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    Trace the history of Christian thought and its shaping of Western civilisation and explore how it continues to globally influence cultures and communities today.

    Why study Christian Thought and History?

    Ever wondered how Christian beliefs and practices have shaped our societies – and still do today?

    This subject lets you dig into the origins, development and global impact of Christianity, its ideas, and the ways it has interacted with culture, politics and ethics.

    Studying Christian Thought and History helps you understand this global faith in both historical and contemporary contexts. You'll discover how Christian traditions influence society in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond as you gain the insight and confidence to understand the world and your place in it, in new ways.

    Career opportunities

    When you study Christian Thought and History, you’re not only gaining knowledge, you’re growing a skill set that employers value: Clear thinking, research, writing, empathy and cultural awareness.

    Pathways you might chose include:

    • Teaching or education roles (secondary or tertiary)
    • Social work, community services or advocacy work
    • Journalism, media or publishing
    • Archives, libraries or heritage organisations
    • Roles in non-government agencies, development and aid
    • Church leadership, ministry, chaplaincy or faith-based organisations

    How you will learn

    You can study Christian Thought and History on campus or via distance learning.

    On-campus students participate in interactive lectures that encourage discussion and debate while applying insights into real-world issues. Distance students can join classes live via Zoom or watch recordings at their convenience.

    You’ll explore Christian thought in historical contexts and in modern cultural settings, and you’ll be encouraged to ask your own tough questions.

    Some distance papers may include an optional teaching day in Wellington or a one-week intensive block, usually held over summer or mid-year breaks. Assessment methods vary across levels and may include essays, in-class tests, and final exams.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    Anyone can study Christian Thought and History at Otago.

    What’s helpful is a curious mind, an interest in how ideas and beliefs shape the world, and a willingness to read, reflect and discuss.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Jaime Heperi

    One of the highlights for me has been exploring early Māori engagements with Christianity. I’ve been especially encouraged to see Te Āo Māori perspectives meaningfully woven throughout the curriculum; this has enriched my learning and deepened my appreciation for the context of faith in Aotearoa.


    Jamie Heperi

    Bachelor of Theology (Christian Thought and History)

    Study how Christian ideas have travelled through time – influencing people, movements, and the way we understand the world

    Otago is New Zealand’s only university offering a full range of Theology subjects – including Christian Thought and History, Biblical Studies, Pastoral Studies, and Biblical Languages such as Hebrew and New Testament Greek.

    Our flexible distance learning options provide easy access for anyone to study theology from anywhere in Aotearoa or around the world.

    You can complete a Bachelor of Theology endorsed in Christian Thought and History or add papers from this area to a Bachelor of Arts in any major.

    Our teaching staff are all active researchers who bring current scholarship and fresh insights into every class.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level CHTH 102 The History of Christianity 18
    CHTH 111 Doing Theology or CHTH 131 God and Ethics in the Modern World 18
    200-level Three 200-level CHTH papers, one of which may be replaced with a 200-level BIBS paper 54
    300-level Four 300-level CHTH papers, one of which may be replaced with a 300-level BIBS paper 72
    Plus 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts 198
    Total 360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    Two 100-level CHTH papers

    36

    200-level

    Two 200-level CHTH papers

    36

    300-level

    One 300-level CHTH paper

    18
    Total 90

    Note: This minor subject is not available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    CHTH papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    CHTH102 2026 The History of Christianity 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH111 2026 Doing Theology 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH131 2026 God and Ethics in the Modern World 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH207 2026 History of Christianity in the Pacific 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH212 2026 Spirit, Church and Sacraments 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH213 2026 The Trinity 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH217 2026 Special Topic 18 points 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 11 December 2026)
    CHTH218 2026 The Person and Work of Christ 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH224 2026 Theology and the Environment 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH231 2026 Christianity, War and Violence 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH233 2026 Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH235 2026 Special Topic 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH236 2026 Māori Theology and Religion 18 points Semester 2 (29 June 2026 - 7 November 2026)
    CHTH237 2026 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH305 2026 The Roots of Public Theology 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH307 2026 History of Christianity in the Pacific (Advanced) 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH312 2026 Spirit, Church and Sacraments (Advanced) 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH313 2026 The Trinity (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH314 2026 The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH317 2026 Special Topic 18 points 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 11 December 2026)
    CHTH318 2026 The Person and Work of Christ (Advanced) 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH319 2026 Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH320 2026 Public Theology and Social Justice 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH322 2026 Citizenship, Democracy and Discipleship 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH323 2026 Theology and Human Well-being 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH324 2026 Theology and the Environment (Advanced) 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH331 2026 Christianity, War and Violence (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH333 2026 Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH335 2026 Special Topic 18 points Semester 2
    CHTH336 2026 Māori Theology and Religion (Advanced) 18 points Semester 2 (29 June 2026 - 7 November 2026)
    CHTH337 2026 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH338 2026 Theology, Money and Markets 18 points Semester 1
    CHTH403 2026 The Puritans: Working out the English Reformation 20 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH405 2026 The Roots of Public Theology 20 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH414 2026 The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard (Advanced) 20 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH415 2026 Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology (Advanced) 20 points Semester 2
    CHTH416 2026 The Theology of Bonhoeffer 20 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH420 2026 Public Theology and Social Justice (Advanced) 20 points Semester 1
    CHTH423 2026 Theology and Human Well-being (Advanced) 20 points Not offered in 2026
    CHTH424 2026 Theology, Money and Markets (Advanced) 20 points Semester 1
    CHTH490 2026 Dissertation 60 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027), 3rd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027)

    More information

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