New Canon Pastor appointed - Truro Cathedral

So it is very important to us that those studying
for ministry hear the questions, and learn from
the thinking, of those who are not candidates for
recognised ministry. This process also works in
reverse - 'public students' get to hear how the
latest candidates for ministry are thinking and
approaching their task.
Who teaches this programme?
The modules are taught by a collection of
experienced teachers, some associated with the
University of Exeter, some with SWMTC, some
retired from senior positions.
Encountering Theology is a programme of
academic theology, taught at evening classes in
Exeter and Truro and by distance learning. The
terms can be studied individually or together, and
either for credit towards a University of Exeter
award, or by 'sitting-in' without the need to do any
assignments. A parallel programme at Certificate
level is available through University College
Plymouth St Mark and St John.
The year 2011-12 is the 'bible' year at Certificate
level - study of the Old and New Testaments and
of the history of Christianity. At diploma level we
offer in-depth study of the Gospel of Mark,
examination of the shape of 20th Century
theology, and a focus on ecotheology and
ecojustice.
FAQs:
www.encounteringtheology.info
Why is the South West Ministry Training
Course offering this provision?
SWMTC is strongly committed to the exploration of
theology as a public discipline - one that makes
truth-claims and experiences challenges not just
within the Christian church, but out in the world.
Why should I study ET rather than other
Christian courses?
We do not seek to persuade prospective students
to abandon the many other programmes
operating in the region - for example the courses
of the Peninsula Gospel Partnership, the Diocese
of Exeter's 'Exploring Christianity', or the
Diocese of Truro's 'Windows into the Christian
Faith'. These are good and thoughtful courses
and all of them meet the needs of many
explorers.
ET is for you if you want to learn and to use the
tools that academic theology has developed to
think critically about biblical texts, and about the
many ways Christian thinkers have used to try
and understand God's ways with the world.
ET is for you if you agree with us that that
learning should take place not just in the context
of the Church, but in 'the public square'.
ET is definitely for you if you want to pursue that
learning towards an award with a major
university with an international reputation for
theology. (It may also be that you are asked to
study modules on ET if you are thinking of
candidating for recognised ministry.)
For full details on the course visit:
www.encounteringtheology.info
or pick up a leaflet in the Narthex
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