PERRY SHAW is Professor of Education at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, Lebanon, and author of Transforming Theological Education. He has an EdD from Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance. Perry and his family have been living in the Middle East since 1990, serving in a variety of church and seminary-related ministries. HAVILAH DHARAMRAJ is Academic Dean and Head of the Department of Old Testament at the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore, India. She has a doctoral degree from the University of Durham, UK, in narrative theology.
This expansive collection of essays joins a growing number of
efforts questioning PhD education in the theological disciplines:
Is the degree too expensive and take too much time? Does it impose
an intellectual pattern that is insensitive to other patterns of
intellectual effort? How does it advance the work and witness of
communities of faith? The essays in Challenging Tradition
thoughtfully pursue these and other issues about advanced
theological education in the Majority World. They offer both
critique of Western advanced theological education and an
interesting array of proposals that could enhance the intellectual,
educational, and cultural value of advanced theological education
in the Majority World. While the editors state that the intended
audience is leaders of emerging programs of advanced theological
studies in the Majority World, these essays have considerable value
for theological educators in the West as well.
Daniel O. Aleshire, PhD
Former Executive Director, The Association of Theological Schools
in the United States and Canada
There has been a seismic shift in the global church, from the
Global North to the Global South. The church is growing and
thriving in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other parts of the
Majority World. This offers opportunities for the revitalization
and renewal of the church worldwide, including fresh innovations in
theological education. In Challenging Tradition, we are offered an
invaluable insight into alternative and innovative approaches to
theological education and advanced theological studies. I found the
insights of this book both challenging and thrilling, and believe
that this book will help renew and transform theological education
worldwide.
Graham Hill, PhD
Provost, Morling College, Sydney, Australia
Author of GlobalChurch
Most of theological education in the world is in crisis. The
problem is not the resources or the curriculum or teachers. The
real problem is the lack of vision to our time. The world has
changed, the church has changed, and the ministry has changed, but
theological education remains the same. This book that Perry Shaw
and Havilah Dharamraj have edited has the intention to change this
situation with a creative and challenging approach. All who have a
real concern about advanced theological education for the present
and the future must read this book, not just to be aware of new
ideas but to be part of this revolution.
Norberto Saracco, PhD
Founder, Facultad Internacional de Educaci n Teol gica (FIET)
Challenging Tradition: Innovation in Advanced Theological Education
is a rich collection of the work of twenty-three global theological
scholars, who share about their own life and experience serving in
theological education in the Majority World for many years. This
handbook blends educational theory, diverse contexts and
multicultural aspects that require a mindful consideration of how
we approach teaching and learning in the context where we are
called to lead and teach. Dr Shaw's and Dr Dharamraj's commitment
to provide theological education leaders and faculty with resources
that will contribute to equipping transformational servant leaders
and church ministers with creativity and innovation in each context
is reflected in the topics included in this handbook. As I looked
at each chapter, I started to picture in my mind how theological
education would look like as readers embark on a journey toward the
transformation of global theological education. Theological
educators and church leaders committed to develop disciples of
Jesus Christ, who are able to serve effectively in theological
education institutions and churches in their own contexts, will
benefit with this valuable resource.
Orbelina Eguizabal, PhD
Professor of Christian Higher Education, Talbot School of Theology,
Biola University, La Mirada, CA, USA
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