HDR Candidate: Healy, Tim
Title of Project | The Role of Ecotheological Education and Ecotheological Practice in Australian Theological Higher Education |
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Course of Study | Doctor of Philosophy |
Language of Instruction | English |
Abstract | This research aims to determine the impact of eco-theology's presence (or absence) in Pentecostal Higher Education on the theologies, practices, and preaching of Pentecostal pastors and leaders and, by extension, their congregations through transmitting what they have learned. The existing body of literature within Pentecostal academia shows that significant progress has been made in developing a distinctly Pentecostal theology of the environment. However, recent research conducted by TEAR Fund Australia in collaboration with The National Church Life Survey organisation suggests that there is a gap between what has been developed in the literature and what is taught both in Australian Pentecostal churches and Australian Pentecostal institutions of higher learning. Through this research, I hope to be able to demonstrate a direct, positive, and transformational impact on the hearts and minds of those being trained for ministry through the intentional inclusion of eco-theological perspectives in courses of study. The research will investigate the effectiveness of building eco-theology into the ministry training programs of institutions of higher learning as well as into the discipleship pathways of local churches. The research is motivated by a conviction that if ecological concern and an active response to our ecological crisis are going to permeate our Pentecostal churches, it must begin with good theological education, both formally and informally. |