Arab Protestant women in theological education: a contribution to ecclesial understanding of Christianity in the Middle East

This thesis offers a contribution to the wider study of theological education (TE) through exploring the TE of Arab Protestant Women (APW) in the Middle East (ME). Historical and qualitative research is combined to present an account of APW in TE.

Despite the deeply historic and complex ecclesial character of Christianity in the region, ecclesiology is rarely given due consideration in modern history of Protestantism for the ME. In this thesis the contemporary state of APW is explored in the context of dialogue with the Eastern Christian traditions which are the dominant ecclesial of the Christian tradition in the Middle East. I propose a reorientation away from the ecclesial perspectives traditionally offered by Protestant missions. This ecclesial proposition for Protestant mission and presence in the Middle East is a central aspect of the originality and contribution of this research. Hence, my work develops a Protestant ecclesiology which allows itself to be situated within this complex ecclesial context. My research on women is posited within this ecclesial context for Protestant presence and mission in the Middle East. My work makes an original contribution, not just developing ideas on Protestant ecclesiology and TE, but how women are situated in a religious and ecclesial context of unique diversity and plurality. The thesis also examines how religious education (RE) with a comparative awareness that also in the majority Muslim culture there has also been a reconsidering of questions about religious education and the transmission of religious identity.

In analysing the current situation of the TE of APW, the thesis addresses outcomes from first-hand ethnographic experience, observations from field research and ethnographic interviews. A triangulation method is used to understand the experiences of APW in TE. The autoethnographic voice contributes further triangulation enabling the researcher to express her own voice and experience as an Arab Protestant woman in TE. This use of the ‘own voices’ (‘emic’) insider approach has enabled APW to speak with great candour about their roles in, perceptions of and experiences in TE.

Their historical and contemporary context has meant that APW have not been able to make the contribution to which they naturally aspire. However, we are now at an ecclesial turning point which has been able to resource women to make a contribution to theology within this distinct ecclesial context. I call this the Third Nahda, following the historical First and Second Nahdas in the ME. In so naming I am suggesting that this ecclesial term be used to indicate a distinct contribution to Protestant thought and practice. Hence my work has at its heart the question of ecumenical intent and reciprocity. My research thus makes a contribution to the development of Protestant thought in relation to APW within the complex ecclesial world of the ME.