Come to Claremont to …

Experience Spiritual Growth and Exploration

The twenty-first century is being called the "century of religion." As the world grows more migratory and globalized, believers from across the religious spectrum are learning to co-exist in the same neighborhoods, schools, businesses and other public spheres. At the same time, many are becoming disillusioned with traditional, organized religion. They consider themselves "spiritual, but not religious," signaling the growing importance of spirituality as a discipline of study and practice.

For over fifty years, Claremont School of Theology has enjoyed a reputation for its world-renowned program in ecumenical theological education. The School has trained generations of pastors, Christian professionals, and other religious leaders for a lifetime of service to the church, to other religious bodies, and to society.

Today, while Claremont continues to prepare ministerial students and future academics, the faculty also offers programs for those seeking spiritual growth and vocational exploration in the twenty-first century. Through leading-edge emphases in areas such as spiritual formation, inter-religious dialogue, and community organizing, students can explore their world and their own spirituality in a rigorous, diverse and creative environment.

But exciting changes are emerging at Claremont. We are beginning a bold new experiment to become one of the world's first inter-religious theological universities. As this transformation proceeds, we will hold to the highest standards of religious scholarship and ministerial preparation. We do not believe that religion should be studied in a neutral or distanced way. Instead, we look for ways to enhance the positive roles that religions can play in society and in the world. Where religious beliefs and practices have become a source of dissent or harm, we seek to rectify the wrongs and reestablish its positive role in the world.

Over time, therefore, the theological university will add faculty from other religious traditions. This will create an educational environment in which students can extend the depth of their knowledge of their own tradition while expanding the breadth of their understanding of other traditions. The faculty expects that their graduates - including those called to Christian ministry - will work more effectively across religious divisions to help end conflict within the human family.

Those who have studied their own tradition and its scriptures in the complex, multi-religious context of our day have the potential to make a prophetic and transformative contribution to church and society. We invite you to join this dynamic, hope-filled educational community.