Robert K. Atkin is a speculative fiction author. Passionate about theology, science fiction and fantasy, his stories will transport you to another time and place.
Featured Essays

What was medieval monasticism and what spiritual benefits did it offer to the medieval world?
Monasticism in Western Europe reached its zenith during the High Middle Ages of the late eleventh century and early twelfth century. Coming out of the ascetic tradition of the Desert Fathers at the end of the third century, monasticism grew to become a highly influential movement with centres of worship and learning throughout medieval Europe. In this paper I will describe the development of medieval monasticism and consider the spiritual benefits that it offered to men and women both inside and outside monastic communities. I will not provide a comprehensive analysis of the benefits. Instead I will look at examples from the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study and manual work. I will conclude with a reflection on what spiritual benefit monasticism might offer the life of the church today.

What cosmic symbolism did Solomon’s Temple have, what purpose did that symbolism have (and what contribution to biblical theology and spirituality does that symbolism make)?
The first temple dedicated to YHWH in Jerusalem was constructed under King Solomon in the tenth century BC at the top of Mount Zion; where it stood until it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 585 BC. Solomon’s Temple was symbolic as the dwelling place of Israel’s god, a restored Eden, a microcosm, the cosmic centre, a bulwark against chaos and the story of Creation in stone.
More Essays
- ‘An anti-Enlightenment movement’. Do you agree with this assessment of eighteenth-century evangelicalism?
- Does the language of ‘Father’ and ‘Son’ imply that there is a hierarchy within the Trinity?
- Critically assess the implications of the claim that ‘The Word became flesh’ in the work of Athanasius.
- Imperial Context
- Worship & Holiness