A New Day in Christ: Nowruz as a Framework for Iranian Christian Theology
14.00 (UK Time)
The lecture explores Nowruz (Persian New Year) as a theological framework for Persian Christian identity and covenant renewal. Rooted in themes of rebirth, reconciliation, and cosmic balance, Nowruz provides a meaningful bridge between Persian cultural heritage and Christian theology. Therefore, this lecture examines how Nowruz’s rituals resonate with biblical themes of creation, renewal, resurrection, and covenant restoration. By integrating Nowruz into theological reflection, Iranian Christians can affirm their faith without severing cultural ties. This approach fosters a contextual theology where Persian heritage and Christian faith converge in spiritual transformation.
Speaker
Dr Sara Afshari
Research Tutor and Admissions Tutor
Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
Originally from Iran, Sara Afshari is Research Tutor at Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. She is currently the Admissions Tutor. She received her PhD from Edinburgh University in Media Religion and Culture. She is co-founder and former Executive Director of SAT-7 PARS, a Christian television channel in Farsi/Persian language. She has MTh in World Christianity from Edinburgh University and an MA in Media Communication from Wales University. Her recent book is titled: Religion, Media and Conversion in Iran: mediated Christianity in an Islamic Context.
