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I've been meaning to write about the study year for some time. Now it's becoming rather interesting, so here is an account of what it's all about.
I did the UTU study year in 1981-2. At the time, it was the foundation course of the Urban Theology Unit (UTU). Benefit regulations were more relaxed in those days and so it was possible, with a little help from the Methodist Book Shop, to take a year out for reflection. The study year was in 3 terms, three days a week. I lived in a little flat above the Methodist Chapel (previously an off-license) in Grimesthorpe.
We talked a lot about 'alternative theological education', contrasting the new ideas of contextual theology (on the streets) and a community of study, with the traditional idea of theology as something done in the ivory towers of academe. But over the years it became more difficult to uphold the vision. UTU now focuses on formal courses, primarily related to ordination. It is still a radical take on theology but it sometimes feels as though the fire has gone. In a small way, the Christian Praxis Group has met since 1983 to the present and kept the flame alight!
John Vincent, the founder of the old study year, is still around and has recently started a new study year. It is a one year course, one weekend a month. I'm taking part as a tutor, specialising in situation analysis and development work. Others are focusing on community, discipleship, personal development and radical Christianity.
This is month three and it's had a bit of a chequered start but I'm hopeful something will come of it.
I wonder whether we have made a mistake, thinking of it as a course. There's no accreditation or qualification. Perhaps we should think in terms of a study or learning community. This would run perhaps 8 or 9 months a year and people could opt in and out as they choose, gradually building up a portfolio. As they become committed, they would contribute to the agenda.
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