About the Department
World Christianity and Mission Studies
The Department for world Christianity and Mission Studies introduces students to the study of Christianity as a truly global phenomenon which it is called to be. It is an examination and overview of the growth, history, cultural contexts and theological developments of World Christianity from its beginnings to its contemporary global nature. It explores how historical and cultural context shapes religious experiences in general, and how it shapes different ways of being Christian in particular. Special attention is given to diversity within the Universal Church Traditions, the diversity of the different continental Christian confessions (i.e., Ecumenism), and the ways in which Christian communities have developed and continue to evolve (i.e., history) and their interactions and relationship with communities of other religious faiths (interreligious dialogue). It will include an evaluation of the divisions within Christianity, along with the diverse developments in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. It scrutinizes the missionary efforts and theological developments, the political and social dynamics, the impact of Islam, the effects of the Catholic and Orthodox Schism in 1054, the rise of various renewal movements, and the civilizations created and impacted by the Christian faith. The various courses in this department are pinched towards attaining the three broad goals of Spiritual Formation, Theological Training and Transformational Development on which the PTS curriculum is hinged.