Best schools for systematic theology

[Guest]

Hello,

As the topic title indicates, I want to know what schools are the best for studying systematic theology in the Christian context (I'm not looking for a world religion perspective if that helps), which I want to specialize in. I'm also thoroughly interested in historical theology/church history, ethics, and I'm betting I'm going to be in love with philosophy of religion though I have yet to have any experience in it.

So, in general what are the best schools for systematic theology? Any schools that have that and are also awesome in the other areas mentioned is a big help

I'm prepared to apply to schools for the 2012-2013 school year.

If you've read my other topics, you'll know I'm deciding between an MA/MTS and an MDiv and I want to get in a "feeder school" that will up my chances of being admitted into a great PhD program.

Stats

Ethnicity: Caucasian American

Age: 21

Marital Status: Married

GPA: 3.65

GRE: TBA

Degrees: BA Theology (Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI)

Honors: Theta Alpha Kappa, Deans list every semester, JN Andrews Honors Scholar (pending, it's my school's honors program)

Religious Affiliation & Background: Seventh-day Adventist

Languages: Intermediate Biblical Greek (2 years), Intermediate Hebrew (1.5 years)

Interests (in order of favorite): Systematic Theology, Ethics, Historical Theology, Philosophy of Religion, Old Testament Studies

Other: Active constant involvement in ministries ranging from door-to-door prayer ministries to leading school organizations and clubs, such as the Andrews Collegiate Theological Society, member of essentially any major scholarly society you can think of related to our field

[sacklunch]

I didn't get a clear idea from your previous posts about your comfort level at non-SDA institutions. As I mentioned before, BC has a very large and well ranked systematic/ethics/church history faculty (make sure you check faculty at both the BC department of theology and the graduate school that offers the MTS/MDiv, "school of theology and ministry." Although honestly the large majority here is Catholic (no way!). Then again it seems most divinity schools have one large flavor, with the exception maybe of HDS since everyone seems to say they hunt for diversity.

Also, more information about what type of systematic theology you are interested in would be helpful. If you came to BC, for instance, you might not enjoy the thoroughly Catholic approach. If possible, speak with current students in the program for really detailed information.

good luck.

[Balatro]

Tall order (thinking of MA programs exclusively) as I can't personally name a school off the top of my head that specializes in either field however I know schools (that are feeders) which have faculty in those areas.

Niebuhr is pretty big at Union which is to be expected - funny (to me) side story, I was once a student under Eugene Rogers and approached him one afternoon on the prospect of studying Niebuhr and a scattering of other theologians. Literally, he shivered in his seat at the idea and threw me out of his office. Later he explained he 'strongly disliked' Niebuhr and had purposely not read any of his work in over twenty years.

Niebuhr, Bonhoeffer, Barth, Schleiermacher, etc is taught at Princeton (PTS) which may be your best bet - it's a world famous school and they cover just about everything.

Edited September 21, 2011 by Balatro

[E P Unum]

From what I understand, Yale is strong in systematic theology. Specifically I know that Kathryn Tanner and Miroslav Volf teach within that disciple. I am currently taking a course with them and it is excellent. It seems like YDS serves as a feeder into the religion and theology Phd programs at Yale. If you have any YDS specific questions please let me know!

[tcb-ing]

PTS is probably the best place in America to study modern protestant theology right now. Folks there are not afraid to do straight up dogmatics/systematic theology. Yale and Duke are good too. As far as feeder schools for PhD in systematic theology I would say those are your best bet.

[chicagodivstudent]

I'd echo PTS, though I hear you need to be prepared to have Barth kind of be the central locus of theological discussion.

I can speak to U Chicago DIv as a student there. Our systematics is hurting after Kathryn Tanner's departure and no subsequent hire. On our faculty, Kevin Hector is probably closest to your interests--he does a fair bit with Tillich, Schleiermacher, Barth, et al.

Moreover, I'd encourage you to apply broadly and spend time after applications reading faculty's work so as to really choose the "best fit" when (hopefully many) acceptances are sent to you. Similarly, think a lot about your preferred theological method. I think that is central in discerning a good school that will further your academic goals.