Centre For Literature, Theology & The Arts

Interdisciplinary research network based at the University of Glasgow

Literature, Theology and the Arts at Glasgow is an innovatory, multi-disciplinary space for the study of the intersection of religion and culture. LTA hosts a fortnightly programme of seminars, open to staff, students and others interested in the vibrant field of literature, theology and the arts. The work of the LTA includes postgraduate students' research, collaborative publications, and conferences.

LTA was founded by Prof David Jasper nearly 30 years ago, and he continues to co-direct LTA along with Prof Heather Walton. Other LTA staff are Prof George Pattison and Dr Anna Fisk. Although LTA’s base is Theology and Religious Studies, within the School of Critical Studies, it has close links with other subject areas within the University of Glasgow, particularly English Literature and Art History.

While LTA’s context is primarily Christian (and post-Christian), we also work in the areas of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, contemporary Paganism, and Chinese Religions. No religious affiliation is required to be a part of LTA. Our context is both local – we work with Glasgow writers, galleries and artists – and international – we have links with scholars in Scandinavia, China, the USA and elsewhere.

LTA has close ties with the International Society for Religion, Literature and Culture, for which we are hosting the 2016 conference. LTA was the inspiration for the founding of the Oxford University Press journal, Literature and Theology, of which Prof Heather Walton is the current Executive Editor.