the c.h. dodd society

Sophie Giles Theology, 2011

In Trinity Term of 2012, the C.H. Dodd Society was transformed from a College association into the University’s official student Theology Society. Our inaugural lecture given by Prof N.T. Wright saw Mansfield College Chapel packed out, and the alumni dinner that followed united Mansfield students of generations past and present. Since then, the Society has been building upon this success. We began Michaelmas term 2012 with a debate entitled: ‘Can We Dispose of Q?’. Here we saw Dr John Muddiman and Prof Christopher Tuckett battling for and against the hypothetical document ‘Q’, which it is argued may be the source of material that is common to the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Whether or not one knew what Q was, it was riveting (and entertaining) to see two academics who were so passionate about a topic. Also in Michaelmas 2012 we had Prof Oliver Davies from King’s College London present a talk on his current project: ‘Transformation Theology: A New Beginning’, as well as a Topical Symposium presented by C.H. Dodd Society members on the question ‘Do Non-believers have an Advantage when Studying Theology?’

Our main event in Hilary term 2013 was a lecture given by Prof Tariq Ramadan on ‘The Integration of Muslims into Western Culture’. This extremely popular event attracted members of the public who travelled to the lecture from outside of Oxford – and it soon became evident why. Prof Ramadan’s talk was fascinating, and the questions that followed also opened up further interesting discussions. Another successful event in Hilary term was a Topical Symposium on Euthanasia, presented by Prof Nigel Biggar. After Prof Biggar prompted discussion, everyone joined in the debate on ‘Autonomy’s Suicide: the problem with assisted dying’, and together we explored many of the different arguments, each of us being challenged to consider new and perhaps uncomfortable positions.

Two exciting events in Trinity term rounded off a great year for the Society. To start, we had Prof Diarmaid MacCulloch give a ‘Theological Tour of Oxford’. Armed with maps, and a captivating tour guide, we explored the history of Oxford: a city inextricably connected to theology and religion. Our final event of the year was a lecture given by Prof Keith Ward on ‘The Gospels and Philosophy’, where Prof Ward took us through some of the main sections of his latest book The Philosopher and the Gospels. This was an engaging talk, due both to Prof Ward’s talent for presenting, and the insight given into the thought of a modern academic who straddles the boundary between theology and philosophy.

In the coming year we hope to extend our range of topics even further, continuing to invite eminent speakers and widening our audience, with the aim of stimulating an understanding and interest in theology from a broader spectrum of people. Our experience from this year has shown us the huge array of theological topics that can offer something of interest to almost everyone. We hope to encourage this dissemination, giving the subject a renewed vitality within Oxford among students, alumni and members of the public. We thus aim to show that theology has relevance for us today, and that engaging with theological topics and problems can be of interest both to those who study Theology and those who do not.