Knox Church on Monday this week (May 26th). To attend, please register here: https://www.venn.org.nz/events-courses/he-tatau-pounamu/

‘Greenstone door’ open for Treaty discussion, better understanding Learning about the history of the Parihaka attack moved a Pākehā academic so deeply he devoted his studies to better understanding te ao Māori. ...

James Harding is the writer of the 'Faith and Reason' column in the Otago Daily Times today. He reflects on what a University is for and offers the insight that a University needs 'to delve deeply into the wisdom of all our traditions, so that we can begin to have the courage and the insight to face the challenges of our world, together.'

Dare to know — begin: A new era dawns at the University of Otago - Otago Daily Times, 5/24/2024 Grand unveiling . . . The University of Otago’s new tohu (symbol) and ikoa Ma ¯ori (Ma ¯ori name) were launched at a dawn ceremony.

Reminder: We have an exciting event coming up that we hope will be of interest to you and your churches.
We are partnering with Karuwhā and the Venn Foundation to bring you a public presentation on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, He Tatau Pounamu, a Covenant of Reconciliation. This will be happening around the country and in Dunedin on Monday May 27th at 7.00pm. The event will be held at Knox Church, George Street.

We are at a decisive moment as a nation, a time when the agreement by which tangata whenua and tangata tiriti live together is being called into question. So how can we renew and deepen our understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi? What does it mean to say that the Treaty is a sacred compact, a covenant, even? And what has been the role of the Church in relation to the Treaty? What might this require now?

At this event, historian and public theologian Dr Alistair Reese will help us to understand how the Treaty is he tatau pounamu – a covenant pathway of reconciliation. He will consider the history and context of this foundational document, including the role of the Church in its shape and interpretation. And he will weigh, with us, how best to respond –how best to honour the Treaty now.

Dr Reese is a Research Affiliate of our Centre for Theology and Public Issues in the Theology Programme at Otago and on February 6th this year he preached the sermon at the Dawn Service at Waitangi.

Please note that it is necessary to register for this event.
For more information and registration check out the event page https://www.venn.org.nz/events-courses/he-tatau-pounamu/

Adding to the research outputs of our Theology Programme, Murray Rae's new book 'Resurrection and Renewal' has been released today by Baker Academic Press. https://bakeracademic.com/p/Resurrection-and-Renewal-Murray-A-Rae/553611?utm_source=Dynamics&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=May24Newsletter =g9b23wIyUynqn04uGO1gWG3RXBuaNnAkPVInUwrOT1E

Earlier this year we congratulated Jaime Heperi on winning the Achievement Prize for first-year tauira Māori. Here is a follow up story in the University News. Congratulations again Jaime.

Award for “thoughtful” theology student | University of Otago Jaime Heperi (Ngapuhi, Kai Tahu) is the winner of Te Pae Takata Whakamānawa Māori - Te Pae Tata School of Arts Achievement Prize for first-year tauira Māori.

We have an exciting event coming up that we hope will be of interest to you and your churches. We are partnering with Karuwhā and the Venn Foundation to bring you a public presentation on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, He Tatau Pounamu, a Covenant of Reconciliation. This will be happening around the country and in Dunedin on May 27th at 7.00pm. The event will be held at Knox Church, George Street.

We are at a decisive moment as a nation, a time when the agreement by which tangata whenua and tangata tiriti live together is being called into question. So how can we renew and deepen our understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi? What does it mean to say that the Treaty is a sacred compact, a covenant, even? And what has been the role of the Church in relation to the Treaty? What might this require now?

At this event, historian and public theologian Dr Alistair Reese will help us to understand how the Treaty is he tatau pounamu – a covenant pathway of reconciliation. He will consider the history and context of this foundational document, including the role of the Church in its shape and interpretation. And he will weigh, with us, how best to respond –how best to honour the Treaty now.

Dr Reese is a Research Affiliate of our Centre for Theology and Public Issues in the Theology Programme at Otago and on February 6th this year he preached the sermon at the Dawn Service at Waitangi.

Please note that it is necessary to register for this event.
For more information and registration check out the event page https://www.venn.org.nz/events-courses/he-tatau-pounamu/

We hope to see you there!

He Tatau Pounamu - Venn Foundation We are at a decisive moment as a nation, a time when the agreement by which tangata whenua and tangata tiriti live together is being called into question. So how can we renew and deepen our understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi?