Rev. Ramesh B Mathew
How relevant is your theological education? Is a question worth asking. The relevance of theological education can be measured first by its course curriculum and secondly by its effect on the lives of students and through them to their respective communities. When I made a conscious effort to review all my educational qualifications in order to find its contributions to my personal, professional, family and community development, I did notice that I had significantly learned a great deal of knowledge and acquired relevant skills and have been contributing in various ways. But my theological education however, limited its relevance to the Spiritual development and advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.
Well, Shouldn’t Theological education be primarily focused on spiritual growth and advancement of God’s kingdom on earth? Of Course! Yes. And it is intended to be. But, over the years there have been a detour from the very purpose thus creating a tug-of-war between the original intentions that focused on centrality of Christ and the current invading philosophies which excludes that. Hence, there exist differences among the theological fraternity resulting in different schools of thoughts which are promoted by the respective affiliating or the accrediting agencies.
Now that these agencies are growing in their influence over the Christian community at – large, theological institutions have therefore, subscribe to the standards set forth by these agencies in order to establish an identity for themselves. However, in doing so, they (theological institutions) seem to have failed to assess periodically their respective course curriculum promoted by their affiliating and accrediting bodies to find its relevance in an ever changing context from where its students come from.
While the competition continues among theological institutions to woo prospective students for their respective programs, the relevance of most of its course curriculum still remains unaddressed. Most students on the other hand, pursue higher theological education in order to be socially accepted by their peers and of course to enjoy all the benefits that come along with it such as promotions and increase in salaries etc. Although, there’s nothing wrong in it, it has however, given rise to inefficiency and redundancy. Many who seek admission into higher theological education do not take into consideration their vision and mission and the objective in pursuing the program. For some, all that matters is that their educational degrees must be accredited by an agency which is approved by their respective Organizations/ Councils/ Associations in order to be accepted in to the community without scrutinizing the relevance of such programs in advancing the vision.
Then, there are those in their quest to satisfy their cravings and to establish a false identity, purchase degree certificates such as ‘Doctoral degrees” from institutions or organizations that claims to be “the university” instead of earning them. To such people theological education means nothing more than a mere commodity which can be purchased for a sum as and when wanted.
The point that I would like to make here is that whatever educational program that one desires to pursue, be it accredited /affiliated or not must always ask these fundamental questions, “What is my objective in pursuing a higher theological education? How relevant will this program be for me? And will it facilitate in advancing my vision? Will the Course curriculum of the program enhance my knowledge and skills that are required to demonstrate efficiency in the future role to be assumed? Secondly are the faculty qualified and experienced? Is the library well stocked with relevant books and research materials? As far the Church/Councils/Association are concerned, it is mandatory that they ask these questions, “Is this a program that will help the church/ community to advance the Kingdom of God? Will it facilitate in advancing corporate vision? Will it facilitate in developing a holistic well being of an individual? Is it Christ centered? And balanced in its teachings? Is the course curriculum relevant? Is the institution credible? Will it produce graduates who will demonstrate excellence in leadership and ministry? Failure to ask these questions will lead to mockery.
An individual is measured not by the number of degrees that he holds or from where he got them but by the change that those educational degrees have brought in his life, family life, and community life. Therefore, it is essential to look at institutions that are committed to investing in the lives of those desiring to make a difference in their respective communities and encourage them. “Turn away from Godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.” – 1 Timothy 6:20-21
