Towards a Theology of Competition: The Case of Anglican Theological Institutions in England

Abstract

Beginning with the current state of competition in English Theological Education Institutes (TEIs), which is mirrored on both sides of the Atlantic, this multidisciplinary article introduces an initial theological reflection into competition by considering history, social theory and theology and by looking through the lenses of sport, schools and business. The competitive climate that has emerged within Anglican TEIs over the last few centuries is observed by considering an historical overview. That climate is then discussed in terms of social theory using Michael Porter's Competitive Strategy and then with the insights of theology. The way forward is discussed with awareness of how a Christian theology of theological education must include a theology of competition. The aim is to open a discussion rather than to answer the question, though various theological leads are suggested.

keywords:

• competitive theory and strategy
• paideia
• theological colleges
• theology of competition
• wissenschaft

Notes on contributor

Howard Worsley is currently the Tutor in Mission at Trinity College in Bristol where he is also the Vice Principal. He is a researcher into children's spirituality and their early perceptions, a contextual theologian and an educationalist who publishes regularly for academic journals. In 2009 he published a book on children's insights into the Bible called, ‘A child sees God’. In 2013 his book, ‘Two Hundred Years of Anglican Church School Education’ was published by Bloomsbury. He has previously worked as a secondary school teacher, a Scripture Union worker, an Anglican vicar, a university teacher of theology, a director of education (in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and then in the Diocese of London) and as a chaplain in both the HE and FE sectors. His connecting themes are contextual theology and young people and his interests are to do with sport (the great outdoors or rugby) and travel (preferably in remote places and by off road motorbike or canoe). He has been married to Ruth for 31 years (she is the Bishop of Taunton). They have three sons, Nathanael, Jonathan and Benjamin.

Notes

1 Therefore any reference to theological education in this article is about education which is directly involved with ministerial formation and which leads to Christian ministerial practice.