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

In celebration of the Council of Nicea in 325, the symposium will explore the Nicene Creed and its impact on theology and the arts. Taking its cue from the Creed’s affirmation of the extraordinary union of God and humankind in Jesus of Nazareth, the conference seeks to foster surprising and generative meetings between those who might never get a chance to encounter each other. Programming will include plenaries, keynotes, seminars, and applied workshops and will culminate in a Saturday evening concert featuring the New Caritas Orchestra and a Sunday worship service in the Duke Chapel. Speakers include former archbishop Rowan Williams, Booker Prize–shortlisted novelist Chigozie Obioma, top theologians Amy Peeler and Natalie Carnes, renowned poet Malcolm Guite, and many more. Full programming and registration information to come! 

DITA2025: Visible & Invisible: Surprising Encounters in Theology and the arts
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October 3, 2024

The Saint John's Bible Celebration Events

Duke University celebrates the reception of a Heritage Edition of The Saint John's Bible in a series of public events on October 3. A once in a millennia project, the Bible is a permanent gift to Duke University to be used in research, teaching, sacred worship, and community engagement. Duke is the first institution in the southeast region to own a complete set of this extraordinary work of sacred text and art. All events are free and open to the public and will include a variety of opportunities to interact with the volumes up-close. No registration required.

Latest News and Features

Unspoken Requests
May 2, 2024
A mixed-media gallery of works by DITA doctoral student Andrew Hendrixson, Th.D. '26, is installed in the 00 Westbrook Hallway. Learn about the gallery and the artist's journey to Duke Divinity School.
Theology, Art, and the Whole Brain
May 1, 2024
DITA hosted best-selling author Dr. Iain McGilchrist for a public conversation about the arts, theology, and brain hemisphere theory wih DITA Director Dr. Jeremy Begbie.
Chinwe Edeani: Exploring the Boundaries
January 25, 2024
Edeani, M.T.S. '25, explores how the Certificate in Theology and the Arts program has impacted her faith, her photography, and her theology.

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
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
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.
Courses
DITA offers world-class courses in the field of theology and the arts. Our students have access to all course offerings provided by the Divinity School as well as select courses offered by a variety of departments within Duke University.
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"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."

Abundantly More book cover

Current Research

Abundantly More

"As only Jeremy Begbie can do, this book weaves theology and music, philosophy and poetry, science and Scripture to explore and celebrate the uncontainability of the triune God and the irreducible complexity of creation.”

- James K. A. Smith, Calvin University