ATU Colloquium 2016

Thirteen (13) doctoral students enrolled in ATESEA’s Centers of Theological Excellence came together for a colloquium at Jakarta Theological Seminary, Indonesia on 4-8 September 2016. The sessions were intended to assist the students in their dissertation writing.  Participants presented key arguments of their papers and fellow students of the same or related field have been assigned to critically react. Consequently, four theologians with varying fields of expertise were invited by ATESEA Theological Union (ATU) for comments: Dr. H.S. Wilson, History of Christianity; Dr. Joas Adiprasetya, Constructive Theology; Dr. Septemmy Lakawa, Mission and Contextual Theologies; and Dr. Ezra Kok, Biblical Studies.

With diverse fields of interest, the papers presented truly reflect the ecological, socio-cultural, and religious contexts of Asia. Although presenters’ papers  appeared as rough rocks, nevertheless, the  expert theologians unmasked their gem potential. The incisive analysis and positive direction by the ATU invited theologians and the critical insights of fellow students were key encouragements in improving the dissertations. One of the students referred to the theologian respondents as “models of compassionate listening.”

Jakarta Theological Seminary as host left nothing to make the gathering a success in terms of facilities, food, accommodation, transportation and welcome. In addition to the excellent facilities, people conveyed remarkable warmth and friendship. Indeed, the participants experienced Asian hospitality from the onset with the morning worship at Jakarta Theological Seminary, to the culmination, and going back to Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Ezra Kok.