Theology and Religious Studies - University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

Philosophy

Theology, as a discipline of study, is primarily concerned with the actions of God in history. It deals with God and humankind and their relationship to each other. Hence, it is of decisive importance to the future of mankind. Theology is committed to the development of the individual spiritually, mentally, physically and socially, as well as to excellence in theological and religious thinking. Emphasis is thereby placed on the rightful role of religion as the conscience of human society.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at UEAB is to provide quality preparation for pastors, teachers, evangelists, administrators and other related professional careers for service in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the society at large. It strives to instill a life long personal quest for research and study in Biblical, theological and religious fields for individual growth and continual excellence in service to God and mankind.

Vision

[T]he department seeks to equip men and women for faithful and effective service to the Creator God, the family, community and church through application of the principles of a sound Bible-based Christian education.

Objectives

The department strives to achieve the following:

1. To provide theological knowledge that is both culturally and contextually grounded in the Christian African reality and the world at large.

2. To equip students with practical skills through practicum, evangelistic and outreach activities.

3. To expose students to the study of Scripture through commonly accepted exegetical methods, with emphasis on interpreting the text within the context of history, archaeology, and Biblical languages.

4. To prepare students to be able to teach Christian religious education in secondary schools and teachers’ colleges.

5. To prepare students for graduate studies and advanced research.

Degrees Offered

1. Bachelor of Arts in Theology

2. Bachelor of Arts in Religion

3. Minor in Religion

Study Details

Direct Entry

Students wishing to pursue theology or religion as a major area must have a minimum grade of C+ in Christian religious education in the KCSE or its equivalent. In addition, the candidate must satisfy the minimum entrance requirements for the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.

Interdepartmental Transfer

Inter-departmental transfer students should have a grade of C+ in RELT 207 Christian Beliefs.

Graduation

1. For Bachelor of Arts in Theology

a) Non-Academic Requirements Students wishing to take a major in Theology are required to maintain the following standards:

i. Students are expected to be persons of high moral integrity since they are training for Christian ministry and in particular the Seventh-day Adventist ministry.

ii. The Department will regard new students as provisionally admitted into the program for the first year of full-time study and will be formally admitted into the program at the beginning of the second year.

iii. Students will be advanced to candidacy for graduation at the end of their junior standing.

b) Academic Requirements

i. A minimum of 134 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00.

ii. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 in the concentration courses.

iii. A minimum GPA of 2.00 in the cognate courses.

2. For Bachelor of Arts in Religion

The BA in Religion is a program designed for those interested mainly in an academic pursuit of Religion.

a. A minimum of 130 credits comprising general education requirements, major area courses, cognate courses and a minor in another area of study. Religion majors who do not desire a minor in another area of study must take additional upper division courses in the department to add up to 130 credits. Under such circumstances, the substitute courses will need to be approved by the department before the student can enroll for them.

b. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 in the Religion major courses.

c. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in the cognate courses. d. An overall cumulative GPA of 2.00

Careers

The department educates and trains pastors to serve in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and develops scholars in religious studies regardless of denominational affiliation.