Chris Maunder
Head of BA Theology and Religious
Studies
Contact Details
T: 01904 876539
E: c.maunder@yorksj.ac.uk
My Work
I have worked at York St John University
since 1988 (part-time) and 1994 (full-time). I am at
the present time Head of Programme for the BA in Theology
& Religious Studies, which involves overseeing the progress of
about 200 students. This takes careful organisation but it is
very fulfilling and enjoyable!
For further information on the BA in Theology & Religious
Studies
The modules I teach:
Introduction to Christianity (to help get students going on
their degree)
Theology: Action & Reflection (Christian projects on social
issues, such as homelessness)
Religion & Human Diversity (the anthropology of religion)
New Age & Pagan Spiritualities (some fascinating new
movements)
Theologies of Liberation (MA module)
What do I expect from students?
An open-minded approach to religion which is
always questioning and learning.
Care and concern for work, study and for their fellow students and
staff.
A sense of humour and the courage to speak out from time to
time.
An awareness that grades, while important, are not everything in
life!
My Publications
I have edited two books: Documents of the Christian
Church (OUP, 1999 and 2011) and Origins of the Cult of the
Virgin Mary (Continuum, 2008). My main research area over
the last few years - starting with a PhD at the University of Leeds
in 1991 - has been popular Catholicism, in particular the
apparitions and shrines of Mary; and I have published
articles in this area and on Mary in the New Testament.
Find out more about my publications
I have also started to write novels:
Calling was self-published in 2010. This reflects my
interest in apparitions of Mary but also in new and popular
forms of spirituality, such as the revived interest in Paganism and
Goddess Worship.
For further information on Calling
My Beliefs
I am a believer in God but I can also be critical of religion at
times and I am totally accepting of people who do not
believe. My passion is for a spirituality that is
centred upon the inclusive, universal love and justice of
God.
My Interests
Centre for Marian Studies
I am the Chair of Trustees of the Centre for Marian Studies
(based at the University of Roehampton), which is an academic
institute combining a variety of approaches into the cult of Mary,
offering certificates, MAs and PhDs in Marian Studies. It
also acts as a consultant to the media, makes available a
resource library and publishes academic material.
Marian Studies involves the interdisciplinary study of devotion
to the Virgin Mary. Marian Studies involves Mariology; church
history; art history; gender studies; sociology; anthropology;
literature studies. While its major focus is Christian expressions
from East and West, Islamic views of Mary are also of great
importance.
Shrines of Mary
In my home town of Knaresborough, I am member of a
management committee that looks after the 15th century shrine
chapel of Our Lady of the Crag. I also love to discover
Marian shrines in other parts of Britain and Europe whenever there
is a chance! Recent articles that I have published have been
on Marian apparition shrines in Ireland, Amsterdam and
Germany. Other countries recently visited on shrine tours
are: Hungary; France; Belgium; Malta. I have also drawn up a
map of shrines in Britain.
Link to
chapel