Mely Wezah
UTC, Bengaluru
Tension often runs high whenever the issue of affiliation is deliberated in the theological circles. The polarization is mostly between the two affiliated groups; the Senate of Serampore College/University and the Asian Theological Association (ATA) India, and the non-Senate affiliated colleges/seminaries which come under the cluster of ATA for this issue.
The Senate of Serampore College/University claims to impart sound theological education, its teaching; well-structured, contextual, and focused on spiritual and ministerial formation. It vaunts of the University Grant Commission's (UGC) recognition of its degree though it varies from university to university. Students from this university can migrate to different universities without much hassle whereas it is unfeasible for the others.
The Asian Theological Association (ATA), India professes to be at par with the Senate of Serampore College/University. They stress on evangelical theological education with a deeper exploration of the Bible, spirituality, and are oriented towards the mission. Some Colleges/Seminaries assert that their standard of theological education excels better than the former.
Both sides critique and fight each other for supremacy consciously and subconsciously. Their ego and pride are held high as each group thinks best of their respective affiliated universities.
The Senate of Serampore College/University is blamed for being too liberal and giving much importance to social issues. Its students are often accused of presenting scholarly papers and homilies that are not comprehensible to the masses and thus, failed to touch/transform human lives. Their theories and practices are called out for being too far apart from each other. Even their spirituality is judged on the basis of them spending less time reading the Bible and meditating over it.
Asian Theological Association (ATA), India too has its own share of criticisms. Many of their candidates are accused of not having the basic or required qualifications to pursue theological studies. Their theological education is called out for its lack of uniformity and for setting its academic curriculum within a limited context. Some of the colleges under the ATA, are also known for their conservativeness in outlook.
How do we tackle this ongoing internal push and pull?
There is no prize for this tussle and will lead to no victory for both sides, what is important is that both have to admit the inherent flaws within it and not make it an ego clash where both refuses to back down.
The key solution to address this conflict between the two major affiliations is to take a healthy, rational, and balanced approach towards theological education, keeping spirituality and pragmatism as the main goal. Letting off the ego clashes to eliminate the inferiority or superiority complexes that are seen within the two groups will go a long way in enabling a healthy interaction and learning between the two. Because in the end, it is not the affiliations nor the colleges/seminaries one is attached to, but how one is deeply rooted in Christ is all that matters and counts. Time and again we have to introspect and be reminded of our commitment, conviction, and the mission we are supposed to take up as theological students or scholars. To follow Christ, we need a clear conviction and personal encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ and not out of parental/societal pressure which has a negative repercussion. Theologically trained (teachers) of both groups can play a crucial role in bridging the gap. The uniqueness of one’s affiliation should not be belittled; rather both should exchange and explore the best possibilities for doing God’s ministry.
Ultimately, our life should not end in paper presentations, theological discourses, arguments, homilies, and prayers alone but demonstrate it forth through our actions.
