Objective research vs. personal essay

Anyone know of a DL master's in theology/religion in which the coursework consists of personal essay-type papers and assignments rather than research-based papers? In other words, where the writing is more original, subjective-based, personal, rather than objective and based on/citing what others have written about the subject?

 

I don't intend this disparagingly, but IMO any program that followed this model wouldn't be worth the tuition dollars.

It would be like getting an MA in Sunday School. The academic study of religion and/or theology is going to involve studying the contributions of others in the field.

Even something like an MA in Spiritual Formation is going to have a strong component of immersion in existing sources. The fact is that an MA in any subject is going to require familiarity with the existing body of literature in that subject. A master's program that didn't require this wouldn't be legitimate.

Now, what you will be able to find is a number of ministry-oriented degrees. These degrees will have subjective and research components, but they will have a greater focus on experience and praxis. For example, an MA in Christian Discipleship will have a different focus than an MA in Historical Theology.

 

No offense taken, and I do understand what you're saying. I just can't seem to want to get away from somehow doing a "creative" theology degree, as in combining subjective writing and theology.

As for the example you mentioned - an MA in Christian Discipleship: Do you know of such programs?

 

LU offers the following degrees that may suit your purposes:

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
Master of Arts in Discipleship Ministries
Master of Arts in Evangelism & Church Planting
Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies
Master of Arts in Marketplace Chaplaincy
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.)
Biblical Studies
Christian Leadership
Church Ministries
Discipleship
Evangelism & Church Ministries
Intercultural Studies
Pastoral Counseling
Pre-Pastoral
Worship Studies

Master's programs | Liberty University Online

I would also suggest using the tools at Christian Distance Learning: Online College, Seminary Degrees to search for similar programs.

 

Have you ever considered an MFA in Creative Writing?

 

Ahh, this is what I was trying to get at.

Now Steve, do you know of programs that use this method predominantly?

 

Yes indeed. I am right now trying to decide between WNMU's MAIS in Writing/English and a few theology degree programs. I wish there was a program where I could combine the two -- have been searching for same for quite a long time, without success.

My problem is that I would rather have a degree in theology than in English, but I would much rather do personal, subjective writing than research-based writing.

Seems like a dilemma without a solution.

 

This is standard fare at ministry-oriented seminaries.