Courses

Since its foundation in 1875 the School of Theology has established itself as a pioneer in the field of Christian theology in Japan where the number of institutions that offer opportunities to study religions academically is limited. A thorough study of religions leads to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of human beings and their society, culture, and history.

Since 2003 the School of Theology has been vigorously promoting interdisciplinary studies of the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Followers in Judaism, Christianity, or Islam together make up 55 percent of the total population in the world. In order to understand the current situation of the world, it is essential to gain a clear knowledge of these Abrahamic religions. The School of Theology aims to play a role as "mediator" in achieving peace and mutual understanding between the world's regions and civilizations.

At the School of Theology the number of compulsory courses is reduced to a minimum so that the students can freely assemble their own curriculum depending on their concerns. The students can also improve their linguistic ability needed to study the three Abrahamic religions such as Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic.

The School of Theology has fostered numerous "specialists in Christianity," including ministers, teachers, social workers and counselors working at hospitals and welfare facilities.

The Graduate School of Theology occupies a unique and important place as a center for religious studies in Japan where the number of institutions that offer opportunities to study religions academically is limited. The Graduate School of Theology provides programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology. The M. Th. Program is divided into five major courses of study: Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, and Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions.
The Biblical Theology Course aims to understand and interpret the Bible by analyzing the texts in their social and cultural settings. The Historical Theology Course is concerned with the historical development of diverse Christian beliefs, practices, and communities. The Systematic Theology Course deals both with clear understanding of various religious thoughts and with their meaning for and relevance to the problems with which our society is faced. The Practical Theology Course enables students to prepare theoretically and practically for such careers as ministry, education, and social work. The Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions Course undertakes interdisciplinary and comprehensive research on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and their civilizations in the search for co-existence among diverse religious traditions.