At a time of simple slogans and certainties, in religion as much as in politics, this residential course, led by Reverend Canon Dr Andrea Russell, Warden of Gladstone’s Library, and Professor Ian Bradley of St Andrews University, champions doubt, nuance, ambiguity and open-minded uncertainty. Join us for this weekend course exploring the theme of doubt as it is expressed in the Bible, by eminent figures in church history and in poetry and literature. Learn together, discuss together and eat together at Gladstone’s Library, and enjoy sessions including on the role of imagination and renewed mysticism and on the under-rated benefits of middle-of-the road moderation and the Board Church tradition. For a detailed programme, please scroll down. _ _ _ _ _ What is a Course at Gladstone’s Library? A course at Gladstone’s Library is a multi-day residential event designed to give you the time and space to explore a particular topic in depth. Each course is led by an expert in their field – this might be a writer, historian, academic, artist, or another specialist with knowledge and experience to share. During a course, you’ll stay overnight in the Library’s accommodation and enjoy meals provided as part of the programme. By staying overnight, we create a relaxed, immersive environment where you can reflect, discuss ideas, and connect with fellow participants. The course will be split into sessions, with ample breaks. You can read more about this in the programme below. Whether you’re new to Gladstone’s Library or returning, courses offer a chance to learn, think, and engage with a community of curious minds. All are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please email enquiries@gladlib.org . _ _ _ _ _ About Professor Ian Bradley Ian Bradley is Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History in the University of St Andrews and well known as a preacher, retreat leader, writer and broadcaster. He is the author of 48 books, including Water: A Spiritual History; Health, Hedonism and Hypochondria: The Hidden History of Spas and Water; and Water Music: Making Music in the Spas of Europe and North America and five best-selling studies of Celtic Christianity. _ _ _ _ _ About Revered Canon Dr Andrea Russell Andrea is Warden of Gladstone’s Library, taking up the role in October 2022. For the past 10 years she has been involved in theological education and came to Hawarden from Oxford Diocese where she was Director of Formation for Ministry. There, she oversaw the provision of training and continued learning for both clergy and licensed lay ministers. She has a legal background, having worked initially as a solicitor before moving into theology. Her PhD focused on Richard Hooker, a key figure in the Church of England in the 16th Century, and even though the title of his book doesn’t at first sight appear to be all that riveting (The Lawes of Ecclesiastical Polity) she assures us that it really is an exciting read! She loves reading crime novels and being by the sea. _ _ _ _ _

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