Boston University School of Theology
Encyclopedia
Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is the oldest theological seminary
of American Methodism
and the founding school of Boston University
, the largest private research university in New England
. It is one of thirteen theological schools maintained by the United Methodist Church
. BUSTH is a member of the Boston Theological Institute
consortium.
, started a biblical studies program at the seminary in 1840. It was named the Newbury Biblical Institute.
In 1847 a Congregational Society in Concord, New Hampshire
, invited the Institute to relocate to Concord and made available a disused Congregational church building with a capcity of 1200 people. Other citizens of Concord covered the remodeling costs. One stipulation of the invitation was that the Institute remain in Concord for at least 20 years. The charter issued by New Hampshire designated the school the "Methodist General Biblical Institute", but it was commonly called the "Concord Biblical Institute." The school graduated its first class in 1850.
With the agreed twenty years coming to a close, the Trustees of the Concord Biblical Institute purchased 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) on Aspinwall Hill in Brookline, Massachusetts as a possible relocation site. The Institute moved in 1867 to 23 Pinkney Street in Boston and received a Massachusetts Charter as the "Boston Theological Institute."
In 1869, three Trustees of the Boston Theological Institute obtained from the Massachusetts Legislature a charter for a university by name of "Boston University." These three were successful Boston businessmen and Methodist laymen, with a history of involvement in educational enterprises and became the Founders of Boston University. In 1871, the Boston Theological Institute was incorporated into Boston University as its first professional school, the Boston University School of Theology.
Over the course of its history, the Boston University School of Theology played a central role in the development of the fields of philosophical theology
(e.g. Boston Personalism
), social ethics, missions and ecumenism
, and pastoral psychology
. Because of its roots in the egalitarianism of nineteenth-century Methodism, from its beginning the school admitted women and African-Americans for all degree programs. In 1880, Anna Howard Shaw, the second woman to graduate from the school, became the first woman ordained in the Methodist Protestant Church
, one of the forerunners of the United Methodist Church
. As late as the 1960s, the vast majority of African-Americans with doctorates in religion were trained at Boston University. A study in 1983 showed that the largest number of doctoral dissertations in mission studies had been produced at Boston University.
The Anna Howard Shaw Center -- Director, Dr. Hee An Choi
The Center for Global Christianity and Mission -- Director, Dr. Dana Robert
The Center for Practical Theology - Co-Directors, Dr. Bryan Stone
and Dr. Claire Wolfteich
The Religion and Conflict Transformation Program - Co-Directors, Rodney Petersen and Thomas Porter
(MSM) programs in the United States. The academic degrees offered are as follows:
First-level masters:
Second-level masters:
Doctoral:
Additionally, the following degree programs are available within the School of Theology and in conjunction with the Boston University School of Social Work:
The PhD programs offered through the Division of Religious and Theological Studies (DRTS) at Boston University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences share many students and faculty with the School of Theology.
While the school has extremely strong faculty in all of these areas, BUSTH has a particularly strong reputation in several academic areas. These include religion and science; missiology and World Christianity; theology and philosophy; religion and conflict transformation; social and environmental ethics; and religion and counseling.
The Boston University School of Theology is a member of the Boston Theological Institute
. Students at any of the eight member schools may enroll in classes at any other school. Thus, BUSTH has access to a wide range of academic resources beyond those at the school itself.
, dozens of Methodist bishops, and numerous prominent teachers and pastors. Important leaders who graduated from the school include the following:
. Student groups operate under the aegis of the school's student body government, the Boston University Theological Students' Association (BUTSA). Student groups include Sacred Worth (a student organization devoted to the sacred worth of all individuals, regardless of gender or orientation), Korean Students Association, Black Seminarians, CAUSE (a group that promotes social and ecological justice), the MTS club (for fellowship among theology students), thEcology Group (a group devoted to ecological justice and sustainability initiatives), and the Seminary Singers (the service choir for the Wednesday Chapel service).
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
of American Methodism
Methodism
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations, claiming a total of approximately seventy million adherents worldwide. The movement traces its roots to John Wesley's evangelistic revival movement within Anglicanism. His younger brother...
and the founding school of Boston University
Boston University
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With more than 4,000 faculty members and more than 31,000 students, Boston University is one of the largest private universities in the United States and one of Boston's largest employers...
, the largest private research university in New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
. It is one of thirteen theological schools maintained by the United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley...
. BUSTH is a member of the Boston Theological Institute
Boston Theological Institute
Boston Theological Institute is the largest theological consortium in the world, bringing together the resources of universities and divinity schools throughout the greater Boston area and some of the most prestigious educational institutions...
consortium.
History
On 24–25 April 1839 a group of Methodist ministers and laymen met at the Old Bromfield Street Church in Boston and elected to establish a Methodist theological school. Following that vote, Osmon C. Baker, director of the Newbury Seminary, a high school and literary institution in Newbury, VermontNewbury (town), Vermont
Newbury is a town in Orange County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,955 at the 2000 census. Newbury includes the villages of Newbury, Center Newbury, West Newbury, South Newbury, Boltonville, Peach Four Corners, and Wells River.-History:...
, started a biblical studies program at the seminary in 1840. It was named the Newbury Biblical Institute.
In 1847 a Congregational Society in Concord, New Hampshire
Concord, New Hampshire
The city of Concord is the capital of the state of New Hampshire in the United States. It is also the county seat of Merrimack County. As of the 2010 census, its population was 42,695....
, invited the Institute to relocate to Concord and made available a disused Congregational church building with a capcity of 1200 people. Other citizens of Concord covered the remodeling costs. One stipulation of the invitation was that the Institute remain in Concord for at least 20 years. The charter issued by New Hampshire designated the school the "Methodist General Biblical Institute", but it was commonly called the "Concord Biblical Institute." The school graduated its first class in 1850.
With the agreed twenty years coming to a close, the Trustees of the Concord Biblical Institute purchased 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) on Aspinwall Hill in Brookline, Massachusetts as a possible relocation site. The Institute moved in 1867 to 23 Pinkney Street in Boston and received a Massachusetts Charter as the "Boston Theological Institute."
In 1869, three Trustees of the Boston Theological Institute obtained from the Massachusetts Legislature a charter for a university by name of "Boston University." These three were successful Boston businessmen and Methodist laymen, with a history of involvement in educational enterprises and became the Founders of Boston University. In 1871, the Boston Theological Institute was incorporated into Boston University as its first professional school, the Boston University School of Theology.
Over the course of its history, the Boston University School of Theology played a central role in the development of the fields of philosophical theology
Philosophical Theology
Philosophical theology is the disciplined employment of philosophical methods in developing or analyzing theological concepts. It therefore includes natural theology as well as philosophical treatments of orthodox and heterodox theology....
(e.g. Boston Personalism
Personalism
Personalism is a philosophical school of thought searching to describe the uniqueness of a human person in the world of nature, specifically in relation to animals...
), social ethics, missions and ecumenism
Ecumenism
Ecumenism or oecumenism mainly refers to initiatives aimed at greater Christian unity or cooperation. It is used predominantly by and with reference to Christian denominations and Christian Churches separated by doctrine, history, and practice...
, and pastoral psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. Because of its roots in the egalitarianism of nineteenth-century Methodism, from its beginning the school admitted women and African-Americans for all degree programs. In 1880, Anna Howard Shaw, the second woman to graduate from the school, became the first woman ordained in the Methodist Protestant Church
Methodist Protestant Church
The Methodist Protestant Church is a regional Church body which was officially formed in 1828 by former members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining Wesleyan in doctrine and worship, but adopting congregational governance....
, one of the forerunners of the United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley...
. As late as the 1960s, the vast majority of African-Americans with doctorates in religion were trained at Boston University. A study in 1983 showed that the largest number of doctoral dissertations in mission studies had been produced at Boston University.
Centers and institutes
The following centers and institutes are affiliated with Boston University School of Theology:The Anna Howard Shaw Center -- Director, Dr. Hee An Choi
The Center for Global Christianity and Mission -- Director, Dr. Dana Robert
The Center for Practical Theology - Co-Directors, Dr. Bryan Stone
Bryan Stone
Bryan Stone is a systematic and practical theologian who specializes in research related to evangelism and congregational development, theology and film, urban and multicultural ministry, and the theology of John Wesley. Dr. Stone holds a PhD from Southern Methodist University, an MDiv from the...
and Dr. Claire Wolfteich
The Religion and Conflict Transformation Program - Co-Directors, Rodney Petersen and Thomas Porter
Programs
The Boston University School of Theology includes several special academic programs, including one of only seven Master of Sacred MusicMaster of Sacred Music
The Master of Sacred Music degree is a two to five year post-baccalaureate degree that combines academic and musical studies. The closure of graduate programs in organ performance across America has made the MSM increasingly the de facto degree for advanced studies in church music; MSM graduates...
(MSM) programs in the United States. The academic degrees offered are as follows:
First-level masters:
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) - six semesters.
- Master of Theological Studies (MTS) - four semesters.
- Master of Sacred Music (MSM) - four semesters.
Second-level masters:
- Master of Sacred Theology (STM) - two semesters. (The STM in Military Chaplaincy was recently introduced, with a concentration in either Religion and Conflict Transformation or Trauma Healing.)
Doctoral:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
- Doctor of Theology (ThD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - in Practical Theology
Additionally, the following degree programs are available within the School of Theology and in conjunction with the Boston University School of Social Work:
- MDiv/Master of Social Work (MSW)
- MTS/MSW
- MDiv/MSM
The PhD programs offered through the Division of Religious and Theological Studies (DRTS) at Boston University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences share many students and faculty with the School of Theology.
Academics
Classes at BUSTH are organized into four broad groupings:- Area A - Biblical and Historical Studies
- Area B - Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics
- Area C - Religion, Culture, and Personality
- Area D - Ministry in Church and Society
While the school has extremely strong faculty in all of these areas, BUSTH has a particularly strong reputation in several academic areas. These include religion and science; missiology and World Christianity; theology and philosophy; religion and conflict transformation; social and environmental ethics; and religion and counseling.
The Boston University School of Theology is a member of the Boston Theological Institute
Boston Theological Institute
Boston Theological Institute is the largest theological consortium in the world, bringing together the resources of universities and divinity schools throughout the greater Boston area and some of the most prestigious educational institutions...
. Students at any of the eight member schools may enroll in classes at any other school. Thus, BUSTH has access to a wide range of academic resources beyond those at the school itself.
Notable alumni
Prominent alumni of BUSTH include the presidents of Methodist institutions such as DePauw UniversityDePauw University
DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, USA, is a private, national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school has a Methodist heritage and was originally known as Indiana Asbury University. DePauw is a member of both the Great Lakes Colleges Association...
, dozens of Methodist bishops, and numerous prominent teachers and pastors. Important leaders who graduated from the school include the following:
- Dr. James L. Farmer, Sr.James L. Farmer, Sr.James Leonard Farmer, Sr. was an American author, theologian, educator, and the first African-American Texan to earn a doctorate. Farmer served as a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church and as a professor at several historically black colleges and universities in the U.S...
, the first African-American from Texas to earn a doctorate; - Dr. Anna Howard ShawAnna Howard ShawAnna Howard Shaw was a leader of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. She was also a physician and the first ordained female Methodist minister in the United States. Her birthday is celebrated as Anna Howard Shaw Day, as an alternative to St. Valentine's Day.-Early Life:Shaw was...
, President of Suffrage Association; - Samuel Logan BrengleSamuel logan brengleSamuel Logan Brengle was a commissioner in The Salvation Army and a leading author, teacher and preacher on the doctrine of Holiness. His books include The Soul Winner's Secret, Helps to Holiness and Heart Talks on Holiness....
, Salvation Army theologian; - Dr. Helen Kim, Korean educator;
- Rev.Dr. K.U. Abraham, now known as Rt.Rev.Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos, Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church, India;
- Dr. Carl F. H. HenryCarl F. H. HenryCarl Ferdinand Howard Henry was an American evangelical Christian theologian who served as the first editor-in-chief of the magazine Christianity Today, established to serve as a scholarly voice for evangelical Christianity and a challenge to the liberal Christian Century.-Early Years and...
, theologian; - Rev. Dr. Alan F. Geyer, noted Methodist theologian and scholar for political science, ethics, civil rights, and peace;
- Dr. Georgia HarknessGeorgia HarknessGeorgia Elma Harkness was a Christian theologian in the Methodist tradition. Born in Harkness, New York, a town named after her grandfather, Harkness has been described as one of the first significant American female theologians and was important in the movement to gain ordination for women in...
, Methodist woman theologian; - Dr. Norman Vincent PealeNorman Vincent PealeDr. Norman Vincent Peale was a minister and author and a progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking".-Early life and education:...
, positive thinker and founder of Guideposts magazine; - Rev. Dr. Steven W. BrownSteve Brown (author)Steve Brown is an author, a radio broadcaster, and a seminary professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He describes himself as a Calvinist, and is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America.- Biography :...
, HomileticsHomileticsHomiletics , in theology the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. The one who practices or studies homiletics is called a homilist....
professor at RTSReformed Theological SeminaryReformed Theological Seminary is a non-denominational, evangelical Protestant seminary. RTS's first campus remains in Jackson, Mississippi, United States though the school has expanded to include several additional campuses.-Founding:...
and nationally syndicated broadcasterPresenterA presenter, or host , is a person or organization responsible for running an event. A museum or university, for example, may be the presenter or host of an exhibit. Likewise, a master of ceremonies is a person that hosts or presents a show...
; - Rev. John McCullough, head of Church World Service;
- Andy Crouch, "emerging church" theorist;
- John J. Thatamanil, comparative theologian;
- Dr. Amos Yong, Pentecostal theologian;
- Rev. Charles Boss, head of Methodist Peace Fellowship;
- George L. FoxGeorge L. FoxGeorge L. Fox was a Methodist minister and a lieutenant in the United States Army. He was one of the Four Chaplains who gave their lives to save other soldiers during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester during World War II.-Life:George L. Fox was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania in 1900, one of five...
- one of the "four chaplains" on the USAT Dorchester in WWII; - Ralph Edward DodgeRalph Edward DodgeRalph Edward Dodge was an American Bishop of The Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church, elected in 1956. He was the youngest of four children of Ernest and Lizzie Longshore Dodge of Dickinson County, Iowa....
- a BishopBishopA bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of The Methodist Churchin Rhodesia; - S. Clifton IvesS. Clifton IvesSamuel Clifton Ives is a retired American bishop of the United Methodist Church, elected in 1992.-Birth and family:...
(M.Div., 1963; D.Min., 1983) - a Bishop of the United Methodist Church; - Garfield Bromley OxnamGarfield Bromley OxnamGarfield Bromley Oxnam was an American Bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church, elected in 1936.-Biography:...
- a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal ChurchMethodist Episcopal ChurchThe Methodist Episcopal Church, sometimes referred to as the M.E. Church, was a development of the first expression of Methodism in the United States. It officially began at the Baltimore Christmas Conference in 1784, with Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke as the first bishops. Through a series of...
; - Dallas Lore SharpDallas Lore SharpDallas Lore Sharp was an American author and university professor, born at Haleyville, Cumberland Co., N. J. He graduated at Brown University in 1895, served as a Methodist Episcopal minister for four years, and graduated at the Boston University School of Theology in 1899. He married Grace...
- (1870- ) - Minister, university professorProfessorA professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
, and author; - Woodie W. WhiteWoodie W. WhiteWoodie Walter White is an American Bishop of the United Methodist Church, elected in 1984.-Birth and Family:Woodie was born on 27 August 1935 in New York City. He is married to the former Jennie Tolson, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts. She attended Clark University in Worcester, and holds...
(S.T.B.Bachelor of Sacred TheologyThe Bachelor of Sacred Theology is a graduate-level academic degree in theology.The Bachelor of Sacred Theology is offered by a number of Pontifical Universities. It is sometimes offered as a graduate degree, for students who have already completed a B.A. or other first degree...
, 1961) - a Bishop of the United Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist ChurchThe United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley...
; - Carlton Young, editor of Methodist hymnals, liturgical scholar, and famous hymnologist;
- Samuel DeWitt ProctorSamuel DeWitt ProctorSamuel DeWitt Proctor was an African American minister, educator, and humanitarian. He was active in the African-American Civil Rights Movement and is perhaps best known as a mentor and friend of Martin Luther King, Jr.-Biography:Samuel DeWitt Proctor was born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 13, 1921...
, famous African-American preacher and civil rights leader; - Ruth Duck, noted hymn writer;
- Walter G. Muelder, ecumenical leader, theorist of the "responsible society," and shaper of Christian social ethics;
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Martin Luther King, Jr.Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the...
, noted civil rights activist and Nobel laureate for peace
Organizations and activities
BUSTH is host to a number of student groups and hosted organizations. The latter include the Organ Library of the New England Chapter of the American Guild of OrganistsAmerican Guild of Organists
The American Guild of Organists, or AGO, is a national organization of academic, church, and concert organists in the U.S., headquartered in The Interchurch Center in New York City. It was founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization...
. Student groups operate under the aegis of the school's student body government, the Boston University Theological Students' Association (BUTSA). Student groups include Sacred Worth (a student organization devoted to the sacred worth of all individuals, regardless of gender or orientation), Korean Students Association, Black Seminarians, CAUSE (a group that promotes social and ecological justice), the MTS club (for fellowship among theology students), thEcology Group (a group devoted to ecological justice and sustainability initiatives), and the Seminary Singers (the service choir for the Wednesday Chapel service).