The Importance of Aesthetics in Theological Education: A Philosophical Reading of the Recent Discussions in the Turkish Case

Abstract

When the quality of theological education is discussed within the theological circles, the problem mostly focuses on the ability of the graduates in terms of their ability to read, comprehend and interpret the religious texts. The implied conclusion is that they possess none of these outcomes; thus the curricula need be strengthened in that aspect. However, the most important point missing in the discussion is the aesthetic aspect of the theological curriculum, since the service provided by the theology graduates is aimed at humanity in general and aesthetics is the mian bond in human relations, especially religious. The paper will try to explain how and why aesthetics can play a vital role in theological education not only on the services provided but also in daily social relations of human beings.