Dr. Tennent presented a paper on "Global Christianity and its impact on Theological Education in India." He began with a historical review of theological education from the early church through reformation to the 21st century, where multiple centers of Christianity is emerging.
He listed seven possible emerging global trends in theological education:
1. Emergence of global accreditation body with high standards
2. Many new two way partnership: shared expertise and resources
3. Explosion of demand for higher theological education.
4. Rise of hybrid education: residential and online
5. Inter-denominational program.
6. Array of new kind of church relationships.
7. Palieo-orthodoxy: Rebirth of interest in ancient Christianity; reintegration of disciplines.
1. Emergence of global accreditation body with high standards
2. Many new two way partnership: shared expertise and resources
3. Explosion of demand for higher theological education.
4. Rise of hybrid education: residential and online
5. Inter-denominational program.
6. Array of new kind of church relationships.
7. Palieo-orthodoxy: Rebirth of interest in ancient Christianity; reintegration of disciplines.
He also perceived seven hindrances to theological education in India:
1. Socio-ethnic diversity in India. 6000 people groups in India is the cause for slow growth.
2. Lack of collaboration within missions due to lack of trust.
3. Indigenous language development. Christian discourse in India is much English dominated. Usual underestimation of the importance of local languages.
4. Lack of Christian conversation with contextual challenges and government: lack of public theology and marketplace theology.
5. Improper understanding of gospel and culture. Christianity in South India is both a religious and cultural movements, but Christianity looks much different in North
6. The issue of authority: Autocratic, heavy-handed leadership.
7. Disconnection of seminaries with the local churches and mission agencies.
1. Socio-ethnic diversity in India. 6000 people groups in India is the cause for slow growth.
2. Lack of collaboration within missions due to lack of trust.
3. Indigenous language development. Christian discourse in India is much English dominated. Usual underestimation of the importance of local languages.
4. Lack of Christian conversation with contextual challenges and government: lack of public theology and marketplace theology.
5. Improper understanding of gospel and culture. Christianity in South India is both a religious and cultural movements, but Christianity looks much different in North
6. The issue of authority: Autocratic, heavy-handed leadership.
7. Disconnection of seminaries with the local churches and mission agencies.
Following the presentation was a Q&A session, where the participants raised several questions. This highly-insightful seminar ended with refreshments, organized by SAIACS staff. We extend our special thanks to Dr. Ian Payne, Principal of SAIACS, for extending the invitation to New Life College.
Dr. Timothy C. Tennent is currently the President of Asbury Theological Seminary, one of the prominent seminaries in USA. He has been associated with New Theological Seminary, Dehradun since its inception.
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