Through research, teaching, and arts programming, DITA promotes and supports the vibrant interplay between Christian theology and the arts by encouraging transformative leadership and enriching theological discussion in the church, academy, and society.

DITA2025: An International Symposium on Theology and the Arts

September 4–7, 2025

How can the arts help us open up the very heart of the Christian faith, celebrated at the Council of Nicaea in 325, that Jesus Christ is “one in being” with God? Featuring world-class academics, artists, musicians, and clergy from around the globe and a robust range of programming, DITA2025 is a four-day symposium at Duke University celebrating Nicaea and the myriad surprises the Creed holds in store for artists, academics, clergy, and parishioners today.

Early-bird registration closes on March 15! Get your spot now! 

Learn More and Register for the DITA2025 symposium
Conference graphic with title "Visible & Invisible: Surprising Encounters in Theology and the Arts"

Latest News and Features

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Jaden Dejesus Blango: The Theological Aesthetics of Hope
February 24, 2025
Jaden Dejesus Blango: The Theological Aesthetics of Hope
Jaden Dejesus Blango, M.T.S. '25, talks about how the Certificate in Theology and the Arts impacted his work as a visual artist—and all the opportunities he found at Duke University.
D'Andrea Fanning: A Creative Finds an Interdisciplinary Career
October 17, 2024
D'Andrea Fanning: A Creative Finds an Interdisciplinary Career
D’Andrea Fanning (M.Div. '23) shares how Duke Divinity School, DITA, and the Certificate in Theology and the Arts led her to an interdisciplinary career as a business owner, consultant, professor, and Church minister.
DITA Director Awarded Doctor of Divinity from University of Aberdeen
June 20, 2024
DITA Director Awarded Doctor of Divinity from University of Aberdeen
Begbie was celebrated in a series of ceremonies, uniquely curated to celebrate his accomplishments in the field of theology and the arts.

Our Academic Programs

Teaching is at the heart of DITA's work. We train future leaders in theology and the arts for work in the church, the academy, and the arts.
Certificate in Theology and the Arts
Certificate in Theology and the Arts
The Certificate in Theology and the Arts provides new opportunities to develop passions for the arts and integrate them with a lively and robust theology.
Th.D. Concentration
Th.D. Concentration
At the center of DITA’s work is a group of rigorous doctoral students whose research is expanding new horizons in theology and the arts.

"DITA coursework has shaped me in the classroom and beyond. It has led me from the mountain of contemplation to the valley of action. Through my arts coursework, I have integrated action and contemplation, academic study and Christian practice, both personally in my own artwork and for the community."

Sujatha Balasundaram (M.T.S. ’23)
graphic of a book cover for naming the spirit

Current Research

Naming the Spirit: Pneumatology Through the Arts

Co-edited by DITA Associate Director Daniel Train and W. David O. Taylor, this volume brings together "a remarkable group of theologians, scholars, and artists to offer a fresh perspective on pneumatology through the creative lens of the arts." The product of many collaborative symposiums and focused research cohorts, the volume explores the significance of the Holy Spirit. Each chapter focuses on a particular name for the Holy Spirit and expands on its importance througH particular artistic mediums.

"Curated by Taylor and Train, two leading voices in theology and the arts, Naming the Spirit is a rich, interdisciplinary work that promises to deepen our understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in the world through the profound lens of artistic expression."

 

Learn More about the Book

Recent Podcasts

DITA students, faculty, and staff discuss poetry, visual art, and the Saint John's Bible and the art of Bible translation on Duke University Chapel's Sounds of Faith podcast.

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Poetry and Prayer

DITA affiliate faculty Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner explores the intersection of poetry and prayer in contemporary poetry and the work of Pádraig Ó Tuama.

Listen to the Podcast
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The Theological Aesthetics of Hope

Certificate in Theology and the Arts student Jaden Dejesus Blango discusses the C. Eric Lincoln Fellowship and the accompanying solo show "The Theological Aesthetics of Hope."

Listen to the full podcast
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A Fresh, Poetic Translation of the Bible’s Psalms

Dr. Ellen Davis, DITA affiliate faculty member, discusses translating and illustrating the entire book of Psalms.

Listen to the full podcast