Calif. University Introduces First U.S. Multi-Faith School of Theology (Oct. 25, 2011)

Claremont Lincoln University in Southern California is pioneering interreligious education by training pastors, rabbis, and imams together. The school aims to foster understanding and cooperation among different faiths, challenging traditional religious education models. Despite criticism, the school believes in the importance of multifaith dialogue and education for the future. Economic factors also play a role in this approach, as the school seeks to maintain enrollment and financial stability. The initiative has sparked interest from other institutions, though skepticism remains.

What is the primary goal of Claremont Lincoln University?

• To train religious leaders in isolation

• To promote a single religious tradition

• To foster interreligious understanding and cooperation

• To focus solely on Christian theology

Which institutions partnered to create Claremont Lincoln University?

• University of Southern California and Stanford University

• Southern California's Academy of Jewish Religion and the Islamic Center of Southern California

• Harvard Divinity School and Yale Divinity School

• California Institute of Technology and University of California, Los Angeles

What is a unique feature of the education at Claremont Lincoln University?

• Online-only courses

• Exclusive training for Christian pastors

• Focus on traditional religious education

• Emphasis on interreligious education and understanding

What criticism has Claremont Lincoln University faced?

• High tuition fees

• Excessive focus on a single faith

• Being labeled as the work of the devil

• Lack of academic rigor

Why did Claremont Lincoln University adopt a multifaith approach?

• To increase enrollment and financial stability

• To focus on a single religious tradition

• To reduce the number of students

• To eliminate theological education

What financial support did Claremont Lincoln University receive?

• A $50 million grant from philanthropist David Lincoln and his wife Joan

• Donations from alumni

• A government grant for educational institutions

• Funding from international religious organizations

What is the future outlook for theological education according to Claremont Lincoln University?

• A decline in religious studies

• A focus on online education

• An increase in multifaith educational approaches

• A return to traditional religious education