Miller Says Vast Reforms Needed By Traditional Theological Schools

Samuel H. Miller, dean of the Divinity School, has called for vast reforms in theological education.

Miller cited the need for a national report to expose the weaknesses of religious education and give the necessary impetus to the radical changes needed in scores of denominational schools.

Speaking to friends of the Harvard Divinity School in Washington, D.C. last week, he said there exists a "standardization of mediocrity" and an adherence to traditional 19th century formulae in most divinity schools and seminaries.

The teaching of the Bible, theology, and Christian history must be made meaningful within the context of a secular society, the population explosion, and urbanization, Miller explained yesterday. Fewer but more centralized divinity schools are needed, curriculum changes must be made, and more research carried out.

No Money

"I think the most restraining factor is the failure of our society to provide divinity schools with financial resources comparable to those now entrusted to institutions of scientific education for new types of innovation," Miller added.

In 1965 only four per cent of the $5.5 billion given to religious oriented charities was spent in training competent theologians, and the great philanthropic foundations have failed to contribute to theological studies, he said.

Progress Hindered

Miller said that the Divinity School has been making changes in its curriculum for the past decade in recognition of this need, but, he added, greater progress at Harvard is being impeded by lack of financial resources.

Lack of funds has especially limited research programs like the study of population explosion now going on, he said. These programs are vital to the development of a new approach to theological education at the Divinity School, Miller added.