Work

The “Problem(s) of Distance” in Distance Theological Education: A Theo‐Decolonial Probing From South Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The “problem(s) of distance” in distance theological education offers a generative entry point into a whole host of contemporary questions in both higher and theological education. The contestations around distance raise important educational, anthropological, historical, technological, organizational, and theological questions as an ordinary part of the conversation. This article attempts to outline some of the dominant conversations and contestations around the “problem(s) of distance” in their theological, pedagogical, and logistical registers. This is followed by a theo‐decolonial probing of these conversations and contestations—bringing together decolonial theory's “conceptual triad” and Willie James Jennings's corpus on whiteness, Christian theology, and theological education. Theo‐decoloniality is then used to discuss three manifestations of whiteness/coloniality in distance theological education: (1) the diseased image of the “educated” person; (2) the distorted teacher–student relationship; and (3) the dismembering logics of “the industrial.” Finally, the article briefly gestures at the shared resonance between theo‐decolonial sensibilities and critical digital pedagogy in developing a response to some of the questions this article raises.

Source: Teaching Theology & Religion

DOI: 10.1111/teth.70024

Author: Curtis Ross Love

Institution: University of South Africa

Language: English

Topic: Theological Perspectives and Practices

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of South Africa