An I-Kiribati cultural empirical theology

Abstract

This work is based upon the conviction that there is a real value in a professional and empirical approach to learning and doing theology in the Tangintebu Theological College. The traditional method of theological education has been for a long time based upon a conceptual understanding of theology -- a "thinking mode" producing an "abstract theology" rather than a "doing mode" which produces an "empirical theology". Obviously, a conceptual understanding of theology does not automatically provide theological students and pastors with adequate skills in establishing and using it. Professional skills can be developed only through repeated intelligent empirical practice.