Autonomous and independent
The importance of good knowledge of theology is vital for any church. Most denominations in the Netherlands have their own training. The (IITh) has recently been established at the Theological University of Apeldoorn (see photo). It has opened its doors to migrant pastors and intersted parties. The IITh is an autonomous and independent institute that does not operate under an ecclesiastical umbrella. To take part in the program of Intercontextual Theology no previous education is required, but motivation and ecclesiastical involvement are.
Theology from an intercontextual perspective
You study the Bible together with others and discuss the explanation of the texts. Together with your fellow students, you discuss what the text means in an ecclesiastical, cultural and social context. What does it mean if you dare to discuss your own theological identity in your encounter with others? You also learn to present, discuss, debate and collaborate.
Personal training
The training is organized thematically. The courses are related to current social developments and issues. Questions that you can constantly ask yourself are: what does this mean for migrants and Dutch society? What does this mean for being church? What does this actually mean for me as a migrant Christian? Subjects such as cultural diversity, power, gender, migration and globalization are discussed in detail.
Attention will also be paid to subjects such as exegesis, hermeneutics, church history and liturgy. The (traditional) Protestant church is no longer the obvious place where meetings are celebrated. For that reason, there is a lot of attention for pioneering places where services in community centers, cafes, hospitals, gyms, garages and prisons are no longer a rarity. Each semester has its own theme, which is examined thoroughly from the perspective of the Protestant migration tradition or from a broader perspective. The challenge is to leave the beaten track to discover new forms
of church and faith experience. The intention is that you develop in a way that suits you best. Whether it concerns conversation techniques, elaborating and organizing an excursion, the oral test or writing your final thesis; you develop together. The time when only the teacher is the know-it-all is definitely over. Teachers and students together can inspire each other and enrich each other in knowledge and faith. Both are fellow learners. Theology at the IITh is telling your life and faith story as a contribution to the great story of the Bible and theology.