Monday 28 December, 2015

Zacharias Mar Theophilus Saffragan Metropolitan passes away


Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Saffragan Metropolitan passed away yesterday evening due to a brain hemorrhage. He was 77. The bishop was well known in the ecumenical field and reached out to leaders and members of various other churches. He was also known to be a person who worked for the poor and needy and was one of the most senior bishops of the Marthoma Syrian Church. The funeral will be conducted tomorrow in Thiruvalla, Kerala. The principal, faculty and staff of the UTC offer their condolences.

Wednesday 2 December, 2015

The Nation of Refugees performing tomorrow


The UTC, Bangalore will be performing a play titled "The Nation of Refugees" tomorrow (Thursday, Dec 3) at 6 P.M. at the Charles Ranson Hall, UTC. Entry is free.

The play talks about the struggle for a place to live and be human and looks through the journey of a young woman and her past, present and future. It explores the various facets of human struggle, family, celebration, power, nationhood and being a refugee. The play seeks to draw our attention to the possibility of a reversal of roles and the exploration of a common space for all.

The play is directed by Mr. Jain Syriac Babu and has Rebecca, Irene, Prazwal, Rajkumar, Gandhi, Sam Ragland, Ivan, Ashley, Hanson, Ben and Jerry in various roles. The cast is ably supported by Feroze, Fawas and Malavika Rao in charge of stage, lighting, sound, choreography, sound and costume.

Tuesday 1 December, 2015

Christmas Carol service

 
The UTC Christmas Carol service will  be held on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Charles Ranson Hall at 6 PM. The UTC choir will be singing songs and will be joined by various regional fellowships of the college. The theme for this year is "Christmas: Seeking refuge in a home away from home."

Monday 30 November, 2015

The Nation of Refugees. A play


The UTC, Bangalore will be performing a play "The Nation of Refugees" based on the Christmas theme for the year "Christmas: A home away from home" on Thursday, Dec 3, 2015 at the Charles Ranson hall in the UTC. The play (Teaser available here) talks of the plight of people who have to leave their own country and are seen as foreigners and strangers in their own land.

The play explores the frailty of human beings and is an exploration of power and politics and how it affects ordinary people. During advent and leading into Christmas, this play instills hope in all and asks us to join in the struggle for hope, freedom and dignity for all.

The play is directed by Jain Syriac Babu and produced by the Communication department and worship committee of the UTC with active support from the entire college and creative support from SCMI. The cast includes students of the college.

Monday 16 November, 2015

Exposure to New Life Fellowship




Encountering and engaging whole heartedly in worshiping God and the readiness to have candidness to inter-denominational diversity was visible in the BD first year students of United Theological College, Bengaluru during their visit to New Life Fellowship Church on November 15, 2015 under the tutelage of Sr. Dr. Rani Joseph Mary Shruti, SND. Pastor Sam Skaria led the praise and worship followed by the Holy Communion. After the welcome note, the word of God was shared by Pastor Manohar based on Romans 5:1-11 reminding the congregation about the blessings that one acquire by justification. The blessings are Peace with God, Access to the father God and Hope in God. The worship service was similar to that of First Assembly of God Church, but kept its individuality. Also the students were able to discover the similarities and differences in the worship service from the view point of one’s own church tradition and also to broader one’s perspective.
Robin Raju
(BD I).





Tuesday 10 November, 2015

UTC Youth Carnival


The United Theological College Students Association (UTCSA) will be conducting a Youth Carnival on Saturday, November 20, 2015 at the UTC. The programme will start at 8:30 A.M.
The Theme for this year is "The New in You: Celebration of Friendship in the Cyber World." All the Christian youth of Bangalore are cordially invited to attend the event. There will be 6 competitions (Solo Singing, Group Singing, Choreography, Mad Ads, Elocution and Essay writing).

There will be mouth watering, delicious multi-cultural food stalls and exciting fun games for all who come. All the Churches and youth groups are invited to register. For registration and further details please contact: Moses +918095698804 or Zova +917259158059.

Wednesday 21 October, 2015

Bishop M.C. Mani passes away


Rt. Rev. Dr. M.C. Mani, former bishop of the CSI Madhya Kerala diocese passed away yesterday due to age related ailments. The funeral will be held tomorrow in Kottayam, Kerala. He was one of the longest serving bishops of the diocese from 1981-1993 and an alumnus of UTC. The principal, faculty, staff and students of the UTC offer their heart felt condolences.

Tuesday 20 October, 2015

Bishop Taranath Sagar passes away


Bishop Dr. Taranath Sagar of the Methodist Church passed away yesterday morning due to a cardiac arrest. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 11 A.M. at the Richmond Town Methodist Church, Bangalore. Bishop Sagar was a regular face in the ecumenical movement in India and was a strong leader. He was president of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) for two times and executive member of the UTC College Council. The principal, faculty, staff and students of the UTC offer their condolences and prayers to the Methodist Church and the bishop's family.

Monday 31 August, 2015

DTh application form for 2016


The Doctor of Theology application form for the academic year 2016 can be downloaded from the link  UTC DTh Application form.

The filled up form, together with the required documents, should be sent to:
The Principal,
United Theological College,
Post Box 4613,
63 (17), Miller’s Road,
Bangalore - 560 046
Tel. Nos. Principal : 23332844 General : 23333438, 23330502
Fax: 91-80-23330015, E-mail: unitedtcb@gmail.com, Website: www.utc.edu.in,
Blog: www.utcbangalore.blogspot.in

Last date for submission of Application Form: 13th November, 2015
Last date for submission of Application From with late fee: 20th November, 2015

Sunday 30 August, 2015

MTh application for 2016

The Master of Theology application form for the academic year 2016 can be downloaded from the link  UTC MTh application form.

The filled up form, together with the required documents, should be sent to:
The Principal,
United Theological College,
Post Box 4613,
63 (17), Miller’s Road,
Bangalore - 560 046
Tel. Nos. Principal : 23332844 General : 23333438, 23330502
Fax: 91-80-23330015, E-mail: unitedtcb@gmail.com, Website: www.utc.edu.in,
Blog: www.utcbangalore.blogspot.in

Last date for submission of Application Form: 13th November, 2015
Last date for submission of Application From with late fee: 20th November, 2015
Guidelines for the entrance is available in the college blog and website

Saturday 29 August, 2015

BD Application form for 2016

The Bachelor of Divinity application form for the academic year 2016 can be downloaded from this link  UTC BD Application.

The filled up form, together with the required documents, should be sent to:
The Principal,
United Theological College,
Post Box 4613,
63 (17), Miller’s Road,
Bangalore - 560 046
Tel. Nos. Principal : 23332844 General : 23333438, 23330502
Fax: 91-80-23330015, E-mail: unitedtcb@gmail.com, Website: www.utc.edu.in,
Blog: www.utcbangalore.blogspot.in

Last date for submission of Application Form: 13th November, 2015
Last date for submission of Application From with late fee: 20th November, 2015

Friday 28 August, 2015

MTh Entrance examination book list and guidelines



THE UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE : BANGALORE. 

M.TH. ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOOK LIST & GUIDELINES
Purpose: U. T. C. being the College which admits candidates for M.Th. studies on the basis of an entrance test, the P. G. Committee felt the need to lay down the rationale of such a test on record: i) the fact that too many candidates apply for M.Th. studies, more than the College could admit each year, makes it necessary to screen them. ii) Since many of the applicants come for M. Th. studies after a fairly long interval, subsequent to their passing the B. D. Degree, their academic motivation and competence to undertake studies at the Master’s level cannot be assessed on the basis of their B. D. grades alone. iii) U. T. C. being an English medium theological college, both at the B. D. and M. Th. levels, the ability of the student to do a Master’s degree in English medium has to be tested through a written test in English. 

General Guidelines for the M.Th. Entrance Tests: Have the subject test in the forenoon, and the English test in the afternoon of the first day. General interview on matters of finance, accommodation, to be held after dinner on first day. Subject oral test to be held on the second day.

 DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES OLD TESTAMENT & NEW TESTAMENT AIM: To test the basic ability to handle Hebrew/Greek text; the ability to use the critical apparatus; awareness of major trends in biblical research, especially the ones in more recent times, awareness of critical approaches to the study of the Bible including those relating to the literature and theology of the Old/New Testament; some awareness of current issues and trends in biblical interpretation. The candidate is expected to have competence at the third level of Biblical Hebrew/Greek (at least to have passed two BD level Hebrew courses or three BD level Greek courses with second class grades). TEST : A written test for two and a half hours which would include translations of the Hebrew/Greek texts, syntax, grammar, exegesis, plus questions on critical introduction, theology and hermeneutics. There will be an oral test for about 45 minutes for each candidate to assess the overall competence of the candidate as well as to test those skills which are not tested through the written test. 2
BOOK LIST: BRANCH I : OLD TESTAMENT 1. Hebrew Grammar by Weingreen or Davidson or any other equivalent grammar book (thorough knowledge is expected). 2. Any one book on Old Testament Theology (G. Von Rad, or R. E. Clements, or B. S. Childs, or W. Zimmerli). 3. History of Israel by M. Noth or J. Bright. 4. Old Testament Introduction by O. Eissfeldt or G.W. Anderson or another book of same standard. 5. Passages for translation from Hebrew to English and questions relating to introduction will be from (a) Exodus 1-15 and (b) Hosea

BRANCH II : NEW TESTAMENT
1) The thorough knowledge of the grammar book and some acquaintance with J. W. Wenham, a short Syntax of New Testamnent Greek or C. F. D. Moule, An Idiom, Book of New Testament Greek or any equivalent book; 2) Acquaintance with the methodological issues described or raised in Fuller, The New Testament in Current Study and Kummel, The New Testament, the History of the investigation of its problems; 3) Ability to use basic took like lexicons, concordances, etc. 4) Passages for translation from Greek to English and questions relating to introduction will be from (a) St. John’s Gospel and (b) Epistle to the Romans (1-8). 

BRANCH III: CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
Entrance examination consists of a 3-hour written test as well as an interview. The candidate is expected to study the recommended tests, and be able to interact with them critically and creatively. Those candidates who either do not possess a copy of these books, or do not have any access to them in the nearby libraries, may write, well in advance, to the Registrar of the College for guidance. Robin Boyd. An Introduction to Indian Christian Theology. Delhi: ISPCK, 1989. In order to supplement Robin Boyd, An Introduction to Indian Christian Theology, the candidates are to read: EITHER: V. Devasahayam, ed., Frontiers of Dalit Theology, Gurukul Summer Institute 1996 (Delhi: ISPCK/Madras: Gurukul, 1997); 3
OR: A Wati Longchar, ed., An Exploration of Tribal Theology (Jorhat: Tribal Study Centre, Eastern Theological College, 1997); OR: Prasanna Kumari, ed., Feminist Theology: Perspectives and Praxis, Gurukul Summer Institute 1998 (Chennai: Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, 1999). AND Stanley J. Samartha, One Christ - Many Religions: Toward a Revised Christology (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991), which is available in an Indian edition, would form a reading on contemporary issues in Indian Christian Theology. -- In addition, the candidates should have done some reading on contemporary issues in non-Indian Christian Theology. As background reading, one possibility would be: David F. Ford, The Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology in the Twentieth Century (Oxford: Blackwell, 1997), especially the sections: David F. Ford, “Introduction to Modern Christian Theology,” pp. 1-15; Christoph Schwobel, “Wolfhart Pannenberg,” pp. 180-208; Richard Bauckham, “Jurgen Moltmann,” pp. 209-224, and David F. Ford, “Epilogue: Christian Theology at the Turn of the Millennium,” pp. 720-728.

 BRANCH IV : HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the departmental entrance examinations for applicants in the History of Christianity Branch are as follows: 1. In the event that there are more applicants than available seats, the examinations are conducted to determine those who are most academically able. 2. To determine the ability of applicants to function effectively in English at the M.Th. level in both written and oral contexts while dealing with historical subject matter. 3. To determine the motivation of the applicants for undertaking studies in the historical branch. Other things being equal, priority will be given to those applicants sponsored by Serampore affiliated Colleges for the purpose of upgrading their faculties. Reading Assignments: 1. John C. B. Webster, “The History of Christianity in India: Aims and Methods” Where available: a) Bangalore Theological Forum, X.2 (July-December, 1978) b) Indian Church History Review, XIII.2(December 1979) c) Xeroxed copy will be sent at the cost of Rs.50/- by the Registrar, UTC. 4
2. A. M. Mundadan, Indian Christian Search for Identity and Struggle for Autonomy (1984). Where available: Dharmaram Publications, Dharmaram College, Bangalore 560 029. 3. Dick Koolman, Conversion and Social Equality in India: London Missionary Society in South Travancore in the 19th Century (1989). Where available: Manohar Publications, 1 Ansari Road, New Delhi : 110 002. OR O. L. Snaitang, Christianity and Social Change in North East India(1993) Where available: Vendrame Institute, Sacred Heart College, Shillong, Meghalaya 793 008. Entrance Examination: There shall be a written entrance examination conducted at the College of up to three hours in duration. The purpose of the examination will be to test the applicants’ understanding of the readings that have been assigned. Emphasis will be on understanding of issues and the purposes the writers seek to achieve, rather than on ability to duplicate material from the readings. The written examination will account for 50% of the departmental evaluation. Entrance Interview: Each applicant will individually meet with the members of the department for a period of up to 30 minutes. The primary purpose of the interview shall be to determine the applicants’ ability to express orally and defend their understanding of the reading assignments. A secondary purpose shall be to determine the applicants’ motivation for undertaking M.Th. studies in the History of Christianity. The interview will account for 50% of the departmental evaluation. 

BRANCH V: RELIGIONS
Aims : To test basic ability to read and interpret Sanskrit/Arabic/Pali (depending on the area of specialization) text at the second level of competence. (The candidate is required by the University to have passed at least one advanced B.D. level course with a second class grade.) Further, to assess the candidate’s competence in understanding and handling critically materials related to the concerns of the discipline, as well as the candidate’s ability to deal with new ideas/perspectives, and his/her proficiency in written and oral expression. 5
Tests: A written language test of one hour’s duration, the major part of which will require translation of Sanskrit/Arabic/Pali text, but will also examine knowledge of syntax and grammar. A second written test of subject matter of one and a half hours’ duration, designed to assess the skills/aptitudes described in the statement of Aims above and based on the materials in the Reading list. A personal interview, on the second day, will provide opportunity to probe questions arising from the written tests of the previous day, as well as motivation for undertaking M.Th. studies and any other pertinent concerns. Reading List: Either Marcus Braybrooke. The Undiscovered Christ: A Review of Recent Developments in the Christian Approach to the Hindu (Inter-Religious Dialogue Series). Bangalore: C. I. S. R. S., 1973 (pp. 119) Rs. 6/-. Or Eric J. Lott. “Approaching a Religious Tradition.” in Religious Traditions of India, edited by P. S. Daniel, David C. Scott & G. R. Singh (Indian Theological Library). Madras: C.L.S., 1988, pp. 1-45, Rs. 40/-. and S. J. Samartha. “The Cross and the Rainbow: Christ in a Multi-Religious Culture.” in Christian Faith and Multiform Culture in India. edited by Somen Das. Bangalore: United Theological College, 1987, pp. 15-48. Rs. 25/-. 

BRANCH VI: CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Books Christian Ethics - An Introductory Reader. Edited with introductions by Hunter P. Mabry. Serampore: Senate of Serampore College, 1987. Chapters 1-3, 5, 7, 9, 14-16, 18, 22. Das, Somen. Christian Ethics and Indian Ethics. New Delhi: ISPCK, 1989. Chapters 2 - 8, 11. Hinduism. Patiala: Punjab University, 1969. Chapter III on “Hindu Ethics” by K. R. Sundararajan. Murickan, J. (ed. ) Poverty in India: Challenges and Responses. Bangalore: Xavier Board of Higher Education in India, 1988. Chapter 2 on “The Structural Nature of Poverty in India” by F. Franco and Chapter 3 on “Societal Analysis “by Paul de la Gueriviere. Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1951. London: Faber & Faber, 1952, and other editions. 6
Articles Abraham, K. C. “A Theological Response to the Social Reality in India.” Bangalore Theological Forum XIV/3 ( September-December,1982 ): 217-231. Abraham, K. C. “Peace and Justice in the Indian Context.” National Council of Churches Review. CIX/4 (April 1989): 183-194. In the entrance examination the applicant will be asked questions based on materials from the above readings. The questions may consist of selected statements representing different theological or ethical positions upon which the applicant will be asked to comment, or questions about the content and concern of certain readings. The applicant’s answers will be treated as indicative of his/her level of comprehension, openness to different ideas, ability to express himself/herself in English, and method(s) used in dealing with ethical or societal ideas, realities and issues. Generally, the materials on the reading list should be found in the various theological and major public libraries in various parts of India. Applicants who do not possess copies of these materials and/or who are unable to find these materials in book stores, are expected to consult with libraries in their area to locate copies. In case of any particular material not being otherwise available, the College will try to provide a limited amount of help. 

BRANCH VII: CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
1. An examination for the duration of 3 hours in the areas of Pastoral Care & Counselling, Christian Education, Homiletics and Sociology. Candidates will be required to choose questions from Sociology and two other areas. 2. One question to be answered will be comprehensive, integrating the different areas. Other questions in subject areas will require critical reflection in answering them. Recommended Books: 1. Pastoral Care and Counselling: Clinebell, Howard J. Jr. Basic Types of Counselling 2. Christian Education:. Paulus, V. Introduction to Christian Education. 3. Sociology: Bilton, Tony et. al. Introductory Sociology. Adapted for the Indian Edition by N. Jayaram. 7 

BRANCH VIII: MISSIOLOGY
A three-hour written entrance exam and a personal interview to determine the candidate’s level of English language command and her/his analytical competency to engage in research works. The written exam will be conducted in two areas, namely, History of the Modern Missionary Movement, and Contemporary Trends in the Theology of Mission. 1. History of the Modern Missionary Movement: David Bosch. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in the Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 1991, pp. 190-261. 2. Theology of Mission: David Bosch. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in the Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 1991. pp. 368-510. S.J. Samartha, One Christ - Many Religions: Toward a Revised Christology. Orbis Books, 1991, Pages 142-154 . OR Indian Edition, 1992, Chapter 10: “Mission in a Religiously Plural World”, pp. 162-175. 

BRANCH X: COMMUNICATION
1. Mass Communication in India by Keval J. Kumar.

2. Communication in Theological Education - C. R. W. David (ed.)

BRANCH XI: WOMEN’S STUDIES Entrance examination consists of a 3-hour written test as well as an interview. The candidate is expected to study the recommended texts, and be able to interact with them critically and creatively. Those candidates who either do not possess a copy of these books, or do not have any access to them in the nearby libraries, may write, well in advance, to the Registrar of the College for guidance.
1. Readings on Women, Religion and Culture (Compiled with an introduction by IWID)

Initiatives: Women in Development, Part I & Part II (UTC Library Ref. No. 396.04 I 6IR)
2. Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza : In Memory of Her: A Feminist Theological Reconstruction of Christian Origins, pp. 1-95

(UTC Lib. Ref. No. 270.1 F 518I) 8 

ENGLISH
Aims: The English Examination seeks to determine the level of English that the student already has and his/her potential for study in English at U.T.C. A Text Book has been prescribed for studying Vocabulary and 2 books of grammar for those who wish to brush-up their language. The Test: A. Comprehension : 50 marks - 1½ hours. Q. 1. Close-Test. i.e. filling in blanks with appropriate words to show basic knowledge of English grammar & vocabulary (20 marks) Q. 2. Direct questions: (20 marks) Q. 3. Precis-Writing: (10 marks) B. Essay-Writing : 30 marks - 1 hour. Q. 4. To write on one topic out of four topics given. C. Vocabulary : 20 marks - ½ hour.
Q. 5. 10 marks
Q. 6. 10 marks N.B.: Questions on Synonyms, Antonyms and sentence-making will be based on Book III of Words are Important by Hardwick. Reading List: 1. Guide to Patterns & Usage in English, A. S. Horn by Oxford University Press. - Rs. 30/- 2. Words Are Important - Book III, Wheeler & Co., Allahabad. - Rs. 10/- (Approx) 3. Advanced English Practice by B. D. Graver Oxford University Press. - Rs. 20/- 78787878 :bmr October 12, 2009. File: BOOKLIST.DOC

Course offering for 2016



THE UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, BANGALORE
Prepares candidates for: Pastoral Ministry - Teaching Ministry - Church-related Services

COURSES OFFERED FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-2017
Graduate Studies/Diploma Courses Degree/Diploma Duration
1. Bachelor of Divinity Degree Course of the Senate of Serampore College
    B.D. 4 years
2. Diploma for Proficiency in Counselling D.P.C 1 year
3. Diploma in Women’s Studies D.W.S. 6 months

Master of Theology Degree of the Senate of Serampore College in:
a. Old Testament M.Th. 2 Years
b. New Testament M.Th. 2 Years
c. Christian Theology M.Th. 2 Years
d. History of Christianity M.Th. 2 Years
e. (i) Christian Ministry (Counselling) M.Th. 2 Years
(ii) Christian Ministry (General) M.Th. 2 Years
f. Christian Ethics M.Th. 2 Years
g. Missiology M.Th. 2 Years
h. Women’s Studies M.Th. 2 Years

Doctor of Theology Degree of the Senate of Serampore College in:
a. Old Testament D.Th.
b. New Testament D.Th.
c. Christian Theology D.Th.
d. History of Christianity [subject to approval of the Senate of Serampore
College]
D.Th.
e. (i) Christian Ministry (Counselling) D.Th.
(ii) Christian Ministry (General) D.Th.
f. Christian Ethics D.Th.
g. Missiology D.Th.
h. Women’s Studies D.Th.

B.D. M.Th. D.Th. D.P.C. D.W.S.
Cost of Application
Form Rs.400 Rs.450 Rs.500 Rs.250 Rs.250

Last date of submission 13.11.2015
Late fee Rs.500 Rs.550 Rs.600
Last date with late fee 20.11.2015
Entrance Exam &
Interview 14-15 Jan., 2016 18-19 Jan., 2016 21 Jan., 2016

Please note that no application will be entertained after the last date as mentioned above.
Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available for needy candidates after the successful completion of their
first year for B.D./M.Th. studies. Two scholarships are reserved every year for women, and four for candidates
coming from North India, in order to encourage theological education in North India.

Kindly address all enquiries to:
THE REGISTRAR, THE UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE,
63 MILLER’S ROAD, POST BOX 4613, BENSON TOWN,
BANGALORE - 560 046, INDIA
FAX: +91-80-23330015 TEL.: (080)-2333 3438, 23330502
Email: registrarutc@gmail.com / lphauhnar@gmail.com
Website: www.utc.edu.in / Blog: www.utcbangalore.blogspot.in