www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall distance learning opportunities

I am grateful for everyone's input. But on one note, if someone wishes to use a seminary degree for a professional position, the ATS does not have the same equivalent as the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA. I was more interested in a response that would be of value in order to pursue a ministry within the Church itself. What schools would be beneficial if someone had the gift of leading Bible Studies in a parish...what would be the options????

Walter

Please indulge my ignorance. What is the "higher Learning Commission of the NCA."

Because there is a seperation of religion and state, the ATS was formed to accredite theological schools regardless of denomination. Also Jewish academic theological institutions. There is a similar body in Europe but sorry I have forgotten the name.

If you speak French, the Institut de Th�ologie Orthodoxe Saint-Serge � Paris offers distance learning. I have studied there (from Australia) and it works out well. You need to be physically present in Paris, though, (or by phone) for the exams.

It is a well recognised, quality institution. Although it is run by the Russians, it is the degree-granting body for the Antiochian Orthodox, who accesses its courses through the Balamand University in Lebanon.

I have taken the Marain Catechist [therealpresence.org] home study course, and it is terrific, for those who want a better understanding of Scripture and Roman Catholic Dogmatic Theology.

If you want something more structured and for college credit, you may look in to the online catechist program through Manor College. [manor.edu] I was told that this program may become a requirement for those entering the Diaconate for the BCC.

As already mentioned earlier in the post, the Antiochian Orthodox Church has the St. Stephen's Course in Orthodox Theology. [antiochian.org] This, in fact, can lead to a Master's of Arts Degree in Applied Orthodox Theology through the University of Balamand in Lebanon. You would need to attend the residence requirement at the Antiochain Village. I believe this is only a few weeks.

Mike Lillie

You might also consider (for non-degree seekers) the Saint Athanasius School of Orthodox Theology. they have an excellent suite of courses...

http://www.saaot.edu/courses.php

God bless!

Gordo

When I talked to the reps from the other eparchies (i.e. not Parma) they really didn't speak too highly of it. It may grow to something more usable, but the primary complaint was that it was not a very mature (nor complete) program.

The Manor program is picking up steam; an older gentlemen from one of my missions who is a PhD in Education is taking it and loves it. From what he has shown me I have been impressed by Fr. Appleyard's material, the books he is having them read, the papers he is having them write, as well as his very insightful comments back to this particular student.

It is being considered as an academic basis throughout all of the Eparchies and the Archeparchy of the UGCC in the USA for catechist education, and potentially in a larger way for minor orders and deaconate considering the widespread nature of the UGCC in the USA and the need to consolidate educational resources.

It is a work in progress, as any new program is. But when the particular Catechism is promulgated, the Manor distance program will likely be ready to go for forming catechists across the UGCC in the US.

Anxiously awaiting that Catechism!

You and me both, brother!

Gordo

God Bless you all for your responses and input. You have been truly a blesssing!!

Walter

Now that I am reflecting on all of these responses, I realize this is why Byzantine Catholics are leaving to go to Rome. Laity does not either realize ministerial opportunities or have been denied them. Myt father, born and raised in the Ukrainian Church, told me laity was not allowed to do anythintg while he was growing up (which goes against Scripture teaching that WE ARE ALL priests with a ministry).

One previous responder to this subject did not even know what the Higher Learning Commission is. For this person, here is the link (your are welcome)

http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/

We Byzantines need to realize we need to transport ourselves to this century realizing that we are not giving up traditional and true Christianity by giving laity an education and allowing them to respond to a religious calling. Let us finally keep our folks at home, instead of looking into other churches.

Not everyone who reads this forum is an American. But I believe this discussion was about accreditation. For arts and sciences etc. degrees it is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation:
http://www.chea.org/default.asp

But CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) does not accredit theological degrees. The Association of Theological Schools accredits graduate theological degrees:
http://www.ats.edu/Pages/default.aspx

Here is some of their info about online learning:
http://www.ats.edu/about/projects/pages/onlineassessmentresources.aspx

Some papers from a 2005 conference:
http://www.ats.edu/about/projects/pages/educationaltechconference.aspx

Teaching with Technology: Notes from the Field:
http://www.ats.edu/about/projects/pages/teachingnotes.aspx

The following ATS institutions have self-reported distance education activity, ranging from one course to numerous courses. Note that the degree program standards residency requirements, which govern the amount of credit that can be earned by distance education in any approved program, reflect the fact that it is not possible to earn a degree in an accredited institution solely by distance education courses. Please refer to the individual degree program standards for residency requirements for each program.
http://www.ats.edu/memberschools/pages/disted.aspx