Often theological colleges are the site of tension between the aspirations of the overall institution of the church and the goals of the particular college itself. While they are usually the first called upon to solve the numerous problems facing the modern church, yet, just as likely, they are criticized for being too academic, too out of touch with contemporary society, and too expensive.
A fair reading of the ten essays in Things That Matter will refute or, at the very least, question these criticisms. The authors of this inspiring collection, although far from uncritical, clearly show that since 1999, when United Theological College, the Uniting Church’s premier college in New South Wales, became part of Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology, there have been great benefits for students, faculty, the church, and the broader community.
Industry Reviews
“Things that Matter is an insightful and expertly edited collection of essays from active participants in one of Australasia’s most significant theological colleges. It constitutes an important updated institutional history and highlights well the flourishing of the diverse contextual theologies that have been developed at UTC over many decades.”
—Glen O’Brien, Professor of Christian Thought and History, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia
“Things That Matter is a profound testament to the power of faith, community, and theological formation. More than just a history, this book beautifully weaves personal narratives with deep reflections on identity, vocation, and hospitality within Christian discipleship. As someone shaped by UTC, I know firsthand the transformative role of theological education and the bonds that sustain faith leaders. A compelling and heartfelt read, this book is an inspiring resource for those shaping the church’s future.”
—Charissa Suli, President, Uniting Church in Australia
“This is an important and timely book. It provides critical insider perspectives on what happened to theological education when a denominationally run theological college established formal links with a university. In ten wide-ranging essays, it considers what was lost and gained as the college negotiated the issues involved in embracing the intellectually open approach of the university, while simultaneously responding to the opportunities and challenges of theological and multi-cultural diversity within the church, college, and wider community.”
—Judith Raftery, President, Uniting Church National History Society, Adelaide, South Australia
“Theological colleges occupy a highly contested place in the Uniting Church. Considered studies of what they are and the manifold work that they do, however, are rare. This book helps to correct that by exploring, in some detail, many aspects of the work of United Theological College over the last twenty-five years. The authors variously analyze what matters: what has mattered, what no longer matters, what should matter. It matters, too, that members and leaders of the Uniting Church engage the insights of these high-quality essays.”
—Geoff Thompson, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Pilgrim Theological College
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