Happy Are Those -Happiness, Wellbeing and the Life of Faith in the Psalms

 

Harrogate School of Theology and Mission are delighted to welcome Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley to give an in person lecture on 24****th January 2026 on the topic: Happy Are Those: Happiness, Wellbeing and the Life of Faith in the Psalms.

Happiness is big business in the world out there: it motivates consumerism, advertising, political choices, and shapes communities; lack of happiness is often associated with mental health struggles. Yet the church rarely speaks of happiness, or of how a Christian framework may help us think of happiness in faithful and distinctive ways. This talk will explore how the Psalms help think about happiness, its contours and its challenges, and how we can develop a positive Christian vision for wellbeing.

Dr Hamley is the Principal of Ridley Hall, a theological college in Cambridge. Isabelle’s first love is Scripture, and the Old Testament in particular. She has written extensively about the book of Judges, and around questions of justice, violence and otherness. She is now writing a commentary on the book of Ruth.

Venue: St Mark’s Church, Leeds Rd, Harrogate

Time: 10-12noon (breakfast served from 9.30)

Tickets: £10 (including breakfast and refreshments); Students: £7; Under 18s free; Zoom live-stream: £5 per person, must be purchased online in advance here.

Tickets for in person attendance can be purchased online Live Lecture: Isabelle Hamley - 'Happy are those...' Tickets, Sat, Jan 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite or on the door (card payment preferred).

Harrogate School of Theology and Mission was launched to develop excellent theological and biblical training that is open to all. We offer 4 lecture and 4 seminars a year. We are an ecumenical partnership. www.hstm.org.uk