Oxford University drops Christianity as compulsory subject for theology students for 1st time in 800 years

Theology students at Oxford University will no longer be required to take up Christianity, but can opt to study other subjects during their second year.

The Oxford University has decided to revise its theology course after some undergraduates lamented the so-called lack of diversity in the subjects. This is the first time in 800 years that the university has dropped Christianity as a required subject in theology, The Telegraph reports.

While Oxford undergraduates could avoid studying Christianity, theology faculty board chairman Johannes Zachhuber said it would be unlikely for many students to totally ignore the Christian aspects of the course. However, he acknowledged the diversity of the people who flock to Oxford for their studies, the report relays.

Nevertheless, Christianity is still required for first year theology students, an Oxford University spokesman has confirmed.

"Christianity is still compulsory in the first year of the course – in fact there are two compulsory papers on it. So all students on the course will study Christianity," the spokesperson said. "Christianity is still a major part of the course in second and third year, and it's very unlikely that a student would choose options that do not cover Christianity in these years."

During their second year, Oxford theology students can choose to pursue subjects other than Christianity such as "Buddhism in Space and Time" and "Feminist Approaches to Theology and Religion." Other subject options include Islam and mysticism.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Andrea Minichiello Williams of UK-based Christian Concern conveyed her sadness at Oxford's decision. She said the study of theology was originally understood to be the study of the Christian religion.

Oxford associate professor of medieval history Benjamin Thompson said some changes have already been implemented in his department in the last few years. This is because students want changes in their educational patterns because world events including the rise of militant Islam and Chinese economy are affecting their lives.

The changes in the theology program of Oxford University will be implemented starting September 2017. The new course, which will remove Christianity as a required subject from the second year onwards, will be called "theology and religion."