Theology and Peace Studies

Two aspects of theology - the study of comparative religion for peace, and ethics in business and social practices - have long been topics at BC Montessori Teachers College and our partnering International University Vienna. Maria Montessori promoted peace concepts in her pedagogy and personal life. Vancouver University Worldwide is now offering - in Vancouver BC - an Applied and Comparative Theology (ACT) degrees sequence, with emphasis not only on study but also practical utilization in life; and Next Age (era, not error) Theology (NAT) must address a fundamental human challenge. Vancouver University commenced planning Theology programs, and global outreach in the subject, in 2001. Your application and other correspondence re Theology should be mailed to P.O.Box 2001, Main Post Office, Vancouver BC, Canada.

At Vancouver (Canada) our Theology outreach is in ACT-NAT context. The next classroom-based sequence in Vancouver commences in September 2007. ACT-NAT will later (probably in 2008) also be offered by distance learning. Although emphasizing real-world application in comparative theology context, the program is not conducted as career-training. The number of participants is likewise not a determining factor. (Registered charity donations to expand the program are, of course, welcome). Theology degrees - associate to research doctorate levels - are based upon 36-hour theology seminars within our long-standing general aggregate-learning and (at postgraduate level) research-based structuring.

Our UK-based (and BAC-accredited) member college Monkfield College is committed to the non-denominational study of the main areas of Christian Theology and of Buddhism and Islam. The college is completely ecumenical. Monkfield also utilizes telephone distance-learning tutorials. Our Master in Theology degree at Monkfield is based on twelve taught modules and a dissertation written under supervision.

Our Pakistan member college is considering an on-line course in Islamic studies. A prospective member college in Israel, which accepts students of all religions or of secular persuasion, is encompassing Maria Montessori's commitment to Peace Studies.

RECENT EVENT IN VANCOUVER

Encounter Point (www.encounterpoint.com) is a movie which tells the stories of several Palestinian and Israeli peace and nonviolence activists. Encounter Point was produced by a joint team of Israelis, Palestinians and North and South Americans. It is a rare look at some incredibly brave individuals working together in the face of a violent conflict. Encounter Point was screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival in late 2006. The producers requested our cooperation in publicizing this film. Just Vision website: www.justvision.org.