Theology at the University of Otago

Dr Andrew Shepherd reflects on two recent reports, Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas on AI, and Thomas Piketty's Global Justice Report on inequality and climate change. Link in comments 👇

A catastrophic future for humanity is not inevitable as we have agency In less than four years since OpenAI launched ChatGPT, AI technology has shifted from theoretical and technical conversations among computer...

A few weeks ago we got together with supporters of our new Creation Care Centre for an official launch. Here are some photos of the event.

Study the biblical prophets in the context of the phenomenon of prophecy in the ancient Near East and explore the content, structure, theology and overall message of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea to Malachi, and Daniel in their historical contexts.

Taught by Associate Prof James Harding, on campus and by distance, semester 2, 2026.

Thriving in this Land — Common Grace Aotearoa THRIVING IN THIS LAND Imagining the flourishing of Aotearoa A free workshop resource for churches and faith communities to follow Jesus in the big questions facing New Zealand right now. The Treaty | The Climate | The Cost of Living Register as a host WHY THIS, WHY NOW? Following Jesus beyond the he...

If you're in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch in July, you might be interested in one of these lectures on different aspects of Christian theology and Renaissance art.

The lectures are delivered by 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.

More in the comments.

The Theology Programme has launched a new Centre for Creation Care, opened last week by the Vice Chancellor, Grant Robertson. Read all about it here:

New Centre to connect faith and environmental action The University of Otago has marked a significant milestone in the establishment of New Zealand’s first Centre for Creation Care, led by its Mātai Whakapono Karaitiana – Theology programme.

What are the big ideas that have shaped contemporary society? Why do we think that some things are right and others wrong? How does our view of the world shape our ethical judgements? These and similar questions will be explored in part one of this paper while parts two and three offer an investigation of the enduring challenge to our ethical thinking provided by the life and teaching of Jesus.

Taught by Prof Murray Rae, on campus and by distance, semester 2, 2026.

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

Viena Faiva writes about the recent lecture by Revd Dr Paula Onoafe Latu on the history of Christianity in Tonga.

History and connection in harmony for Theology talk The sound of Tongan hymns echoed through the University last month as students, staff, and members of the local Tongan community gathered for a special public lecture that was as much about connection as it was about history.

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"

Church Growth and Development: On the History of Christianity in Tonga, 25 May 2026 Public lecture by Revd Dr Paola Onoafe Latu