Hinduism Not Included in Theology in Caribbean
Dr. Jai Maharaj
Hinduism Not Included in Theology in Caribbean
UWI Failing Theology
By Parshuram Maharaj
Executive Member of the Sanatan Dharm Maha Sabha
Sunday, September 21, 2003
The University of the West Indies [UWI], and specifically
the School of Humanities, Theology Department has been
failing in their interpretation and proper delivery of
Theological studies for years. UWI in its dispensation of
theological studies perpetrates discrimination and
religious bias better suited to the Middle Ages.
Theology in its broad and widely accepted definition is
understood as "The science of God or of religion; the
science which treats of the existence, character, and
attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines
we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice;
divinity;" Indeed Theology is the discipline of religious
thought that is restricted in its narrower sense, because
of origination and format, to Christianity, but in its
broader sense, because of its themes, to other religions.
The themes of theology are God, man, the world,
salvation, and eschatology (or the study of last times).
In this sense due to modernity theology is no longer
rooted to any singular religion or religious experiences.
Therefore, in theological discussions there can be
Islamic Theology, Hindu Theology, Christian Theology,
etc.
Yet at UWI theology has been imprisoned only to Christian
Theology. As a result Theology at UWI has been an adjunct
to many Christian religious institutions providing
priests, and pastors with Theological Degrees at the
taxpayers expense. Or can UWI provide evidence that the
program is financially supported by these denominations
that benefit? Ironically the Hindu community have been
told over the years to provide its own funding to
establish a Chair of Hindu Studies at UWI. One wonders if
the various Christians institutions that are chiefly the
sole beneficiaries of UWI's Theological Studies
contribute anything for the economic sustainability of
the program over the years.
Theology is among the most challenging and engaging
subjects anyone can study. Why? Because religion is a
major factor shaping the world in which we live. You
can't understand our world without understanding
religion. That world comprise of many religions not only
one Christian faith. Because the religions raise
questions which are among the most basic and important we
face as human beings. Because good theology is always
politically and socially engaged. Because doing good
theology isn't a matter of gaining information - it's a
matter of undergoing transformation. Because theology
draws upon a wide range of intellectual disciplines:
history, languages, philosphy, sociology, cultural
studies, art history, and others. Therefore to represent
Theology in a plural society such as Trinidad & Tobago in
a unidimensional manner is not to adequately teach
theology at an institution of higher learning. Yet over
the years this grave travesty has escaped academic
comment.
The University of Exeter Theology Degree program states
"You don't have to be religious yourself to find the
issues theology raises, or the way it tackles them,
compelling. You don't have to be religious in order to
acquire the skills to study them. What is important is
your desire to engage in the enquiry with enthusiasm and
an open mind, ready to consider and to pursue a variety
of arguments as you work out your own views."
UWI's fourteen member Theological Department is headed by
Rev. Michael de Verteuil. Other members of staff include
Rev. Joseph Harris, Rev. Michel De Verteuil, Rev. Clyde
Harvey, Rev. Allen Ventour, Rev. Jason, Gordon, Rev.
Gabriel Maizarire, Rec. Donald Chambers, Sister Diane
Jagdeo, Sister Katrina Charles, Sister Ethna Regan,
Sister Julie Peters, Dr. Everard Johnston, and Mr. Selwyn
Rodulfo. The Christian bias of the academic staff is
overwhelming.
The studies offered by the department are also
interesting to note. In the Religious and Philosophical
Studies Level 1 Courses include T14B "Philosophy for
Christian Theology 1 - ( Classical), and T14C "
Philosophy for Christian Theology 11 ( Modern). There is
a section called "Pastoral Studies that is interesting in
the courses offered. These include Pastoral Analysis and
Creative Ministry, Fundamentals of Christian Ministry,
Psycholology for Ministry, Introduction to Christian
Worship, Theory and Practice of Christian Preaching, and
Christian Preaching and the Electronic Media.
Level 11 and Level 111 Courses are essentially Biblical
Studies and the courses reflect this. There are courses
such as The Penateuch, The Latter Prophets, The Synoptic
Gospel and Acts, The Pauline Epistles, The Gospel and
Epistles of John, and Theology of Deuteronomy and the
Deuternomic History. In Historical Studies courses
include Patristic Studies, and History of the Christian
Churches in the Caribbean. This Christian bias is
reflected in similar fashion in every single course
offered by the Theology Department. However no better can
be expected from a department that is comprised solely of
Christian clergy.
What exists at UWI is therefore nothing short of a
Seminary. In fact a theological degree is the requisite
for ordination in some Christian denominations. Some may
wish to advance the argument that Theology is exclusively
the purview of Christian Thought. This however is looking
at Theology from a very narrow perspective. While
Theology may have arisen from early Christian discussions
to explain aspects of Christianity, theology today
encompasses the entire religious spectrum. Examination of
other religious traditions and thoughts will only serve
to enrich the Theological Department at UWI.
Other progressive universities have embraced widening
definition of Theology to include other non-Christian
religions. For example Oxford University Oriental
Institute, Pusey Lane, Oxford describes its program on
Hindu Theology Studies as "To introduce students to
systematic philosophical and theological thinking in
Hindu theistic traditions, this term's lectures examine
two texts from different traditions. Special attention
will be paid to problems in interpretation and
comparative methodology. No background in Indian studies
or theology required."
Given this bias and historical injustice a call is being
made on the University of the West Indies to alter its
Theological Department to reflect the entire religious
spectrum. UWI Failing Theology By Parsuram Maharaj: An
Executive Member of the Sanatan Dharm Maha Sabha
The University of the West Indies [UWI], and specifically
the School of Humanities, Theology Department has been
failing in their interpretation and proper delivery of
Theological studies for years. UWI in its dispensation of
theological studies perpetrates discrimination and
religious bias better suited to the Middle Ages.
Theology in its broad and widely accepted definition is
understood as "The science of God or of religion; the
science which treats of the existence, character, and
attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines
we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice;
divinity;" Indeed Theology is the discipline of religious
thought that is restricted in its narrower sense, because
of origination and format, to Christianity, but in its
broader sense, because of its themes, to other religions.
The themes of theology are God, man, the world,
salvation, and eschatology (or the study of last times).
In this sense due to modernity theology is no longer
rooted to any singular religion or religious experiences.
Therefore, in theological discussions there can be
Islamic Theology, Hindu Theology, Christian Theology,
etc.
Yet at UWI theology has been imprisoned only to Christian
Theology. As a result Theology at UWI has been an adjunct
to many Christian religious institutions providing
priests, and pastors with Theological Degrees at the
taxpayers expense. Or can UWI provide evidence that the
program is financially supported by these denominations
that benefit? Ironically the Hindu community have been
told over the years to provide its own funding to
establish a Chair of Hindu Studies at UWI. One wonders if
the various Christians institutions that are chiefly the
sole beneficiaries of UWI's Theological Studies
contribute anything for the economic sustainability of
the program over the years.
Theology is among the most challenging and engaging
subjects anyone can study. Why? Because religion is a
major factor shaping the world in which we live. You
can't understand our world without understanding
religion. That world comprise of many religions not only
one Christian faith. Because the religions raise
questions which are among the most basic and important we
face as human beings. Because good theology is always
politically and socially engaged. Because doing good
theology isn't a matter of gaining information - it's a
matter of undergoing transformation. Because theology
draws upon a wide range of intellectual disciplines:
history, languages, philosphy, sociology, cultural
studies, art history, and others. Therefore to represent
Theology in a plural society such as Trinidad & Tobago in
a unidimensional manner is not to adequately teach
theology at an institution of higher learning. Yet over
the years this grave travesty has escaped academic
comment.
The University of Exeter Theology Degree program states
"You don't have to be religious yourself to find the
issues theology raises, or the way it tackles them,
compelling. You don't have to be religious in order to
acquire the skills to study them. What is important is
your desire to engage in the enquiry with enthusiasm and
an open mind, ready to consider and to pursue a variety
of arguments as you work out your own views."
UWI's fourteen member Theological Department is headed by
Rev. Michael de Verteuil. Other members of staff include
Rev. Joseph Harris, Rev. Michel De Verteuil, Rev. Clyde
Harvey, Rev. Allen Ventour, Rev. Jason, Gordon, Rev.
Gabriel Maizarire, Rec. Donald Chambers, Sister Diane
Jagdeo, Sister Katrina Charles, Sister Ethna Regan,
Sister Julie Peters, Dr. Everard Johnston, and Mr. Selwyn
Rodulfo. The Christian bias of the academic staff is
overwhelming.
The studies offered by the department are also
interesting to note. In the Religious and Philosophical
Studies Level 1 Courses include T14B "Philosophy for
Christian Theology 1 - ( Classical), and T14C "
Philosophy for Christian Theology 11 ( Modern). There is
a section called "Pastoral Studies that is interesting in
the courses offered. These include Pastoral Analysis and
Creative Ministry, Fundamentals of Christian Ministry,
Psycholology for Ministry, Introduction to Christian
Worship, Theory and Practice of Christian Preaching, and
Christian Preaching and the Electronic Media.
Level 11 and Level 111 Courses are essentially Biblical
Studies and the courses reflect this. There are courses
such as The Penateuch, The Latter Prophets, The Synoptic
Gospel and Acts, The Pauline Epistles, The Gospel and
Epistles of John, and Theology of Deuteronomy and the
Deuternomic History. In Historical Studies courses
include Patristic Studies, and History of the Christian
Churches in the Caribbean. This Christian bias is
reflected in similar fashion in every single course
offered by the Theology Department. However no better can
be expected from a department that is comprised solely of
Christian clergy.
What exists at UWI is therefore nothing short of a
Seminary. In fact a theological degree is the requisite
for ordination in some Christian denominations. Some may
wish to advance the argument that Theology is exclusively
the purview of Christian Thought. This however is looking
at Theology from a very narrow perspective. While
Theology may have arisen from early Christian discussions
to explain aspects of Christianity, theology today
encompasses the entire religious spectrum. Examination of
other religious traditions and thoughts will only serve
to enrich the Theological Department at UWI.
Other progressive universities have embraced widening
definition of Theology to include other non-Christian
religions. For example Oxford University Oriental
Institute, Pusey Lane, Oxford describes its program on
Hindu Theology Studies as "To introduce students to
systematic philosophical and theological thinking in
Hindu theistic traditions, this term's lectures examine
two texts from different traditions. Special attention
will be paid to problems in interpretation and
comparative methodology. No background in Indian studies
or theology required."
Given this bias and historical injustice a call is being
made on the University of the West Indies to alter its
Theological Department to reflect the entire religious
spectrum. UWI Failing Theology By Parsuram Maharaj: An
Executive Member of the Sanatan Dharm Maha Sabha
The University of the West Indies [UWI], and specifically
the School of Humanities, Theology Department has been
failing in their interpretation and proper delivery of
Theological studies for years. UWI in its dispensation of
theological studies perpetrates discrimination and
religious bias better suited to the Middle Ages.
Theology in its broad and widely accepted definition is
understood as "The science of God or of religion; the
science which treats of the existence, character, and
attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines
we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice;
divinity;" Indeed Theology is the discipline of religious
thought that is restricted in its narrower sense, because
of origination and format, to Christianity, but in its
broader sense, because of its themes, to other religions.
The themes of theology are God, man, the world,
salvation, and eschatology (or the study of last times).
In this sense due to modernity theology is no longer
rooted to any singular religion or religious experiences.
Therefore, in theological discussions there can be
Islamic Theology, Hindu Theology, Christian Theology,
etc.
Yet at UWI theology has been imprisoned only to Christian
Theology. As a result Theology at UWI has been an adjunct
to many Christian religious institutions providing
priests, and pastors with Theological Degrees at the
taxpayers expense. Or can UWI provide evidence that the
program is financially supported by these denominations
that benefit? Ironically the Hindu community have been
told over the years to provide its own funding to
establish a Chair of Hindu Studies at UWI. One wonders if
the various Christians institutions that are chiefly the
sole beneficiaries of UWI's Theological Studies
contribute anything for the economic sustainability of
the program over the years.
Theology is among the most challenging and engaging
subjects anyone can study. Why? Because religion is a
major factor shaping the world in which we live. You
can't understand our world without understanding
religion. That world comprise of many religions not only
one Christian faith. Because the religions raise
questions which are among the most basic and important we
face as human beings. Because good theology is always
politically and socially engaged. Because doing good
theology isn't a matter of gaining information - it's a
matter of undergoing transformation. Because theology
draws upon a wide range of intellectual disciplines:
history, languages, philosphy, sociology, cultural
studies, art history, and others. Therefore to represent
Theology in a plural society such as Trinidad & Tobago in
a unidimensional manner is not to adequately teach
theology at an institution of higher learning. Yet over
the years this grave travesty has escaped academic
comment.
The University of Exeter Theology Degree program states
"You don't have to be religious yourself to find the
issues theology raises, or the way it tackles them,
compelling. You don't have to be religious in order to
acquire the skills to study them. What is important is
your desire to engage in the enquiry with enthusiasm and
an open mind, ready to consider and to pursue a variety
of arguments as you work out your own views."
UWI's fourteen member Theological Department is headed by
Rev. Michael de Verteuil. Other members of staff include
Rev. Joseph Harris, Rev. Michel De Verteuil, Rev. Clyde
Harvey, Rev. Allen Ventour, Rev. Jason, Gordon, Rev.
Gabriel Maizarire, Rec. Donald Chambers, Sister Diane
Jagdeo, Sister Katrina Charles, Sister Ethna Regan,
Sister Julie Peters, Dr. Everard Johnston, and Mr. Selwyn
Rodulfo. The Christian bias of the academic staff is
overwhelming.
The studies offered by the department are also
interesting to note. In the Religious and Philosophical
Studies Level 1 Courses include T14B "Philosophy for
Christian Theology 1 - ( Classical), and T14C "
Philosophy for Christian Theology 11 ( Modern). There is
a section called "Pastoral Studies that is interesting in
the courses offered. These include Pastoral Analysis and
Creative Ministry, Fundamentals of Christian Ministry,
Psycholology for Ministry, Introduction to Christian
Worship, Theory and Practice of Christian Preaching, and
Christian Preaching and the Electronic Media.
Level 11 and Level 111 Courses are essentially Biblical
Studies and the courses reflect this. There are courses
such as The Penateuch, The Latter Prophets, The Synoptic
Gospel and Acts, The Pauline Epistles, The Gospel and
Epistles of John, and Theology of Deuteronomy and the
Deuternomic History. In Historical Studies courses
include Patristic Studies, and History of the Christian
Churches in the Caribbean. This Christian bias is
reflected in similar fashion in every single course
offered by the Theology Department. However no better can
be expected from a department that is comprised solely of
Christian clergy.
What exists at UWI is therefore nothing short of a
Seminary. In fact a theological degree is the requisite
for ordination in some Christian denominations. Some may
wish to advance the argument that Theology is exclusively
the purview of Christian Thought. This however is looking
at Theology from a very narrow perspective. While
Theology may have arisen from early Christian discussions
to explain aspects of Christianity, theology today
encompasses the entire religious spectrum. Examination of
other religious traditions and thoughts will only serve
to enrich the Theological Department at UWI.
Other progressive universities have embraced widening
definition of Theology to include other non-Christian
religions. For example Oxford University Oriental
Institute, Pusey Lane, Oxford describes its program on
Hindu Theology Studies as "To introduce students to
systematic philosophical and theological thinking in
Hindu theistic traditions, this term's lectures examine
two texts from different traditions. Special attention
will be paid to problems in interpretation and
comparative methodology. No background in Indian studies
or theology required."
Given this bias and historical injustice a call is being
made on the University of the West Indies to alter its
Theological Department to reflect the entire religious
spectrum.
End of forwarded message
Jai Maharaj
http://www.mantra.com/jai
Om Shanti
Panchaang for 26 Bhadrapad 5104, Sunday, September 21, 2003:
Shubhanu Nama Samvatsare Dakshinaya Jivana Ritau
Kanya Mase Krishna Pakshe Bhanu Vasara Yuktayam
Pushya Nakshatr Parigh-Shiv Yog
Bav-Balav Karan Ekadashi Yam Tithau
Hindu Holocaust Museum
http://www.mantra.com/holocaust
Hindu life, principles, spirituality and philosophy
http://www.hindu.org
http://www.hindunet.org
The truth about Islam and Muslims
http://www.flex.com/~jai/satyamevajayate
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