School of Theology and Ministry Professor Thomas Groome makes a point during the October 19 book launch as co-editors Hosffman Ospino and Colleen Griffith look on. (Photo by Ann Hermes)

New book looks at formative theological education

Nine School of Theology and Ministry faculty members contributed to the volume

A new book from faculty members in the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry offers a guide to the art of theological education from the perspective of formative education sensibilities and commitments. As described by co-editors Professor of the Practice of Theology Colleen Griffith and Associate Professor of Theology and Education Hosffman Ospino, formative theological education encompasses a spiritual vision that seeks to 鈥渆ncourage spiritual maturity, ethically responsible lives, and leadership in the pursuit of justice.鈥�

Formative Theological Education (Paulist Press) was officially launched at a recent campus celebration that marked the School of Theology and Ministry鈥檚 15th anniversary and included remarks from STM Dean Michael McCarthy, S.J., and Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley.

Celebrate the STM's 15th birthday with current STM students, esteemed alumni, and Dean Michael C. McCarthy, S.J. The event features nine STM faculty authors sharing their hopes for Formative Theological Education, and the launch of the new book of the same title co-edited by Colleen M. Griffith and Hosffman Ospino (Paulist Press, September 2023). Presenters: Michael C. McCarthy, S.J., dean and professor, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, Colleen Griffith, professor of the practice of theology and faculty director of spirituality studies and Hosffman Ospino, associate professor of Hispanic ministry and religious education, chair of the department of religious education and pastoral ministry, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry Panelists: John F. Baldovin, S.J., professor of historical and liturgical theology, Andrew R. Davis, associate professor of Old Testament, Thomas Groome, professor of theology and religious education, Callid Keefe-Perry, assistant professor of contextual education and public theology, Melissa Kelley, associate professor of pastoral care and counseling, Richard Lennan, professor of systematic theology, chair of the ecclesiastical faculty, Theresa A. O芒 Keefe, professor of the practice, religious education, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

School of Theology and Ministry faculty members (front row, left to right) Hosffman Ospino, Theresa O'Keefe, Melissa Kelley, Andrew Davis, (back row, l-r) John Baldovin, S.J., Thomas Groome, Colleen Griffith, Callid Keefe-Perry, and Fr. Richard Lennan contributed chapters to the new book. (Photo by Ann Hermes)

鈥淏oston College is a leader in formative education,鈥� said Griffith, faculty director of spirituality studies. 鈥淗osffman and I felt the next step in 亚色影库's efforts to underscore formative education as central to its mission would be for individual disciplines to articulate what this vision means in their respective areas of study. So, we set out to provide an articulation of what formative theological education would look like.

鈥淲e knew the STM had a distinctive contribution to make here. The STM has a large religious education faculty of national and international repute, a group of women and men that thinks creatively about pedagogical strategies and has shown leadership in doing so. STM is a place that has much to offer in terms of a vision and approach that other theological educators might be able to lean into. Because we're a school of theology, ministry, and faith-based service we think in practical terms about how very rich theological insights hit the ground, how they get appropriated, and how ministers and faith-based service leaders are able to sustain themselves in mission in changing seasons.鈥�

鈥淭his book is a sampler of what formative theological education is,鈥� said Ospino, who chairs the STM鈥檚 Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. 鈥淚t doesn't exhaust the concept; there are many other aspects that could be and should be considered about formative theological education, but whoever is reading this book will be exposed to 10 of the best entry points into formative theological education. And we are privileged to h