United Theological College, Bangalore Explained
United Theological College (UTC) is an eccumenical Mainline seminary founded in 1910[1] situated in the southern city of Bangalore in the state of Karnataka in South India and affiliated to India's first[2] Theological University, the Senate of Serampore College (University) [3] with degree-granting authority validated by a Danish Charter and ratified by the Government of West Bengal.
Currently,[4] the principalship is held by the Old Testament Scholar, The Rev. Ch. Vasantha Rao, CSI, Dr.theol. (Hamburg), an alma mater[5] of this institution and an acknowledged lead in Old Testament studies and Biblical Hebrew language, having been groomed by the Old Testament Scholar, Victor Premasagar, CSI, throughout his Spiritual formation period, beginning with his graduate[6] and post-graduate studies,[7] well into his doctoral studies.[8] Vasantha Rao is also known for his continuing association with the fully ecumenical[9] Society for Biblical Studies in India (SBSI) right from the New millennium to the Golden Jubilee conclave held in 2012, where he was elected President, at the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Whitefield and continues to steer the Society.[10]
The College
Since 1976, it has been granted the status of an autonomous[13] college under the University. The college has welcomed world leaders. Mahatma Gandhi visited it in 1927 and declared, To live the gospel is the most effective way…I can say that the life of service and uttermost simplicity is the best preaching. India Post released a centenary commemorative stamp in honor of the United Theological College (UTC) on 8 July 2011.
Motto
UTC's motto comes from Matthew 20:28 in the Vulgate: SICUT FILIUS HOMINIS NON VENIT MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE ET DARE ANIMAM SUAM REDEMPTIONEM PRO MULTIS which translates as "Even as the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many".[14] It is sometimes condensed to Not to be Served but to Serve. In the University emblem the motto is in Greek (not in Latin): οὐ... διακονηθῆναι ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι
Courses offered
The UTC was granted autonomy in the year 1976 by the Senate of Serampore College (University). The following are the courses offered by the College:[15]
Exchange programs
The UTC has exchange programs with the Theological Faculty of the University of Basel Switzerland[16] and the Divinity School of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.[17] It has a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Revd Dr O V Jathanna and Prof Kenneth Brown with the University of Edinburgh wherein a post-graduate student can study a semester in Bengaluru.
Publications
Campus life
The college had been a recipient of prizes from the Mysore Horticultural Society, Bengaluru for well-maintained gardens and lawns. Good environment for study purpose.
Library
The college has a massive library including 200-year-old palm leaf manuscripts. The United States Embassy awarded a grant for preservation of these rare palm leaf manuscripts in 2006.[20]
Present Faculty
Present Faculty at the United Theological College with subjects taught[21] | Faculty Name | Gen
der | Domicile | Highest
Degree | Alma Mater | University |
|---|
| Discipline: Old Testament |
| The Rev. D. J. Muthunayagom, CSI | M | Tamil Nadu | D.Th. | Missions Academy,
Hamburg (Germany)/
SATHRI, Bangalore | Serampore |
| The Rev. K. Jesurathnam, STBC | M | Andhra Pradesh | Ph.D. | New College,
Edinburgh (Scotland) | Edinburgh |
| The Rev. J. R. John Samuel Raj, CSI | M | Kerala | Dr. Theol. | Missions Academy,
Hamburg (Germany) | Hamburg |
| Discipline: New Testament |
| The Rev. J. G. Muthuraj, CSI | M | Tamil Nadu | Ph.D. | University of Durham,
Durham (England) | Durham |
| The Rev. J. Jeyakumar, MCI | M | Tamil Nadu | M.Th. | UTC, Bangalore | Serampore |
| The Rev. Johnson Thomaskutty | M | Kerala | Ph.D | Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen (Holland) | Nijmegen |
| The Rev. Dexter S. Maben, CSI | M | Karnataka | Dr. Theol. | Theological Seminary Bethel
(Kirchliche Hochschule Bethel),
Bielefeld (Germany) | Bethel |
| Discipline: Theology and Ethics |
| The Rev. R. Sahayadhas, IELC | M | Tamil Nadu | D.Th. | UTC, Bangalore | Serampore |
| The Rev. George Zachariah, MMTSC | M | Kerala | Ph. D | Lutheran School of Theology,
Chicago (United States) | LSTC |
| The Rev. Allan Samuel Palanna, CSI | M | Karnataka | Ph.D | University of Kent,
Canterbury (England) | Kent |
| The Rev. Mervin Shinoj Boas, CSI | M | Kerala | Ph. D | Lutheran School of Theology,
Chicago (United States) | LSTC |
| Discipline: History of Christianity |
| The Fr. M. O. John, MOSC | M | Kerala | D. D. | University of Vienna,
Vienna (Austria)[22] | Vienna |
| Discipline: Mission and Ecumenicism |
| The Sr. Rani Joseph Mary Sruthi, SND | F | Karnataka | Ph.D. | Pontifical Urban University,
Rome (Italy) | Urban |
| The Rev. Gudrun Löwner, EKD | F | Germany | Ph.D. | Heidelberg University,
Heidelberg (Germany) | Heidelberg |
| Discipline: Christian Ministry |
| Dr. Nalini ArlesLaity | F | Karnataka | Ph.D. | New College,
Edinburgh (Scotland) | Edinburgh |
| Dr. Joseph GeorgeLaity | M | Kerala | Th.D. | Candler School of Theology,
Atlanta (United States) | Emory |
| The Rev. Santosh S. Kumar, CSI | M | Kerala | D.Th. | Melbourne College of Divinity,
Melbourne (Australia) | Divinity |
| Discipline: Women's Studies |
| Dr. Lalrinawmi RalteLaity | F | Mizoram | D.Min.,
D.Th. | Episcopal Divinity School,
Cambridge (United States)/
SATHRI, Bangalore | Serampore |
| Discipline: Communication |
| The Fr. Jerry Kurian, MJSOC | M | Kerala | M.Th. | UTC, Bangalore | Serampore |
| Discipline: English |
| Ms. Geetha BasappaLaity | F | Karnataka | M.A. | | | |
Succession of Administrators
Academic administrators who have led the seminary have been designated Principal.[23]
| Tenure | Names of Administrators at UTC, Bangalore | Earned academic credentials
(highest degree) |
| 1910–1911 | The Rev. ✝James Mathers, LMS,[24] OBE,[25] | B. D.[26] |
| 1911–1924 | The Rev. ✝L. P. Larsen, DMS,[27] | M.A.,[28] [29] |
| 1924–1930 | The Rev. ✝D. S. Herrick, ABCFM | M.A.,[30] |
| 1930–1931 | The Rev. ✝W. J. T. Small, WMMS | M.A. (Cantab.),[31] |
| 1931–1936 | The Rev. ✝W. H. Thorp, WMMS | B.A. (London),[32] |
| 1936–1937 | The Rev. ✝George Parker,[33] | LMS | B. D. |
| 1937–1954 | The Rev. ✝M. H. Harrison, ABCFM | Th.M. (Andover),[34] |
| 1954–1983 | The Rev. ✝J. R. Chandran, CSI | S.T.M. (Union), |
| 1983–1993 | The Rev. ✝E. C. John, CSI | Dr. Theol. (Heidelberg), |
| 1993–2000 | The Rev. ✝Gnana Robinson, CSI | Dr. Theol. (Hamburg), |
| 2000–2008 | The Rev. O. V. Jathanna, CSI | Dr. Theol. (Basel),[35] [36] |
| 2008–2009 | The Rev. S. I. Selvanayagam, CSI | D. Th. (Serampore),[37] |
| 2009–2017 | The Rev. J. R. Samuel Raj, CSI | Dr. Theol. (Hamburg) |
| 2017–present | The Rev. Ch. Vasantha Rao, CSI[38] | Dr. Theol. (Hamburg) | |
Notable people
Further reading
Notes and References
- Vijaya Kumar, Ecumenical Cooperation of the Missions in Karnataka (India), 1834–1989: A Historical Analysis of the Evangelistic Strategy of the Missions, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2005, pp.99–105. https://books.google.com/books?id=a_TrAAAACAAJ&q=ecumenical+cooperation+of+the+missions
- Sankar Ray, The Hindu (Business Line), 11 April 2008 Almost a century later, the charter was endorsed officially under the Bengal Govt Act IV of 1918. Internet, accessed 30 November 2008. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2008/04/11/stories/2008041150100400.htm
- The Senate of Serampore College (University) is a University within the meaning of Section 2 (f) of the UGC Act, 1956 under which a University means a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act, and includes any such institution as may, in consultation with the University concerned, be recoginsed by the Commission in accordance with the regulations made in this behalf under this Act. The UGC took the opinion that the Senate fell under the purview of Section 2 (f) of the said Act since The Serampore College Act, 1918 was passed by the Government of West Bengal.
- With effect from 29 September 2017
- K. M. Hiwale (Compiled), Directory of the United Theological College 1910–1997, Bangalore, 1998. https://books.google.com/books?id=yCvXPgAACAAJ&q=Directory+of+the+United+Theological+College+1910%E2%80%931997
- Ch. Vasantha Rao, Jathara: A Festival of Christian Witness, CSI-Medak Diocese/ISPCK/CISRS, Secunderabad/New Delhi/Bangalore, 2008.https://books.google.com/books?id=2_zCMdvnNyIC&q=Jathara%3A+A+Festival+of+Christian+Witness
- Ch. Vasantha Rao, Let the Mother Bird Go: Preservation Motif in Pentateuch, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2007.https://books.google.com/books?id=tMzYAAAAMAAJ&q=vasantha+rao+let+the+mother+bird+go
- Ch. Vasantha Rao, Animal Rights and Animal Laws in the Bible: The Daily Practice of Reverence for Life, Edwin Mellen Press, Lewiston, 2013.https://books.google.com/books?id=LSqPZwEACAAJ&q=vasantha+rao+hamburg
- Fully ecumenical, that is, Catholics, Orthodox, Protestant, and the New and Indigenous Church Societies.
- Chilkuri Vasantha Rao, President SBSI Inaugurates North East Chapter in Shillong 15.11.13.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsyMZ4mMajA
- Johann Anselm Steiger (Edited), 500 Jahre Theologie in Hamburg: Hamburg als Zentrum christlicher Theologie und Kultur zwischen Tradition und Zukunft, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 2005, pp.449, 470, 477.https://books.google.com/books?id=4TRjk_Qt7WcC&q=rao&pg=PR4
- [Serampore College]
- O. V. Jathanna, Principal's Report 2007-2008, Saplings, United Theological College, Benson Town, Bengaluru. p. 2
- http://www.latinvulgate.com/verse.aspx?t=1&b=1&c=20 Latin Vulgate
- College Handbook 2008–2009.
- http://pages.unibas.ch/theologie/MainEnglish.html University of Basel signed by Revd Dr O V Jathanna UTC and Prof Kenneth Brown from New College Edinburgh. Internet, accessed 16 September 2008
- Postgraduate Exchange with UTC, Bengaluru. Divinity School, University of Edinburgh. Internet, accessed 16 September 2008. http://www.div.ed.ac.uk/Student_exch.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20090626215731/http://www.utcbangalore.in/publication-utc.htm Publications
- Book: Kingsbury. F. Phillips. GE. Hymns of the Tamil Saivite Saints (1921). 1921. Oxford University Press. 132. 8 July 2014.
- http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/historictreasuresafcp0907ind.html Protecting Historic Treasures
- http://www.utc.edu.in/staff/faculty UTC Faculty Directory
- http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/20688877/1674282185/name/bishop. Malankara Association
- To Serve Not to be Served 1910–1985, United Theological College, Bangalore, 1985, p.57. Cited in Merithung Tüngoe, Administrators, Missionaries and a World Turned Upside Down, ETC/ISPCK, Jorhat/New Delhi, 2000, p.78.https://books.google.com/books?id=vXt_ovtjSvwC&dq=to+serve+not+to+be+served+1910+1985&pg=PP4
- Brian Stanley, The World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh 1910, William B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, 2009, p.215.https://books.google.com/books?id=DGctpiHH-EkC&dq=james+mathers+bangalore&pg=PR10
- [The Expository Times]
- Vijaya Kumar, Ecumenical Cooperation of the Missions in Karnataka (India), 1834–1989: A Historical Analysis of the Evangelistic Strategy of the Missions, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2005, p.102. https://books.google.com/books?id=a_TrAAAACAAJ&q=ecumenical+cooperation+of+the+missions
- Henriette Bugge, Mission and Tamil Society: Social and Religious Change in South India (1840–1900), Curzon Press, Richmond, 1994, p.69.https://books.google.com/books?id=_YhcGxvZvNEC&dq=l.p.larsen+bangalore&pg=PP4
- George Oommen, The Radical Founding Vision, 1910–11 in Bangalore Theological Forum Centenary Issue: Journeying with Jesus: The continuing theological legacy of the United Theological College, 1910–2010, Volume XLII, Number 2, 8 July 2010, pp.11–12.
- [University of Calcutta]
- Angus Stewart Woodburne, Psychological Tests of Mental Abilities, Superintendent, Government Press, 1924, p.93.
- http://richmond-college.com/principals/small.html Richmond College, Galle, W. J. T. Small
- Minutes of Several Conversations – Yearly Conference of the People Called Methodists, Volume 152, 1895, p.538.https://books.google.com/books?id=isEQAAAAIAAJ&q=thorp
- Annual Report – American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Volumes 126–132, 1936, p.13. https://books.google.com/books?id=RHDOAAAAMAAJ&q=george+parker+united+theological+college
- The Missionary Herald at Home and Abroad, Volume 133, Missionary herald, 1937, p.315. https://books.google.com/books?id=zkPmAAAAMAAJ&q=max+hunter+harrison
- O. V. Jathanna, The decisiveness of the Christ-event and the universality of Christianity in a world of religious plurality: with special reference to Hendrik Kraemer and Alfred George Hogg as well as to William Ernest Hocking and Pandipeddi Chenchiah, Peter Lang, Frankfurt, 1981. https://books.google.com/books?id=sdYPAQAAIAAJ&q=origen+vasantha+jathanna
- https://books.google.com/books?id=USfZAAAAMAAJ&q=o.v.jathanna+2000 National Council of Churches Review
- [Senate of Serampore College (University)]
- http://www.utc.edu.in/18-latest-news/90-rev-dr-chilikuri-vasantha-rao-elected-principal UTC Bangalore, Latest News
- G. Babu Rao, Wisdom Tradition and the Indian Parallels with special reference to Telugu Literature in Reflections on Theology Today: Papers presented by the ACTC Faculty during the academic year 1988–1989 on Theology and Mission and Ministry of the Church, ACTC, Hyderabad, 1990.https://www.religion-online.org/article/wisdom-tradition-and-the-indian-parallels-with-specific-reference-to-telugu-literature/
- G. Babu Rao, Content Analysis of Theological Syllabi – Old Testament in Religion and Society, Volume 32, 1985. https://books.google.com/books?um=1&q=g.babu+rao+doctoral+studies&btnG=Search+Books
