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 Educación Teológica (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
