The End of Theological Education (Theological Education between the Times

by Ted A. Smith

How to envision theological education in this time between the times 
   
The dominant model of theological education is coming to an end—but Ted A. Smith looks to its ultimate ends as sources of hope and renewal.  
  
Smith locates the crisis facing theological education today in a sweeping history of religion in the United States, from the standing orders of the colonial period to the voluntary associations of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He then connects today’s challenges to shifts in contemporary society, including declining religious affiliation, individualization, rising desires for authenticity, and the unraveling of professions.   
  
Smith refuses to tell the story as one of progress or decline. Instead, he puts theological education in eschatological perspective, understanding it in relation to its ultimate “knowledge of God, knowledge so deep, so intimate, that it requires and accomplishes our transformation.” This knowledge is not restricted to a professional clerical class but is given for the salvation of all. Seeing by the light of this hope, Smith calls readers to reimagine church, ministry, and theological education for this time between the times. 

Genres: Education, Theology

239 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2023

Reviews

[Ryan Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book. Required reading for anybody working in theological ed. But also super helpful in tracking the broader social pressures that are shaping our moment in the institutional life of the North American church more broadly right now. Highly recommend!

[Kate Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for people who are in theological education! Very much written to that audience, though. I'd highly recommend it to anyone before trying to get into the field -- ideally before starting higher education with the goal of becoming a professor.

That said: Smith is an academic writing to academics, which means he does a lot of hedging off potential arguments. So there are some parts that were very skim-worthy, because I didn't need him to 'prove it to me.' Especially because I've been in this field (and paying attention) for long enough that a lot of his claims match my experience.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful, thoughtful, and well conceived piece of work on the challenges of institutions that provide theological education, and the religious institutions that have relied on them as the religious landscape changes. No answers but helpful observations and challenging wonderments.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this book. It stirs my imagination. It is the work of a thoughtful reader of the scripture and of the signs of the times. It invites us into practices that can surely lead us new places in theological education but also recognizes and names new ways of being church that are active and present all around us. The best thing a book does for me is help me think about the work and the calling I have in the church and in the world. This does that.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful book on the profound changes in American culture and religion and the implications for theological education. His description of the movement from voluntary associations to individualization is worthwhile reading for those seeking to understand faith and ministry in contemporary America.

[Emmanuel Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. Smith’s book is not just about theological education, as the title suggests. Rather, it’s about navigating a new social imaginary. It’s about accepting the collapse (and death) of one world as we watch for the God who raises the dead and makes all things new. As he traces the church’s move from Standing Orders to Voluntary Associations and into something complete new, the pastoral “move” Smith makes throughout can be paraphrased as, “If God was with us back there, perhaps he will be with us up ahead.” I found this to be an uncomfortably hopeful book which makes it’s worth the read.

[Oluwatomisin Oredein · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot read this and not rethink theological education!

Ted Smith challenges what one thinks they know about theological education and inspires one to consider new ways of thinking, co-existing, and carrying forth the heart of Christian practice.

Read if you want to be pushed to consider theological education outside of familiar boxes!

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing this book for the Stone-Campbell Journal and my review will appear there.