Today\u2019s convergence of earth-shattering events reminds us of a \u201cperfect storm.\u201d It\u2019s interesting that we call it \u201cperfect\u201d when almost everything we come to expect and rely on has been disrupted\u2014far from anything perfect.<\/p>\n
Human beings are creatures of habit. We like to have agendas, schedules, calendars and routines to remind us that life is predictable and familiar. But at the same time, while we clock in and out, meet the sunrise on our faces and have the sunset on our backs or even enjoy each season with its unique attractions, we believe in the sense that there\u2019s some permanence. The sand is not necessarily shifting under our feet. But when a perfect storm comes, we are knocked off our false sense that we are standing perfectly still and the world is swirling all around us.<\/p>\n
Traditional Western theology articulated by theologians and reflected in our religious institutions has been the standard of scholarship for many years until the post-modern era and the emergence of liberation theology. What was referred to as canon is now seen as only one of many truths. Like the world with all of its differences, our canon is not the only orthodoxy.<\/p>\n
In light of these realities, I offer three thoughts.<\/p>\n
1. Faith Stories<\/p>\n
Since God has converted each person, a seminarian comes with his\/her faith story from a particular tradition. In the past, we have joked about someone\u2019s faith would be lost or at least shaken when coming to seminary. Whether the person hails from a more evangelical or a progressive theological background, these core faith roots are in place and the seminary\u2019s objective is to expand the seminarian\u2019s understanding and appreciation of other faith traditions. For these others hold truths as well. This exposure prepares the seminarian from their own particular faith story to be ecumenical, inter-faith conscious, globally aware and a long view of history. Andover Newton\u2019s Baptist and Congregational roots afford such personal endeavors in \u201csoul liberty.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. Self-Awareness<\/p>\n
Especially for persons who derive from the majority culture, the opportunity to understand oneself can be rare. For most people of color, the task of \u201cknowing one\u2019s place\u201d in the world is necessary for survival. In today\u2019s Black Lives Matter movement, more people are learning about white privilege, systemic and structural racism. When seminarians are aware of one\u2019s own heritage, race, and culture along with inherent biases, they would be more sensitive and effective in relating and ministering to people who are both similar as well as different from themselves. Rigorous Clinical Pastoral Education is one program that helps seminarians to understand oneself. Intercultural opportunities such as Border Crossings immerse persons to become<\/p>\n
self-aware.<\/p>\n
3. Adaptive Skills<\/p>\n
Covid-19 has disrupted the entire world\u2019s systems forcing everyone to adapt to new practices to become new habits. Like \u201csurvival of the fittest,\u201d those religious leaders who are able to quickly and confidently adapt to the new normal will survive. Teaching and developing adaptive skills in seminarians such as remote learning would prepare leaders when the next paradigm shift comes.<\/p>\n
In regards to a seminary\u2019s requirements to have a \u201ccore curriculum,\u201d there may still be as such but for a relevant seminary to exist in the future, whatever is deemed core or central needs to be regularly questioned and revised. Whether we believe it or not, the world is constantly changing and it\u2019s time for us to catch up.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Today\u2019s convergence of earth-shattering events reminds us of a \u201cperfect storm.\u201d It\u2019s interesting that we call it \u201cperfect\u201d when almost everything we come to expect and rely on has been