NEXT STEPS DUE IN JANUARY

Here are the two components of my next assignment in preparation for my dissertation:

1. Research Strategy (Methodology)

This part of the prospectus presents how the different areas of research come together to form a coherent whole. Which biblical texts will you work with and why? Which historical figures or historical periods will you study and why? Are there particular areas of theology that you’ll need to address? You should justify each component of the project (e.g., biblical, historical) and articulate why it is necessary to successfully complete the work. What does each area contribute to the whole? 

2. Chapter Summaries 

This section will include a paragraph-length summary of each chapter that describes the content of the chapter at a basic level. The summaries should include some details about what will go in the chapter. Be specific and avoid vagueness. In the biblical research, are there specific texts and authors that will be considered and discussed. Which research questions will be addressed in each chapter? What are the most important authors and ideas to be addressed in the literature review? 

Both parts are due January 2nd, so I need to set aside my fascination - and disgust - with the Kirk Cameron controversy and get working on them. 

Here are the bare minimum chapters I am to summarize in anticipation of my final paper:

1. Introduction

2. Literature Review

3. Biblical/Theological Chapter

4. Historical Chapter

5. Reports on Questionnaires, Surveys, Interviews

6. Contribution to Ministry

7. Conclusion

Like I've already said, the historical aspect of this project does not naturally excite me. BUT if I find information that is relevant to my project as a whole, then maybe I will get into it. 

(I sure hope this proves to be the case since research is a slog in and of itself - and nearly unbearable if you aren't particularly interested in the findings.)

I read a short article in The Christian Century by Ryan Bonfiglio that gave me some hope. In speaking about the advent of seminaries in the 16th century, Bonfiglio states, "Prior to 1563, it would have been more natural to see theological education as an aspect of discipleship, not an act of professional credentialing."*

In other words, the spread of seminaries came at a tremendous cost to the church as a whole since they took theological education out of the hands of the local congregations and concentrated it in a few locations. As a result, local education efforts dwindled over time while theological education came to be viewed as a pursuit belonging solely to professionals. 

Anyway, it reminds me that history is a worthwhile study and that maybe I will find some past ideas and practices which turn out to be relevant to the narrower focus of my project: grounding youth with a deeper understanding of the faith and then equipping them to take responsibility for the future of their own theological education. 

* It’s time to rethink our assumptions about where theological education happens | The Christian Century