Theology – Oxford Interview Questions
“How can I prepare when the interviewer could ask me absolutely anything about Theology?”
By understanding how the interview works and, crucially, what it is that the interviewer is looking for. The interviewer is not looking to catch you out, but rather for you to demonstrate your curiosity, knowledge and passion for Theology.
“How am I able to do that?”
Demonstrate your enthusiasm and personality
Show that you enjoy studying Theology independently
The easiest way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for Theology is to show that you are self-motivated and have studied the subject in your free-time for enjoyment – for example through online lectures and independent reading. If you don’t know where to start, review our suggested reading list below.
Demonstrate your subject knowledge about and passion for Theology
The key to answering these questions is to always demonstrate your thought process aloud. The interviewer does not expect you to be able to answer every question immediately, but rather wants to determine that you are able to think about and work on unknown topics with confidence, intelligence and clarity – and they won’t be able to do that if you sit in silence! Use the list of questions below to prepare. Perhaps you can have a friend or relative ask you these questions so that you can develop your skills of thinking under time pressure and speaking out loud.
Subject Interview Guide – Theology
Our Subject Interview Guides help you to prepare and go into your interview with confidence.
Each guide discusses ten Oxford Interview Questions in depth with answers and approaches – along with possible points of discussion to further demonstrate your knowledge. They have been specially edited for applicants for each subject by a team of Oxford and Cambridge graduates.
Download a sample page from our Physics Guide here.
Please Note: Currently “The Oxford Interview Guide” is available for Chemistry and Physics (available to download below). Other subjects will be available for download in November – please enter your email below to receive a notification when your subject guide is available for download.
Theology and Religious Studies Suggested Reading
Theology Interview Questions
Which of the arguments for the existence of God is the most convincing?
How would you define faith?
Do you believe that we should eradicate Christmas on the basis that it offends other religious groups?
Is the Angel of the Lord is the pre-incarnate Jesus?
What makes a strong woman?
Is it morally wrong to attempt to climb a mountain?
Could there still be a second-coming if mankind had disappeared from the planet?
How is the portrayal of Jesus in John’s Gospel different to his portrayal other Gospels?
What is the best reason you can think of for believing in God? Do you think this course could be persuasive on the matter?
How valuable do you think the Bible is to us today?
In the light of September 11th and the war on terror do you think that we should torture terrorists in order to gain information that could help save other people’s lives?
Do you think the Holy Spirit is a woman?
Will Jesus return? When? Or has he already?
How valuable do you think the Bible is to us today?
Is emotion an important part of religion?
There is a Christian priest who regularly visits India and converted to be a Hindu priest. When he is in England he still practices as a Christian priest. What problems might this pose?
What is the best reason you can think of for believing in God? Do you think this course could be persuasive on the matter?
Do the Gods command it because it is great, or is it great because the Gods command it?
Are you your body?
