An Assessment of Theological Education in Post-Marxist Europe With a Proposed Model for the Latvian Setting

Abstract

<p>The prime purpose of the thesis is the assessment of the development of Christian theological education in the context of historico-ideological changes after the disintegration of Marxist hegemony in Eastern Europe with the objective of developing and proposing a model of good theological education for a concrete setting, - a model which may be adaptable in other countries with similar conditions.</p> <p>The thesis delineates with a concise history of Christian theological education and the different methods and models of education have been used and developed. Eleven distinct models of theological education are identified and analyzed.</p> <p>A chapter deals with present status of theological education in Post-Marxist countries. It outlines the historical background of Evangelical Theological Education in Baltic states and the neighboring countries - Russia and Poland. In these countries theological education has been for decades interrupted and hindered by atheistic governments. There follows an analytical survey on the present status of theological education in these countries based on data supplied by twenty three representative institutions of theological education in Eastern Europe. The results are compared with two institutions of Western Europe. The survey includes a variety of pertinent topics, such as the dynamics of founding schools, the general profile of schools, analysis of the student body, economics, governance, faculty, libraries, and course offerings.</p> <p>A substantial chapter is devoted to elaborating the concept of a good theological school in Eastern Europe. The need for a solid philosophical foundation is emphasized. Attention is directed to practical dimensions, such as a balanced course of study; human, financial, and information resources; administration and governance. The section closes with the description of applicable methods for the teaching/learning process, incorporating some innovative approaches.</p> <p>The concluding chapter delineates a proposed model for the Latvian setting, integrating programs for students of specialized streams of study: theological and pastoral, youth and children, evangelism and mission, Christian social ministry, Christian writing and translation.</p> <p>The thesis is written from a Baptist perspective, yet it is Evangelical in its content and, as such, embodies issues pertinent to theological education of related denominations.</p>