Character and Virtue in Global Theological Education: An Academic Epistolary Novel(ICETE Series)

Dr Marvin Oxenham expertly uses the genre of the epistolary novel to help the reader understand the nature of character and virtue education and their relationship to theological education. This book will help educators respond to the increasing demands for formational and transformational education and enact concrete virtue related practices. Dr Oxenham draws on a vast array of disciplines, from educational philosophy and political science to theology and andragogy, in this winsome story that explores how global theological education can better contribute to the formation of virtuous students. Written from the perspective of a seasoned educator from the Minority World who engages with correspondence from his friend and peer in the Majority World, this is the honest story of two friends who struggle with their challenges and dreams. Academics will find this book compelling reading that, like good works of fiction, they won't put down, and, like good reference works, they will return to again and again. This book offers a chance to rediscover an ancient tradition and explore a new frontier in theological education.

About the Author :
As an educational philosopher and theologian, DR MARVIN OXENHAM is passionate about the trialogue between education, philosophy and theology. He has worked for thirty years in theological education in Europe and internationally as a faculty member, academic dean and leader in quality assurance. He presently serves as General Secretary of the European Council for Theological Education, Director of the ICETE Academy, and Programme Leader for postgraduate studies in theological education with London School of Theology, UK. Marvin was born in Rome, Italy, where he currently resides.

Review :
Dr Marvin Oxenham is ideally suited to be published in this area of character and virtue studies in theological education. He is course leader in a masters course on theological education at London School of Theology and has written course material on the subject. He is supervising PhD students in the area and recently arranged a Europe-wide conference on the subject. This area of study in theological education is relatively new and growing. I saw some of the contents of this book when it was still just a manuscript and consider it a very useful and innovative contribution to the overall literature on theological education. Graham Cheesman, PhD Honorary Lecturer, Queens University Belfast, UK Former Director, Centre for the Study of Theological Education, Belfast, UK Character and Virtue in Theological Education by Marvin Oxenham is a breath of fresh air in theological education for our generation. The mission and vision of theological education was the formation of those who obeyed the call of the Lord for ministry and mission. This was through academic excellence, character, and spiritual formation. Today we have an overemphasis on academics with only lip service given to character and spiritual formation. This book brings us back to the centrality of character and virtue. Without this re-envisioning we are headed for fossilization. Look at Paul as he deals with Timothy and Titus. In ministry, what matters is who they are in Christ, while the study of God's word is for all followers of Christ. The Bible is the transforming Word and it is the need of the hour if theological education is to impact the church to be salt and light. A must-read for all theological educators if we want to see impact and not status quo. Ashish Crispal, PhD Regional Director for Asia, Overseas Council I strongly endorse Marvin Oxenham's Character and Virtue in Theological Education. Marvin's characteristically creative contribution to this topic flows from his long engagement and deep well of international theological educational research, observation, collaboration and influence. He is an avid conversation leader and effective advocate of learning and dialogue at the institutional, regional, and international levels in theological education. Ralph E. Enlow, Jr., EdD President, Association for Biblical Higher Education In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul writes that Christians are to be "hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Col 3:3-4). In the media, marketing, and celebrity-frenzy cultures which affect even theological educators, there is a tendency to jump quickly to the glory part of the Pauline text and not take too seriously the idea of hiddenness. This book displays in creative and engaging ways why we are called back to life in Christ, even that hidden life. Christian virtues are not only fundamental for educators and those who call themselves followers of Christ, they are fundamental for the church and for our participation in God's mission. This is a must-read for educators all around the globe. Rosalee Velloso Ewell, PhD Executive Director, Theological Commission World Evangelical Alliance