Introduction to Theology 2026
This is the home page for the 2026 Introduction to Theology course
Access to course pages and resources is password-protected. Registered students are provided with a password.
​​
The Sophia Institute offers courses in theology, leadership skills and spiritual formation to religious communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
This "Introduction to Theology" course is designed and led by Professor Tina Beattie, with contributions from guest lecturers. It aims to meet the learning needs of Catholic religious leaders and educators, but is open to all who are interested in Catholic theological traditions.​​​
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Tina Beattie is Professor Emerita of Catholic Studies at the University of Roehampton in London, where she worked from 2001 to 2019. Before that, she did her PhD at the University of Bristol, on the theology and symbolism of the Virgin Mary and Eve in the Early Church, and in postconciliar theology. Her undergraduate dissertation was on the contextual theologies of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.
​
Tina was born in Lusaka and spent the first thirty-three years of her life in sub-Saharan Africa, living in Zambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. She now lives in the UK, dividing her time between Rye on the south coast of England, and Stirling in Scotland.
​
Tina is married to Dave and they have four adult children and five grandchildren.
​
You can find out more about Tina by visiting her academic website at this link and her personal website at this link.
Professor Tina Beattie
Tutor
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS
A particularly transformative dimension of the course was the exploration of the theological agenda of African Women Theologians. Their commitment to addressing systemic injustice and all forms of violence against women profoundly impacted me. The reflection on how Scripture and theology have sometimes been used to justify oppression, while also possessing immense liberative potential, was especially illuminating. This insight underscored the ethical responsibility of theologians to interpret faith in ways that promote justice, dignity, and life.
In my experience, all the topics were engaging and filled with a strange but pleasant kind of peace and trust among the members. The depth of the impacts of the topics in my emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social life is great and I will put effort in sharing the knowledge gained with my sisters and other people in my different ministries.
By exploring the relevance of Catholic theology for sub-Saharan African communities and cultures, students are invited to reflect on how the Gospel speaks meaningfully within local realities. Contextual approaches such as inculturation, liberation theology, feminist and gender perspectives highlight that theology must attend to issues of justice, identity, and human dignity if it is to remain faithful to its mission. Engagement with Scripture, doctrine, Catholic social teaching, ethics, and interreligious dialogue further reveals theology as a discipline oriented toward life. Questions of violence and peace-making, the good life, and moral responsibility are not peripheral concerns but integral to Christian reflection. Theology, as presented in this course, seeks not only to inform the mind but also to shape conscience, nurture hope, and inspire faithful action.