Ehrhardt Seminar

 

Biblical studies.  George Brooke, "How Hellenistic is the Pentateuch? Reading Backwards from the Dead Sea Scrolls", 1st May, 4pm, University Place 5.205 and online. This will be a special celebration to celebrate Prof George Brooke winning the British Academy Burkitt Medal for Biblical Studies. For further information and Zoom link, please email Lynne Potts.

Studying Judaism through Artefacts

Experiential Learning. A selection of religious material objects in the archives of the John Rylands Research Institute and Library was presented to students on RELT71152 Jews among Christians and Muslims and RELT20572 Interpreting Religion. The study visit was led by Centre for Jewish Studies Fellows Prof Philip Alexander and Dr Katja Stuerzenhofecker in collaboration with curators at the John Rylands, Dr Zsófia Buda and Dr Tereza Ward. The objects highlighted global migrations and inter-religious encounters, aesthetic forms and ritual functions, what counts as religious, and the ethics of curatorial practices.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse has published "Mary and/or Mary: The Changing Traditions of the Marys at the Cross and the Tomb in Early Christian and Late Antique Gospel Retellings" in Narratives of Jesus's Passion and Resurrection between the Second and the Seventh Centuries, edited by Tobias Nicklas and Konrad Schwarz (Mohr Siebeck, 2025) pp.169–93. Further information.

Editorial Board Appointment

Biblical studies. Peter Oakes will be joining the editorial board for the Journal of Theological Studies. Further information.

Trafford Faith Action Network Gathering

Social responsibility. On 25 February, in her capacity as Community Cohesion Lead for Trafford, Eve Parker led a gathering of the Trafford Faith Action Network that gave focus to the best start for children and young people. The event included representatives from various faith communities across Greater Manchester, as well teachers, community police officers, and youth groups, it gave focus to addressing hate crime, mental health, education and family support, and critically centred the voices of children and young people in helping to shape the agenda.

ArtWay Interview

Religion and arts. An interview with Siobhán Jolley, Ben Quash (KCL) and Roberta Ahmanson discussing the importance of art and religion has been published on ArtWay. Read it here.

New Book Publication

Religion and the arts. Samuel O'Connor Perks has published Off-Modern Catholic Aesthetics: Rethinking the Role of Religion in Twentieth-Century Art and Architecture in the series 'Studies in Religion and the Arts' with Brill. Further information.

Postgraduate Research Officer Appointment

Students Union elections. Religions & Theology PhD candidate Rachel Miller has been elected as Postgraduate Research Officer in the 2025/2026 Lead MCR elections. Every year, University of Manchester students vote for the 8 Executive Officers they want to represent them. This team shapes what university experience looks like and campaigns on the issues most important to students. As Postgraduate Research Officer, Rachel will represent the voice of PGRs and hope to build a thriving PGR community. More information can be found here.

New Book Publication

Islamic studies. Tom Woerner-Powell has published his new book Pacifism and Nonviolence in Contemporary Islamic Philosophy with Cambridge University Press. Further information.

Abrahamic Theistic Origins Project, Contributor

Religion and science. Daniel Langton discussed Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' view of Darwinism as an invited member of the Abrahamic Theistic Origins Project (ATOP) at Oxford, funded by the Templeton Religion Trust, which explores the question of how the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and the evolutionary sciences meet. 19 March 2025. Further information.

Keynote at Church of England Conference

Theology. On 13 March, Eve Parker was the keynote speaker at the Church of England’s conference for theological education institutes on ‘Classism’. Eve’s paper entitled ‘The Working-Class and the Future of Theological Education’ called on the church to give focus to class consciousness in and through theological education. The talk built on the research published in her book Trust in Theological Education: Deconstructing Trustworthiness for a Pedagogy of Liberation (SCM, 2022), and the conference was part of the CofEs strategy for encouraging the ministry of people from working-class backgrounds.

Religion & the Arts Conversation Video

Religion and arts. Siobhán Jolley's "Unexpected View" video with Jessie Jones is now online. Unexpected views are conversations between curators and some of the most important cultural practitioners of today. Discussions focus on a selected masterpiece from the National Gallery Collection, exploring its relevance to the artist’s work, or more broadly to current social and cultural issues. By allowing for new discussions of old works, the series aims for critical, counter-intuitive and joyful approaches to our collection, which reflect the breadth of contemporary artistic practice. In this film the artist and educator Jesse Jones talks to Siobhán about why she is drawn to Savoldo's 'Mary Magdalene' and why, given her love of film and cinema, it strikes her as a modern image. Watch it here.

New Publication

Biblical studies. CBS HRF Stephen C. Barton has published ‘Christ and Creation in the Synoptic Gospels’, in Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 47/3 (2025), 355-375. Further information.

Public Talk

Biblical studies. PhD candidate Lev Eakins gave a talk on his thesis topic "The Gospel of Mark: Earlier Than We Thought" at Providence Church New Mills on 12th March. Further information.

Book Launch

Event. To celebrate the publication of two fabulous new books by department members, Sin and the Vulnerability of Embodied Life: Towards a Catholic Theology of Social Sin by Charlotte Bray and Reimaging the Magdalene: Feminism, Art, and the Counter-Reformation by Siobhán Jolley, join us in Kro Bar on 27th March from 6pm. Any questions? Feel free to email Siobhán or Charlotte in advance.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. James Crossley (CenSAMM/University of Cambridge) on "Meeting Old Quests Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus among British Dissenters, Radicals, and the Working Class, 1790-1850". 27th March, 4pm, University Place 5.205 and online. For further information and Zoom link, please email Lynne Potts.

New Publications

Biblical studies. George Brooke and Holly Morse both have chapters in Understanding the Hebrew Bible: Essays by Members of the Society for Old Testament Study, edited by John Barton and published with Oxford University Press. George has written "Biblical Canons" and Holly has co-authored "Reception of the Hebrew Bible in Music, Visual Art, Literature, Theatre, and Film". Further information.

Spotlight on Adam North, alumnus & PhD Success

Academic success. A massive congratulations to Adam North who has recently completed a PhD. His thesis title was “The Human Body as Object and Performance. Socio-Political Critique of Structural Racism Through Bodily Performance”, which was supervised by Michael Hoelzl and Alexander Samely and examined by Andrew Boakye and Judith Gruber. Adam also studied for a BA in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics (2020) and a MA in Religions and Theology (2021) with us at Manchester. Reflecting on his academic journey so far, Adam tells us: "Manchester has been an incredible place to study. Staff in R&T and throughout SALC have been amazing mentors in my academic career and I have learnt a lot from them. I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies, and I attribute this partly to being given the freedom to pursue my research interests. From early on in my UG degree I was encouraged to investigate my interests, and this was pivotal for developing my desire to inquire into the questions that really interested me. I’ve become obsessed with the importance of the body as a means of communicating and performing the truth and this has been the driving force behind my research. I have also had a great experience teaching students across SALC and R&T who show so much promise and have been a pleasure to teach. My hope is that I can inspire some students to find their research interests, just as I was inspired by the staff who have taught me at UoM. If any students want advice on pursuing an academic career or their work then please get in touch - I will always be available, even if I am not based in Manchester. What's next for me? I intend to continue my academic path, and I am currently applying for postdoctoral fellowships. I want to develop a project focusing on how populist politicians utilise humour to appeal to voters which is a continuation of my interest in truth-telling and performativity."

National Student Survey (NSS)

Help your department! The National Student Survey is completed by final-year undergraduates at universities across the UK. It's open now and will run until 30 April 2025. Share your views on university life and we’ll add £2 to charity, and you’ll also have a chance to enter a prize draw. Universities and students' unions use student feedback to see how we can keep delivering high quality teaching, and future students can see the results to help them make degree choices. Please take the survey!

Royal Society of Edinburgh Collaboration Award

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse is part of a team of scholars from Australia, Denmark, England, Scotland, and Wales that have been awarded a Royal Society of Edinburgh Collaboration Grant for the project "Crafting Lives of Jesus: Ancient and Modern Retellings" with  Helen Bond (Edinburgh) as PI. Further information.

International Paper

Science and Religion. Scott Midson gave an online talk on 24 Feb as part of a seminar series, ‘Théologie et technique’, organised by Collège des Bernardins, Paris. Scott's talk was on love and lovotics (love + robotics). Further information.

From the Archive... Podcast, 50 Jewish Objects performance

Jewish Voices: Songs from the collections. Stefania Silvestri presented her work on the 50 Jewish Objects project at the John Rylands Library this was followed by a performance by the Menorah Synagogue Choir directed by Ruti Worrall on 7 Nov 2019. Further information.

Peake Lecture, NTC

Biblical studies. The Peake Lecture will be given at the Nazarene Theological College on Saturday 22 March by HRF Loveday Alexander and Emeritus Professor Philip Alexander. The title is "Sacrifice and Salvation: Reading Hebrews Today", and the event is scheduled to run from 9.30am-4.00pm. Drinks provided, but bring your own lunch. Register here.

Trustee Appointment

Christian studies. Siobhán Jolley has joined the board of Art+Christianity as a trustee. Further information.

St Paul's Study Day

Theology. Siobhán Jolley is leading a study day at St Paul's Cathedral on 15th March, "Bearing Witness: Mary Magdalene and the Art of Easter". Further information.

Associates of Kings College Lecture

Religion and Theology. MA graduate, Yehudis Fletcher, Founder of Nahamu, delivered the Associates of Kings College lecture "Shoulders to Lean On, or Sharp Elbows: Who Controls the Narrative of Lived Experience in High Control Communities?" on 24 Feb 2025.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley has published "Max and the Magdalene: On Violence, Grief, and Trauma Under Patriarchy" in Religion, Theology, and Stranger Things: Studies from the Upside Down on Evil, Ethics, Horror, and Hope, edited by Andrew J. Byers and Adam J. Powell. She has talked about the work on a podcast and there will be a hybrid book launch on 19th March.

NTC Research Seminar

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley is giving the NTC Research seminar on 19th March, ‘Reimaging the Magdalene: Feminism, Art, and the Counter-Reformation”, 4pm, contact Samuel Hildrebrandt to join in person or online.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical Studies. 13th March, Suzanna Millar (University of Edinburgh) on "Animals, Power, and Intersectionality in the Books of Samuel". 4pm, online only. For further information and Zoom link, please email Lynne Potts.

Jewish Museum Evening Talks: Philip Alexander

Jewish and Biblical studies. The Manchester Jewish Museum invites you to a relaxed armchair chat with Professor Philip Alexander and our PhD graduate Dr Sherry Ashworth on Thursday 27th March, 6-7:30pm. During this talk Philip will reflect on the challenges he faced in understanding Judaism, his efforts to establish Jewish Studies as a serious academic field in British universities, as well as some of the interesting people he met along the way. He will also explore how the Jewish community in Britain, and particularly Manchester, has changed over the years from his standpoint as an engaged and sympathetic outsider. Further information and tickets here.

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

Religion & Theology. Dr Caroline Starkey (University of Leeds), "Spirit Communication and the Disenchanting World". 20th March, 4-6pm. For online access, please email Siobhán Jolley or Scott Midson.

Blackwell's Event: Pilgrimage and Place

In conversation. A journey through pilgrimage and place, with Jake Morris-Campbell (Liverpool John Moores) & Kathryn Hurlock (MMU) in conversation with our own Peter Scott, hosted by Blackwell’s (University campus). Thursday 1st May 2025 at 6:30 PM. Further information and tickets.

Postgraduate Poster Competition

For PG students. Submissions are invited from any PhD student currently based in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures to the 2024-2025 CIDRAL (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Arts and Languages) Poster Competition. Posters should address interdisciplinary and/or collaborative research, both core values of CIDRAL that are also vital for future career pathways. Winning entries will be displayed on the CIDRAL pages of the School’s website to showcase the diversity of SALC postgraduate research for other members of the University, researchers at other institutions, and the wider public. Last year’s winners can be seen on the CIDRAL website, including from R&T's own Charlotte Garget. Posters should be submitted in PDF form to James Scorer by 5pm on 2nd May. . For tips and advice on designing posters you may wish to consult the suggestions provided on this website (and the sites recommended on their page). Posters should be accompanied by a title and a short descriptive text (300-400 words) and relevant permissions should be provided for all images used. First Prize £200/Second Prize £100/Third Prize £50.

Stachniewski Memorial Lecture

Islamic studies. The Department of English, American Studies and Creative Writing invites you to the Stachniewski Memorial Lecture on "Disappearing Muslims in Shakespeare" by Prof. Ambereen Dadabhoy (Harvey Mudd College). This talk explores the dearth of Muslim representation in Shakespeare. While some characters such as Othello and the Prince of Morocco are Islamically coded, they are not definitely identified as Muslim. Dadabhoy will explore some of the reasons Shakespeare erases or disappears Muslims from the places that they occupied in the eastern Mediterranean settings that he adopts for his plays. Wednesday 9th April, 5pm, online. Keep an eye out here for joining instructions.

Humanist Society Public Talk

Religion. Michael Hoelzl will give a public talk to the Stockport Humanist's Society on Wednesday March 19th 2025 at 7.30pm. The topic of the lecture is: "The new visibility of religion today." Please find more information about the society here.

New Book Publication

Theology. Charlotte Bray has published Sin and the Vulnerability of Embodied Life: Towards a Catholic Theology of Social Sin in T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology, with Bloomsbury. Further information.

Religion and Theology Research Seminar

Religion & Theology. Frederick Simmons, "Environmental Despair, Salvation History, and the Theological Virtues". 20th February, 4-6pm, University Place 5.205. For online access, please email Siobhán Jolley or Scott Midson.

International Society for Science and Religion, blog entry

Jewish history. Daniel Langton was invited to contribute an entry entitled 'Judaism and Science: Where has the Dialogue got to?' for the International Society for Science and Religion blog. Further information.

Museum Careers Events

Employability. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit the Manchester Museum to speak to some of their staff about their roles and to see practical demonstrations of what they do on a day-to-day basis. Staff will also be happy to talk about their career paths to give you a sense of potential routes into the cultural sector. Places on the trip will be ring-fenced for interested students from the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures until Wednesday 19th February, at which point students from across the University will be eligible to reserve a place. Monday 3rd March, 15:30. High demand is expected and places are limited, so sign up now via CareerConnect if you're interested!

Jewish Book Week Event

Jewish Studies. On 9 March, at Jewish Book Week, CJS HRF Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz will be in conversation with American author Marc Shapiro, about his new book 'Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New: The Unique Vision of Rav Kook (Littman Library of Jewish Civilization). Further information.

Manchester China Institute Webinar

Christian studies. Join the webinar of the Manchester China Institute with Prof Ruth Hayhoe and Dr Leping Mou to learn more about liberal arts and the legacy of China’s Christian universities. This online event will take place on Tuesday, 18 February (4:00-5:30pm UK time) via Zoom. Register for free here.

Creative Careers Event

Employability. Are you interested in a career in media, performing arts, or content creation? Want the chance to hear from creatives who have written for Dazed Magazine, worked with brands as diverse as Adidas, New Balance, the NBA, Premier League clubs and artists including Tems, Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake? Many roles within these creative industries require you to work freelance or be self-employed, and this session, through practical activities and the chance to meet experienced freelancers, will introduce you to what that looks like, helping you gain the insights and skills to take the first step. Wednesday 26th February, 13:30.  Sign up on CareerConnect to reserve your spot.

Assessment feedback

For students. Now is the time to review the feedback you received on your Semester 1 assignments. Become clear about the aspects of your work that scored highly = do this again. Make a plan how to follow up on the suggested improvements = speak to your Lecturers and Academic Advisor, use MyLearningEssentials and other recommended resources. Weekly office hours are advertised in course materials, in the R&T Common Room (Samuel Alexander building, S1.11) and on staff web pages.

PhD Completion

Political Theology. Enoch Adekoya has successfully completed his PhD titled “The Church as Political Society in the Political Theologies of Stanley Hauerwas and Oliver O’Donovan”, supervised by Peter Scott and Scott Midson and examined by Philip Ziegler and David Law. Warmest congratulations!

Religion and Gen Z on Radio 4

Student voices. Members of Gen Z, including students in our department, recently spoke on Radio 4 about Gen Z and attitudes to religion and spirituality, which suggests a majority describe themselves as 'fairly spiritual'. Listen here.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical Studies. On 27th Feb, the Ehrhardt Seminar will be joint with the Classics and Ancient History Research Seminar, which gives us a new time and place. Peter Pormann will be speaking on "Δεισιδαιμονεστέρους: an Enigmatic Example of Enantiosemy in Acts 17:22b" at 2pm in Samuel Alexander A7. For the Zoom link, please email Melanie Giles.

Jewish Community Scholar Program, US

Jewish Studies. In March, CJS HRF Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz will be teaching a series of online lectures on 'Translating the Bible' for the Jewish Community Scholar Program, Orange County, California. Lindsey's sessions are 6, 20 and 27 March. Further information.

Spotlight on Louis Lovell Thomas, alumnus

Accountancy and consultancy.  Louis studied Religions & Theology from 2016 to 2019. After completing his studies, he transitioned into Professional Services, starting at a mid-tier accountancy and consultancy firm in regulatory compliance. He has recently moved to a Big Four accountancy firm, where he continues his work in the same field, and he went onto gain further qualifications from the International Compliance Association. Despite his professional path, Louis remains passionate about theology and hopes to return to further studies in the future. He featured in an exhibition called Corporate Queer, which explored themes of identity and the workplace. This was showcased in the Houses of Parliament in 2023. Louis has remained in Manchester building a strong circle of friends and a good social life in the city.

Research Awards Committee Appointment

Jewish Studies. CJS HRF Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz has been invited to serve on the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute's Research Awards Academic Advisory Committee for 2025. Further information.

Grant Award - International

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley and Tom de Bruin (Radboud University) have been awarded a grant from Nijmeegs Fonds voor Feminisme en Religie to host a symposium at Radboud University exploring the feminist afterlives of biblical women in 21st Century media.