Claremont School of Theology facts for kids
Seal
|
|
|
Former name
|
Maclay School of Theology |
|---|---|
| Type | Private graduate school |
| Established | 1956 |
| Accreditation | WSCUC, ATS |
|
Religious affiliation
|
United Methodist Church |
| Endowment | $10.1 million (2019) |
| President | Grant J. Hagiya |
|
Academic staff
|
23 |
|
Administrative staff
|
22 |
| Students | 250 |
| Location |
,
,
34°03′55″N 118°25′56″W / 34.06518428428643°N 118.43225225683219°W |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Colors | Red and White |
 |
|
Claremont School of Theology (CST) is a private school in Los Angeles, California. It's a special kind of school for grown-ups who want to learn a lot about religion and theology. CST is one of the official schools of the United Methodist Church. But many students from over 40 different religious groups study there too!
Contents
History of Claremont School of Theology
CST started way back in 1885 in San Fernando, California. It was first called the Maclay School of Theology. A man named Charles Maclay, who was a minister and a state senator, helped start it.
For many years, from 1900 to 1957, it was connected to the University of Southern California (USC). The school stayed on the USC campus until it moved to Claremont. A famous architect named Edward Durell Stone designed the Claremont campus. He also designed the school's Kresge Chapel, which is now a historic building.
In 2008, CST helped start a new group called Claremont Lincoln University (CLU). The idea was to create a place where many different religions could learn together. But in 2014, CST and CLU decided to go their separate ways. They realized their goals had become different. CST wanted to keep its focus on different religions, while CLU became more focused on general studies.
CST had some disagreements with The Claremont Colleges (TCC) about its campus property. They had a long legal discussion about who could buy the land if CST ever sold it. In 2023, they finally settled their differences.
Before this, in 2017, CST started talking about joining Willamette University in Oregon. They even planned to move there. But in 2021, CST decided to stay in Southern California. It still has its main campus in Claremont, but it also keeps a partnership with Willamette.
CST is home to some important centers. The Ancient Biblical Manuscript Center (ABMC) helps study old religious writings. The Center for Process Studies (CPS) explores a special way of thinking called "process thought." CST also has the Center for Pacific and Asian-American Ministries (CPAAM). This center helps people from Pacific and Asian American backgrounds who want to become ministers.
Other religious schools, like the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, also share the CST campus.
In 2023, CST announced it would move its main campus. It is now located in Los Angeles on the campus of the Westwood United Methodist Church.
What You Can Study at CST
Degrees Offered
CST offers several degrees for students who want to learn more about religion and theology:
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Religion
- Doctor of Professional Counseling
School Accreditation
CST is officially approved by important groups that check schools. These groups make sure the school teaches well and meets high standards. The main groups are the WASC Senior College and University Commission and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
People Who Teach at CST
Here are some of the notable professors who have taught at CST:
- Jon Berquist
- Philip Clayton
- John B. Cobb (retired)
- Monica Coleman (retired)
- Jane Dempsey Douglass
- Roland Faber
- David Ray Griffin (retired)
- Rolf Knierim (retired)
- Burton L. Mack (retired)
- Dennis R. MacDonald
- James M. Robinson (retired)
- Rosemary Radford Ruether
- James A. Sanders (retired)
- Deepak Shimkhada (part-time)
- Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki (retired)
- Marvin A. Sweeney
Famous People Who Studied at CST
Many people who studied at CST have gone on to do great things. Here are a few:
- David Augsburger
- Michel Weber
- Thomas Jay Oord
- Robert B. "Bobs" Watson
- Rosemary Radford Ruether
- Mary Elizabeth Moore
- Tripp Fuller
