Launched at the end of 2018, the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence is Bristol Baptist College’s new study centre.
The Centre has twin aims, represented by two ‘arms’ of its activity.
- Academic arm: Aims to promote postgraduate research in the broad field of Bible and violence; and conversation among scholars of different faiths, nationalities and disciplines who are working in related areas.
- Applied arm: Aims to provide resources to the churches in order to equip them to offer a counter-violence, counter-extremist narrative; and to promote confidence in the value of the Old Testament and the goodness of God.
Postgraduate research
To this end we are seeking to attract postgraduate research students, who wish to work on an MTh or PhD project in this broad area. The Centre’s research degrees will be undertaken within the joint Theological Education Institution of Bristol Baptist College and Trinity College, Bristol. Our research degrees are awarded and validated by the University of Aberdeen.
The scholarly disciplines which may be relevant to the research of the Centre include, but are not limited to, Old Testament studies, Ancient Near East studies, philology, literary theory, hermeneutics, ethics, biblical theology, political science, ethnography, and sociology. Within our joint faculty we are able to offer expert supervision in most of these fields.
Research can be conducted here in Bristol or anywhere else in the world. The College has a well-established process for supervision of research using internet technology, with the student only required to attend Bristol annually. Access to the electronic library resources of Aberdeen University facilitate this.
MA pathway in Bible and Violence
We are currently in the process of establishing a Bible and Violence pathway in our existing MA programme (MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission). We are very optimistic that we will be able to offer this to students from September 2019. Our taught degree programmes are awarded and validated by the University of Durham. MAs can be studied full-time or part-time. Some modules may be studied in block weeks.
Resources for the Churches
We intend to produce study resources and offer seminars and training events for use by ministers and others in the churches. To make a suggestion or request a speaker, please contact the Centre Director (below).
Inaugural Events
One June 4th 2019 we will be holding a launch workshop for the applied arm of the study centre. For more information please see the event page.
On June 17th 2019 we will be holding our inaugural symposium (academic arm). For more information, to book a place, or to read the Call for Papers, please visit the symposium page here.
Contact
For more information about the Centre, or to enquire about studying with us, please contact the Centre Director, Helen Paynter on paynterh@bristol-baptist.ac.uk
Please follow us on Facebook @CSBVBristolBaptistCollege and Twitter @CSBibleViolence
