Formation from the Fathers: The Place of Patristics in the Theological Education of Clergy

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This paper begins with an exploration of the place of patristic studies in the theological education of clergy in several Christian denominations. It then offers a summary of a study of seminary curricula that attempted to ascertain the relative status of patristic and historical studies vis-à-vis other theological disciplines. Noting that patristic studies occupy a relatively small amount of the core curriculum an argument is advanced for the relevance of patristics for pastoral theology. The paper argues that the study of the Fathers is particularly relevant to the objectives of theological education, namely the formation of reflective practitioners that capably integrate personal, theological and professional competencies.