Work, Identity and Theology is the subject for the Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs' first seminar at the town’s University next Wednesday (Nov 1) at 12.15pm which is open to members of the public.
Bishop Jonathan is the visiting Professor of Theology at the University of Huddersfield, has his office based in the university, and delivered his inaugural lecture there last May.
Work Identity and Theology: Many people define their sense of identity largely in terms of the work they do. It is often one of the first things we ask when we meet someone for the first time. But this has significant implications for those who do not – or cannot – have paid employment. It also undermines the value of the many other roles we fulfil such as partner, parent, child, carer, friend – and begs the question of our identity and worth simply as human beings. Theology, in common with philosophy, has a rich tradition of reflection on such issues and this seminar will seek to open up some of these resources in a way that is relevant to all people, not just to those who share religious faith.
Said Bishop Jonathan: “It is a huge privilege for me to have my office based at the University of Huddersfield, not least as it creates the possibility for really interesting dialogues about the value of the Christian faith in helping us to engage with some of life’s really big questions.
“This is the first seminar that I have been asked to give since my inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor of Theology back in May. It is significant that I am a member of the Faculty in the School of Education and Professional Development, which is concerned with preparing people as educators to equip others for life in today’s fast-changing world.
“The University has kindly allowed me to open up this session to people from the wider community and I hope some of our church members will come along and engage in the discussion,” he added.
The Bishop's doctoral thesis at the University of Cambridge was entitled: “The Challenge of Transformation – Towards a Theology of Work in the light of the thought of H.Richard Niebuhr”
If you would like to book your place on this seminar on Wednesday, 1st November 2017 at 12.15 p.m. – please press Ctrl+Click to follow the link and sign up.