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Yuin
University, School of Theology, is an interdenominational institute.
Although there are a variety of expressions and worship within Christianity,
the School of Theology relies on the authoritative Old and New Testament
Scriptures as the basis of its study of theology. The study of theology
and faith-based action are inseparable. Theology is empty and fruitless
without practice. Just as the biblical writers were engaged in missionary
practice, so must all interpreters be. Christianity is not a private
religion, but public in nature. In the words of Emil Brunner, “The
Church exists by mission as fire exists by burning.” Since
God is a missionary God, the people of God are a missionary people.
Along
with its resident programs, the School of Theology provides non-traditional
independent study system of education. The School does not require
formal, on-campus residence or classroom attendance. Students are
permitted to complete all course work, studies, research and writing
requirements through prescriptive independent study courses or programs
with guidance from the School and instructing faculty members. Course
work is completed through writing assignments. Academic progress
is monitored by instructing faculty members and School Dean.
School
of Theology Mission
The
mission of the church is not secondary; mission is its very nature.
Therefore, Yuin University exists for the purpose of missionary
encounter with the world. It is the goal of the Yuin University
School of Theology to bridge the division between orthodoxy and
orthopraxis, i.e. to bring together knowledge and action. Theology
is not the private property of elite intellectuals, but arises from
the context of biblical writers who were mission practitioners.
Therefore, the inspired Scriptures should be interpreted today for
the purpose of application in the world. Since the biblical writers
were engaged with the needy world around them; so should we be.
Yuin University believes that the Scriptures are authoritative for
faith and practice today. Therefore, Yuin University believes that
the Scriptures provide the over-arching moral agenda for the school.
School
of Theology Purpose
Yuin
University’s School of Theology provides higher learning and
continuing education for church pastors, Religious leaders and missionaries
without leaving their current ministries in which they are involved.
Undoubtedly, Christian ministry today is being carried on in the
midst of tremendous revolutionary changes affecting every aspect
of human life. Therefore, ministers and religious leaders must equip
themselves not only with basic biblical and theological foundations
for ministry, but also with professional competence and advanced
skills and techniques in the areas of counseling, spiritual therapy
and intercultural communication.
The
Graduate Studies Program is intended to equip students for teaching
and research in theological seminaries, colleges and universities
throughout the world. Applicants should have a demonstrable academic
gift and a Christian calling for a life of scholarly research, theological
reflection and communication. In order to complete the program,
participants must demonstrate facility in scholarly research and
writing in the form of a dissertation, mastery of a particular discipline
within the context of the total theological curriculum, and familiarity
with teaching methods and skills for a future ministry in theological
education.
School
of Theology Objective
- Each
student in the School of Theology will strive to become highly
competent in history, literature, religious principles and practices,
and philosophy of the religion selected for his/her major field
of study. It is understood that Yuin University’s expectations
for such competence are appropriate to the degree level of the
program in which the student is enrolled.
-
Each student will pursue his/her studies through guided independent
study and will develop greater self-discipline and maturity as
a result of such study.
The student in an independent study program is selected for his/her
individual maturity and potential for self-discipline. It is expected
that these qualities will develop to a greater degree as a result
of completing an independent study program, and that the refinement
of these qualities will greatly enhance the student later in his/her
professional career.
- Each
student will be motivated to pursue his/her spiritual growth as
an adjunct to his/her studies in the School of Theology. The University
holds to the principles that the study of religions should be
informed by personal, spiritual experience. Although dispassionate
contemplation is a valued academic tool in this study as well
as in the study of more secular subjects, much spiritual truth
cannot be fully understood in the dispassionate mode. The student
must be in the process of growing spiritually in order to gain
full spiritual wisdom.
- Each
student, though coming from a particular religious tradition,
will become familiar with the common experiences and intentions
that underlie all traditions. Religious traditions are distinguished
as much by what they all share as by their differences. In studying
in any of the School of Theology programs, it is the intention
of Yuin University that the student retains this essence.
- Each
student will utilize his or her education at Yuin University to
build on a foundation of authentic religious experience. The School
of Theology programs are targeted for persons of well-developed
understanding of religious study matter, including current members
of the pastorate and church leadership, and individuals with well-developed
interest in Christianity. It is expected that such individuals
also possess the motivation necessary to meet the demands of a
guided independent study mode of academic delivery.
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