The Ambiguity of Theological Education: Angles on Integration

Abstract

This paper arises out of contemporary pressures on theological education in the Church of England, and responses currently being proposed. It works with the ambiguity of the phrase ‘theological education’, which applies both to the ongoing education of the church and to a more mission-related task of explaining the faith to the wider society. Both are important, as is recognition that the theological education of the church involves laity as well as clergy. Since clergy education is principally in view in the current changes, a discussion of curriculum suggests a broad coverage that attends to relations between topics, combined with some opportunity for exploration at greater depth. Community is stressed as centrally important, with the impartation of a transforming message happening within a community itself oriented to transformation. Such a community can be the nursery for a confidence based on embracing the risk that the faith is true.