Looking for a program,unsuccessful so far, any help is appreciated.

I am trying to find a doctoral program that focuses on Theology. I am more interested in the history of religion, biblical studies, and theology versus a ministry degree (D.Min).

Because this degree is for personal development, RA accreditation is not essential. It would need to be ATS, ABHE, TRACS, and/or DETC accredited.

I am looking for one that will except an RA accredited masters degree and not require a M.Div degree for admission. 100% online is a must, but intermittent onsite residency requirements I can handle.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi dp - I know you're new in this neighborhood so while you're getting oriented I can tell you that we have lots of discussion about Theology. You can access them through our search function. Here's an example you can look through while you're waiting for some more answers.

http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/49756-distant-learning-phd-theology.html

 

Most Uk Universities would fit your requirements.

Their PhD programs can be done at a distance.

Cost would be another issue though

 

As a general rule (there are, of course, exceptions) if you want a degree that focuses on the "history of religion" then a degree in theology is not the right path. It sounds like you actually want a degree in religious studies. Please see here for the difference.

That said, you can also study the history of religion through the lens of a historian, a social psychologist or a sociologist and a degree in any of those fields would enable you to potentially achieve your goal.

ATS, ABHE and TRACS programs are likely to be centered on theology. They are going to teach what they believe. They are going to teach those things by first assuming that their system of beliefs is, in fact, correct. That isn't a bad thing. That's theology. If you study theology at Catholic Distance University they are going to start with the assumption that Catholicism is the one true faith (and everything that comes with that assumption). So you're going to get a very different lesson than if you attend the Baptist Bible College (just a few short hours away from me) in Clarks Summit, PA even if both award degrees in "theology." Neither is going to offer you an unbiased and objective view of the history of religion.

Ask a Catholic priest and an Orthodox priest to explain the schism of 1054. The Catholic priest will say that the Orthodox Church broke off from Rome after being disobedient to the Pope and refusing to submit to his authority even though they had submitted to it since the beginning of the Church. The Orthodox Priest will say that the churches always respected the Patriarch of Rome (Pope) as a "first among equals" but that they never yielded to him in every way and always operated autonomously. A student of Religious studies would look at the historical event and note that there are these two different, yet theologically significant, accounts from both groups involved. The Catholic Priest is operating on the assumption that the Pope is the supreme head of the Church. The Orthodox priest is operating on the assumption that all bishops are equal and there never was one bishop in charge of everyone (to the level that the Pope exercises authority over Catholic bishops). Different theologies approaching the same topic with different assumptions at the outset.

That said, UK or South African programs are probably going to be your safest bet.

Though not a doctorate, the M.A. in Consciousness Studies or Transformational Research at the University of Philosophical Research (DEAC) is interesting. Though not historical, per se, I wouldn't describe it as a theological degree. I think it rightfully falls into the category of a philosophy degree which draws upon religious philosophy. That doesn't sound like your intention, but hey, it was worth mentioning.

One thing you might consider is Harrison Middleton's Doctor of Arts (DEAC). They base their entire learning system on the Great Books. So, again, it isn't exactly what you're looking for but I imagine there is quite a bit of flexibility to maybe reach your goal. I often thought it was an interesting program.

 

I'd look into the South African universities. UNISA maybe, or North West.

 

Philosophy and cultural anthropology are other options for looking at religion from a non-denominational standpoint.

 

I just wanted to take a quick moments to thank everyone for their comments and great advice.

Best Regards to All
ducksproxy

 

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