May 9-48, 201
Editorial
Editorial: A closer look at Aboriginal theological formation
Translated by Lydia Ma
Yushan Theological College and Seminary is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The founding vision of this seminary was to train Indigenous clergy to minister to their own. This seminary has grown a lot these past few years with the support of people abroad and in Taiwan.
But the seminary shouldn’t be content or complacent of what it has achieved in this half-century. It must strive toward developing a curricular system that’s indigenous so as to benefit Taiwan and the rest of the world.
The seminary is planning to build a new complex that will give students more space. The new building will have a chapel, classrooms, library, and exhibition rooms.
In contrast to previous regulations that required students to live in school dorms and learn from each other’s culture, the new curriculum will allow for students to spend about 4 months at home ministering to their own people.
This change was made to underscore that ministers are also prophets speaking on God’s behalf. They must relate to the people and empathize with their sufferings. These four months in their own community will enable them to have hands on experience – just as doctors spend some time doing their residencies to train themselves.
In light of this ever-changing society, Aboriginal theological education must also adapt and change to better meet the needs of the time. We urge every Christian to come onboard with us on this journey and support Aboriginal theological education through prayers and financial donations.
