Does anyone know anything about Balamand University ? I have a friend who is considering taking a distance program from the Antiochian Orthodox Church and if you have a BA, then after the competion of this course, they have some agreement with this university to transfer the credit, write a Masters Thesis and a ministry project and receive an MA in Orthodox Theology (or something like that). It claims it is fully accredited by the Lebanese govt. I just wondered if that meant much. clint
Hi Clint - All I can say is that photo of the library is very nice. If it was my decision, however, I would put some big oak doors in place of that delicate latice ironwork. It leads more to the idea of solidity. Regardless of the above, I love Middle-East Architecture. Jack
Never heard of it. So my inevitable instinct was to Google it. Here's a few examples of what came up for "Balamand University" on '.edu' sites. It's a partner in Rutgers' Center for Global Security and Democracy, and apparently helps fund the center. ( http://cgsd.rutgers.edu/cgsd-about.shtml ) It's also a partner in something at CGSD called the International Civic Engagement Project ( http://cgsd.rutgers.edu/icep-partners-visit.shtml ) George Saliba, a prominent professor at Columbia University published his Arabic language book 'The Origin and Development of Arabic Scientific Thought' through Balamand University's academic press in 1998. ( http://www.columbia.edu/~gas1/saliba.html ) A Florida International University faculty member who has served as a visiting professor at Balamand ( http://cba.fiu.edu/web/eg/mgmt/chacar.htm ) A professor at Villanova who spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar at Balamand ( http://www16.homepage.villanova.edu/shams.inati/ ) Here's a sad one: A presentation at a conference on leftover landmines at American University. A paper was presented by the Coordinator of the Landmine Resource Center at the University of Balamand who is also involved in implementing an Prosthetics and Orthotics Program there. Apparently people are still getting their legs blown off by landmines left over from the Lebanese civil war. ( http://www.american.edu/maksoud/Landmines/speakinfo.htm ) There's more where this stuff came from but I stopped at that point. My impression is that Balamand presents the signature of a legitimate (and interesting) university. Thanks for directing my attention to it and educating me.
Thanks guys, Architecture isn't my calling, but your idea sounds good to me about the wooden doors . My friend primarily wants the religous education, and the degree is secondary in importance, but I wanted to check out its usefulness and respectability. I think we can see that it is a trustworthy place. I really appreciate it. clint
Yes, Balamand is legit in every way: gov't recognition, academic quality, ethical governance, very distinguished in Orthodox circles. I believe (tho did not check this) that Metropolitan Philip is an alumnus--so a degree from Balamand would serve your Antiochian friend well--and put him in deservedly honored company.
This is their program through Antiochian House of Studies. It requires completion of their Stephen's Course. This is a program which trains clergy from other traditions who are converting to Eastern Orthodoxy. It is a legitimate and reputable program accepted by many bishops throughout the Eastern Orthodox world.
