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New Thrust
The revival of Gurukul brought forth
new insights in theological thinking and training in Christian ministry.
These new insights include training and continued education praxis-oriented
theological action and reflection within the theological community engaged
in theological education.
Department of Women's
Studies
Department of Women's Studies at Gurukul was established in 1984 to
create an alternative to traditional theology. The fact that humans,
in the image of God are truly male and female is brought forth through
methodologies and insights in theology - to equip the scholars with
potential information on patriarchy, class, caste, environment & development;
thereby to bring about a socialization process. Gurukul also offers
M.Th. in Women's Studies since 1999.
Department of Dalit Studies
Department of Dalit Studies is an emerging study on the articulation
of Dalits' understanding of God. Churches are in the midst of their
pain and pathos, sorrow and suffering and hope and aspiration for equality
and human dignity. The department envisages reaching the society at
large through the Church so that the struggles of the dalits become
a liberating process. The department offers special certificate courses
in Ambedkar and Dalit studies and organizes consultations, seminars
on and exposures to dalit realities in order to promote awareness among
students and other interested people about the struggles of the Dalits.
Department of Theology of Human
Development Department of Theology of Human Development expresses 'Human
Development' in its entire entirety. We have come to realize that development
concerns itself primarily with the total development of the human embracing
all socio-economic-political and cultural spheres. The Christian perspective
involves sharing the suffering of the oppressed, which in turn means
sharing in Christ's suffering. Gurukul started offering the course Theology
of Human Development since 1987 to BD students.
Department of Communication
Department of Communication is a discipline in theological education
to develop communication skills with the use of new information and
communication technologies of the students for the use of the same in
their ministry later. Training in basic computer applications is offered.
The Department offers special short term certificate courses with facilities
such as an Internet Centre and a Digital Recording Studio. Audio-visual
programs for broadcasting and telecasting are executed in the studio.
Department of Mission, Ecumenism and Dialogue
Department of Mission, Ecumenism and Dialogue was established and inaugurated
in the year 1998. The focus of the department is study and research
on Mission, Ecumenism and Inter-faith dialogue. A Post Graduate studies
leading to M.Th. in Missiology. Short term, long term special certificate
courses besides training on Evangelism and Mission are offered. Inter-religious
dialogue involving Christians and Hindus is taken as a project of the
department.
Science and Religion
Science and Religion has a dynamic relationship in history, with science
at times appearing to be in conflict with religious belief, and theologians
questioning scientific theory and its techniques. In order to build
a bridge between religion and science, Gurukul has established this
Centre. Weekly discussions and public lectures are to promote a creative
mutual interchange between theology and the science. The Centre also
hopes to foster a community of teachers and scholars in the emerging
exploratory field of religion and science even outside the seminary.
Certificate, diploma and degree oriented courses are in the offering.
Widening Frontiers of Christian Theology
Widening Frontiers of Christian Theology is an effort of Gurukul to
focus and share contextual theological reflections with other theological
educators, church leaders and development activists through summer institutions
and publications. Ten such institutions on subjects of specific thrusts
had taken place in the past and their presentations were published.
The new thrust at present is on the publication of commentaries on the
Bible by Indian authors is from the perspective of the oppressed.
Internship Programs
Internship Programs for the renewal of the life of the congregation
has been chalked out by Dr. K. Rajaratnam to engage the students and
the congregations of churches in an active dialog for change in the
concept and praxis of the congregational life and witness. A fourfold
ministry of worship, nurture, proclamation and development has been
worked out for the students to engage with the congregation for intensive
ministerial training for four months.
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