Competing values and transformative learning: How can the competing values of academic rigor and spiritual formation be held together within theological education? Proposing transformative learning as an educational framework to save the marriage

Abstract

This article explores a conundrum relevant to Pentecostal theological education. The issue can be stated as a question, "How can core values that underlie Pentecostal tradition be addressed alongside the values of higher education?" Or, to put the question another way, "How can the competing values of academic rigor and spiritual formation be integrated in theological education?"The article introduces Transformative Learning as a relevant educational lens for viewing theological education arguing that a transformative learning approach fosters both knowledge creation and spiritual formation.