Theology

[McCulloch]

Should theology be a recognized field of study in universities and other publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes?

the-ol-o-gy [thee-ol-uh-jee]
noun, plural -gies.

1. the field of study and analysis that treats of God and of God's attributes and relations to the universe; study of divine things or religious truth; divinity.

theology. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. (accessed: January 16, 2007).

Publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes grant baccalaureate (Bachelor of Theology; B.Th.; Th.B.), master's degrees (Master of Theology; Th.M.) and doctor's degrees (Doctor of Theology; Th.D.) in the field of Theology. Why? There is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied and tested like the sciences. There are degrees in fields other than science; literature, history, the arts. Is theology like them? Why are there not degree programs in astrology, alchemy and numerology?

[Angry_Pacifist]

Should theology be a recognized field of study in universities and other publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes?

As far as I am aware, universities offer bachelor degrees in Theology and Religious studies. Of course they are recognised as a degree, but generally the scope of their influence remains restricted to the particular church or religion they are based upon.

Why? There is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied and tested like the sciences. There are degrees in fields other than science; literature, history, the arts. Is theology like them?

Theology is not so much about objective studying and testing of particular concepts, rather it provides a more advanced insight into the religion itself, or more often, its scriptures. For example, Christian Theology courses mostly consist of advanced Bible study. I disagree that there is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied, as there are many different interpretations of the scriptures that may be compared and opinions on certain occurences may differ.

Why are there not degree programs in astrology, alchemy and numerology?

Most likely because such courses would be unprofitable. Just as theology courses differ according to that countries most practiced religion - Islamic theology is taught in eastern nations, Christian theology in western nations - other such courses would need to gain in popularity before being considered for teaching at a university.

[McCulloch]

As far as I am aware, universities offer bachelor degrees in Theology and Religious studies. Of course they are recognized as a degree, but generally the scope of their influence remains restricted to the particular church or religion they are based upon.

• Queen's University offers Master of Divinity
• Oxford University offers Master of Theology
• Regent University offers Master of Divinity
• University of Otago offers Master of Theology
• University of Toronto offers Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Theology)
• University of Auckland offers the degree of Master of Theology

Theology is not so much about objective studying and testing of particular concepts, rather it provides a more advanced insight into the religion itself, or more often, its scriptures. For example, Christian Theology courses mostly consist of advanced Bible study. I disagree that there is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied, as there are many different interpretations of the scriptures that may be compared and opinions on certain occurrences may differ.

But Theology is not the study of human society, History or Literature, it claims to be the study of God. I have no problem with publicly accredited universities granting degrees in the study of religion in society (it would be an anthropology degree) or the study of the history of religions (it would be a history degree) or the study of religious literature (it would be an arts degree) or religion in ethics (it would be a philosophy degree) or even religious counseling (psychology perhaps). But theology is the study of God. How can a university make the claim that this person knows anything about God and grant him the presumptuous title "Master of Theology".

Why are there not degree programs in astrology, alchemy and numerology?

Most likely because such courses would be unprofitable. Just as theology courses differ according to that countries most practiced religion - Islamic theology is taught in eastern nations, Christian theology in western nations - other such courses would need to gain in popularity before being considered for teaching at a university.

Academic ideals take a back seat to economic reality. I am so disillusioned!

[Angry_Pacifist]

But Theology is not the study of human society, History or Literature, it claims to be the study of God

Looking at the course structure set out for Theology, it is not a study of god as such, but a study of the scriptures attributed to him. The degree is not undertaken in a spiritual sense to become closer to god, rather it is to become more familiar with the texts. As a lawyer needs to memorise particular laws and legal practices in order to implement them in legal arguments, so a Theologian becomes familiar with the Scriptures in order to further explore their religion.

But theology is the study of God. How can a university make the claim that this person knows anything about God and grant him the presumptuous title "Master of Theology".

In giving the the graduate the title "Master of Theology" the degree does not imply a direct knowledge of God, but rather the capacity to form ideas about God given their greater knowledge of the scriptures relating to him.

Academic ideals take a back seat to economic reality. I am so disillusioned!

As disillusioning as it may seem, these things happen. Economic ideals often preside over academic and technological advances. Human beings can be very selfish at times.

[palmera]

I think I can bring something useful to the table. I'm currently applying for an Master of Theological Studies; an M.A.: Religious Studies; and an M.A. Religion and Politics. (I hoping to be accepted for the latter) There are many different degrees and programs offered by many different institutions regarding the study of religion. While a Master of Theology/ Master of Divinity is geared toward Seminary, there are other degrees, such as the M.T.S. which are used in preparation for a PhD so one can teach Religious Studies at the college level.

Also, there are two different ways to study religion: 1) at a Seminary which offers both MA Divinity and MA Theological Studies (and other degrees in between) or 2) at a Grad School for the Arts and Social Science in which you receive an MA. Now some seminaries are geared toward one religion, some are not. Some schools, like UC Santa Barbara offer an MTS while intentionally non denominational, when it seems they should be offering an MA. Though the study of religion is multidisciplinary in nature it cannot be sectioned off into sections of history, anthropology, literature etc. Of course the study of religion is not the same thing as the study of god, an MTS and an MA are very similar in nature- depending on what school you go to. ]

It's all very confusing, and difficult to suss out. Theoretically, I don't think the field of theology should be an academic discipline; but in reality such study is comparative and seeks how theories on God affect individuals and society. It's offered as a Grad degree also because many seminaries will not admit any old hack into their program. Having a Masters helps out a lot. So, basically you need a masters to teach and preach. Anywho....

[Cephus]

Publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes grant baccalaureate (Bachelor of Theology; B.Th.; Th.B.), master's degrees (Master of Theology; Th.M.) and doctor's degrees (Doctor of Theology; Th.D.) in the field of Theology. Why? There is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied and tested like the sciences. There are degrees in fields other than science; literature, history, the arts. Is theology like them? Why are there not degree programs in astrology, alchemy and numerology?

Largely, whether or not they want to admit it, theology is like the study of a particular mythology and as far as that goes, you can certainly study it, just like you can study other literary works. You can't objectively test Shakespeare either, but you can certainly study it. Theology is certainly not a science by any means though, nor should anyone pretend it is.

[LightGrenade04]

Should theology be a recognized field of study in universities and other publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes?

Yes.

Publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes grant baccalaureate (Bachelor of Theology; B.Th.; Th.B.), master's degrees (Master of Theology; Th.M.) and doctor's degrees (Doctor of Theology; Th.D.) in the field of Theology. Why? There is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied and tested like the sciences. There are degrees in fields other than science; literature, history, the arts. Is theology like them?

There's nothing in philosophy that can be objectively studied and tested like the empirical sciences either, yet no one would dream of removing it from the corpus of legitimate academic fields of study. You may insist that philosophy has reality itself to study (and I would agree with you), but the fact remains that it's not an empirical science and some of these academic philosophers will tell you that there isn't any objective reality! You may still insist that theology has nothing like that, but that simply begs the question - the theologian's study of revelation is analogous to the content philosopher's engage.

Why are there not degree programs in astrology, alchemy and numerology?

Because they're devoid of intellectual content?

[Furrowed Brow]

Should theology be a recognized field of study in universities and other publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes?

Yes.

Publicly recognized and accredited educational institutes grant baccalaureate (Bachelor of Theology; B.Th.; Th.B.), master's degrees (Master of Theology; Th.M.) and doctor's degrees (Doctor of Theology; Th.D.) in the field of Theology. Why? There is nothing in theology that can be objectively studied and tested like the sciences. There are degrees in fields other than science; literature, history, the arts. Is theology like them?

There's nothing in philosophy that can be objectively studied and tested like the empirical sciences either, yet no one would dream of removing it from the corpus of legitimate academic fields of study. You may insist that philosophy has reality itself to study (and I would agree with you), but the fact remains that it's not an empirical science and some of these academic philosophers will tell you that there isn't any objective reality! You may still insist that theology has nothing like that, but that simply begs the question - the theologian's study of revelation is analogous to the content philosopher's engage.

Why are there not degree programs in astrology, alchemy and numerology?

Because they're devoid of intellectual content?

I think there is a difference between philosophy and theology. Philosophy does not beg the question. You can have religious philosophers but philosophy of religion is empty of commitment. Theology already starts with the presumption there is a God; or if there are Theology courses out there that do not presume so, then I'd say they are really offering philosophy of religion and should be renamed.

[Goat]

[
I think there is a difference between philosophy and theology. Philosophy does not beg the question. You can have religious philosophers but philosophy of religion is empty of commitment. Theology already starts with the presumption there is a God; or if there are Theology courses out there that do not presume so, then I'd say they are really offering philosophy of religion and should be renamed.

I am not too sure that philosopher does NOT beg the question. It all depends on the particular philosophy. Ideally it doesn't.. but since when have the mental endeavors of man been ideal?

[LightGrenade04]

Theology already starts with the presumption there is a God

And the problem with this is what?