Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts (DITA) Postdoctoral Associate Dr. Daniel Train is now teaching an introductory course on Theology and the Arts (view PDF of syllabus), the first of its kind at the school. The course aims to provide an introduction to the ways in which theology can enrich and be enriched by the arts. Putting theology in conversation with literature, painting, film, music, and drama, it shows how central theological doctrines can transform the way we perceive and make art, and how the arts in turn can enrich our understanding of some of the central tenets of the Christian faith. 

“Introduction to Theology and the Arts” will be offered each year, and aims to give students of all backgrounds a chance to get a sense of the vigor and excitement of the field. 

“We are thrilled this course will be a regular offering at the Divinity School. As the Theology and Arts program has grown at Duke, so has the need and demand for a foundational course like this. Our goal is to lay the groundwork for students to effectively engage these questions in other classes and in their work as pastors, teachers, or wherever they go from here,” Train said. “I’m especially excited that this course will fulfill either a church ministry or practicing theology in ministry limited elective requirement. We certainly hope that the work we do together in the classroom will enrich and be enriched by the life of the Church.”