Auckland Park Theo Sem: GAAP?

Does anyone have any thoughts about Auckland Park Theological Seminary in S. Africa?

http://www.afmtc.org/frame/index.htm

I tried doing a search here but didn't come up with anyting.

Since my experiences with UNIZULU have been extremely negative and disappointing, I've decided to look into the PhD in Church History at Auckland and also Pretoria.

Roscoe

 

Greetings!

It has only been in the last couple of years that this institution changed its name from Apostolic Faith Mission Theological College to the present name by which you have come to know it.

It is an established institution with a solid enough reputation in South Africa. In recent years, its reputation has been strengthened by its affiliation with Rand Afrikaans University (which, as a result of the recent mergers in South African higher education, has become the University of Johannesburg). In addition to having all of its degrees awarded by the U of Jo'burg, Auckland Park essentially functions as the theology department of the University (the University does not have a theology department, but does have a department of biblical studies with a very solid reputation).

As far as UZULU is concerned, I recently learned from a very credible South African source that the future of that faculty of theology is highly in question at the present time. While that may not amount to anything, it probably is not a bad idea for you to be considering other options.

 

Thanks, Cory.

That was very helpful. And congrats on your accomplishments and the great progress you're making on your doctorate.

BTW, Prof. Song (formerly of UNIZULU) recently told me that SATS will know in a month or so whether it can offer a doctorate.

Roscoe

 

Uzulu on the way out??

Hey Cory,

Just happened to catch this.....

I've nearly finished the first year of my DTH with Uzulu. No indications from them that anything is wrong.

Any further suggestions??

 

Hey, great to hear from you.

I really don't know specifics, so I'm afraid that I would be at a loss as to how to make any informed recommendations.

Perhaps it would be best for you to keep plugging away with your DTh. I simply don't know enough to judge whether the concerns I've heard expressed (though from very credible soucres) may end up materializing to anything. In the event that they do, I would hope that you would be assisted in finding an alternative arrangement.

 

Thanks

Thanks Cory,

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if the gov't eventually has Uzulu drop their Theo / Relig Dept, because with the re-ordering of so many things in South African higher education of late, Uzulu has been encouraged toward 'tech' degrees, which may be far more practical for the folks living near the Uzulu campuses.

Glad to hear your Pretoria experience is going well.

Best wishes to you and yours!

 

Update on Uzulu

Hi Cory and all,

Just learned the following from one of the faculty:

The faculty of theology was downgraded to department size at Uzulu, but continues as a vital part of the university.

Head of the Department, Prof. Bobby Loubser, is undergoing chemotherapy for the second consecutive year, however (please remember him in your prayers).

Taken together, this may be the reason for speculation about Uzulu theology.

Best wishes to all!

 

oh, and about Auckland Park Seminary...

Hi!

I'm wondering if anyone here has actually studied at or knows people who have studied at APTS. Their DLitt et Phil is on my shortlist for the future, but I know neither of anyone else's experience with them, nor specifically anything regarding their Missiology and Church History departments, which are my two areas of interest. Cory's comment above about their reputation is helpful, but I'm wondering if he or anyone else here knows of anything more specific.

Peace,

Matt

 

Personally, I do not know anyone who has studied with this institution on any level. I have gained the impression from one of my connections in the South African theological community that this institution (understandably, in light of its denominational affiliation) has a reputation for training students largely from within the pentecostal/charismatic churches.

Here in the States, I can think of one person who might be able to provide you a little more informed insight into this institution. Peter Grabe, a member of the faculty at Regent University's Divinity School is a pentecostal (AoG) from South Africa. He completed his doctorate through the University of Pretoria, in which I'm enrolled. I trust that, if he's in a position to respond to your email, he likely would be able to provide some helpful insight.

[email protected]

You needn't mention my name if you should happen to contact him; he would not have any reason to know who I am.

 

Just a couple of thoughts..

Just a couple of additional thoughts.....

In selecting a doctoral program -- like most people -- I considered a number of factors -- like cost, location, etc.

Another factor to consider is 'why' you want the degree. If to teach, or work in academia -- then you really need to try and get into one of the 'big dog' programs (UP, Unisa, Lampeter).

If for ministry, any number of options would suffice. As an American, I am very content with Uzulu, because my goal is not teaching, but ministry. While the UZ-DTh is a fully accredited, and highly credible qualification, I understand that UZ does not have the 'reputation' other schools do, especially within the global, academic community.

Cory, of course, is working in academia and has chosen (arguably) the better school for his purposes.

If academia is your goal, you might consider Unisa, in addition to UPretoria. Liberal and bureaucratic as they (Unisa) are, they're qualification (DTH) is globally repected.

If you're shooting for a top academic position, only a Western school will likely suffice (Lampter, etc.).

My two cents.....

Best wishes in your academic endeavors!!

 

How useful is the Dr degree from Auckland

how could a person use the DLitt et Phil in theology in the US? Would it be recognized as credible?

Thanks
Robert

 

My question too.....

 

Exactly. The title of the degree is less important than the fact that the degrees are awarded by the UJ and that is an internationally recognized university. In any case, the South African education system itself is sound. If I had a choice between it and a Northcentral U degree I would choose the South African bricks and mortar school. It also used to be available by DL and very affordable.

 

ATS is no longer with Univ Johannesburg.... they are now among the schools under the guidance of North-West and postgrad/doc degrees will be awarded by Potch.

 

is the shift to north-west bad, indifferent?

 

NWU is an internationally respected faculty of theology, regarded as colleagues with Oxford, Princeton, and the other major European faculties, and are very highly regarded in Reformed circles -- which includes some of the top theology schools in the world.

See what schools are linked reputationally via this website / group of theological researchers:
Global Network of Research Centers for Theology, Religious and Christian Studies - Potchefstroom, South Africa: North-West University


UJ never had such a reputation, so [absolutely] this is a good move for ATS.


"In 1993 ATS entered into a contractual agreement with the University of
Johannesburg (UJ) (previously the Rand Afrikaans University) that enabled
ATS to present students, in collaboration with UJ, with under- and postgraduate
programmes up to a doctoral degree in theology. In 2008/9 ATS
reached a similar contractual agreement with the North West University (NWU)
in Potchefstroom, South Africa."

http://www.afmtc.org/site/images/uploads/ATS_Research_Centre.pdf

 

Yes, PUCHE is part of NW University and their theology program was venerable (well established Reformed Theological program) with well respected faculty. IIRC PUCHE was formed some time in the mid 1800's. I agree that this was a good move.

 

Thank you gentlemen. I guess now my only hurdle is communication. SATS is superb. I've not waited longer than a day on an email. It took Auckland 2 months to respond to my inquiry. Again, thank you. I'm not sure that I can really 'go wrong' with either school.

 

still wish they posted fees, face to face (defense?) requirements, payment methods---SATS dominates this department globally!