Good, Bad or No theology?
Why would you consider to study Greek and/or Hebrew as standalone learning modules?
“I want to be able to responsibly judge for myself what is said from the pulpit. I do not want to remain ignorant regarding the most important dimension of my being - the health of my soul - and that of my family.”
These are the sentiments we’ve been hearing more frequently at Auckland Park Theological Seminary. It seems more Christians are recognising the need to equip themselves to better understand the theology they encounter. This isn’t about isolating oneself from the “community of saints” but about taking our walk with Christ seriously.
Karl Barth once remarked that theology is unavoidable; we either engage with good theology or bad theology. Even denying God’s existence is a theological statement. The term “theology” itself derives from “logos” (words) and “theos” (God).
In some circles, particularly within Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, theology has been seen as an adversary, as if it contradicts the work of the Holy Spirit. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The Holy Spirit’s role is to deepen our understanding of God’s word.
Historically, Pentecostalism in South Africa arose among the poor, many of whom were expelled from traditional churches and disinherited by their families. They were often sceptical of theologians who dismissed the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as heretical. This history explains the distrust of theology, but we must strive for truth, recognising that rejecting theology entirely results in poor theology.
In response to this shift, ATS is now offering standalone learning modules in biblical languages. If you wish to better understand the Bible and its original languages, you can enrol in Greek and/or Hebrew modules.
Study alongside our Bachelor of Theology (BTh) students, with the same tests and examinations. There is no minimum admission requirements to enrol for these standalone learning modules and you can study from anywhere (distance education with Internet support).
If you decide to apply for an accredited qualification at ATS in future, you can be credited for those successfully completed modules (through Recognition of Prior Learning).
For more information on these Standalone Learning Modules:
https://www.ats.ac.za/academic-programmes/standalone-learning-modules/
Important: Applications for the Greek and Hebrew Standalone Learning Modules close 31 January 2025. Registration closes the following week on Friday 7 February 2025.
