ATC resources

Recommendations

Recommendations selected to support theological study and preparation.

Programme

M.Th.

New Testament

Qualifying note

Required Qualification Note

The candidate should have passed at least three Greek papers at B.D. level, excluding Preliminary and Advanced Greek courses. At least two papers may apply where the candidate has passed at least one advanced course in a classical Biblical language. The minimum is Second Class B Grade (60%) average and Second Class B+ Grade (65%) in New Testament Greek papers. B.Th. graduates upgrading to B.D. should have at least two Greek papers with Second Class B Grade.

The Entrance Examination is a three-hour written test. Candidates intending to write the Entrance Test are expected to be acquai nted with the following recommended texts and be able to critically analyse them. Those who neither possess nor have access to the sources may contact the Dean of Postgraduate Studies or the Registrar for further guidance.

1. Language:

a) New Testament Greek Texts for Translation, Grammar, and Exegesis:

i) Mark 3:1-6; 10:41-45

ii) Matthew 5:1-13; 27:32-44

iii) Luke 11:1-4; 18:1-8

iv) John 1:14-18; 2:19-22; 17:22-25; 20:24-29; 1 John 1:5-10

v) Rom 5:1-5; 1 Cor 14:26-29; 15:20-23; 2 Cor 5:16-21; Gal 3:15-27; 1 Thess 4:13-15; 1:15-18

b) As substantial knowledge of Greek Grammar is expected, be thorough with Wenham, J.W., Elements of New Testament Greek (London: Cambridge University Press, 1965).

2. Books:

Carter, Warren, John and Empire: Initial Explorations. New York: T & T Clark, 2008.

Haynes, Stephen R., and Steven L. McKenzie, eds. To Each Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticism and Their Application. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993.

Horsley, Richard A., ed. Paul and the Roman Imperial Order. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2004.

Lalfakmawia, H. Joseph, Critical Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels. Delhi: Christian World Imprints, 2025.

3. Articles:

Hmuaka, P.R. “A Brief Survey of John’s Gospel in Recent Studies with Special Emphasis on Christology.” The Sathri Journal: Journal of Contextual Theology 5.1&2 (December 2011): 38-83.

Lalfakmawia, H. Joseph. "Confronting Socio-Religio-Political Oppressive Powers in the Ekklesia of God." Pages 71-87 in Ekklesia: Indian Conversations; A Study of the Church. Edited by Samuel George, H. Joseph Lalfakmawia, Ajungla Jamir. Christian World Imprints, New Delhi, 2015.

Ralte, Vanlalnghaka. “Methodological Approaches in Recent New Testament Interpretation.” Mizoram Journal of Theology 7-8.1 (2017): 41-80.

Primal Religion / Hinduism

Qualifying note

Required Qualification Note

The applicant should have at least B Grade (60%) average and B+ Grade (65%) in a minimum of three Religion papers. The applicant should qualify in one advanced B.D.-level combination: Sanskrit with A Detailed Study of Hindu Religious Traditions, or Cultural Anthropology with A Detailed Study of Primal Religious Traditions. The form also requires the applicable Sanskrit/Cultural Anthropology marks and an overall B- grade or above with 60% in Religion subjects at B.D. level.The applicant should obtain at least 40% in Sanskrit and 40% in Cultural Anthropology to be qualified for pursuing M.Th. in Religion

1. P.S. Daniel, David C. Scott and G.R. Singh (eds), Religious Traditions of India. Delhi: ISPCK. Pages 1-171.

2. Gavin Flood, An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

3. Santanu K. Patro (ed), A Guide to Religious Thought and Practices. New Delhi: ISPCK.

4. Christopher Augustus Bixel Tirkey, Religion/Primal Religions. Delhi: ISPCK. Pages 83-210.

5. K. Lalchhuanawma, “Roles and Functions of Religion.” Mizoram Journal of Theology XIV/1 (January-June, 2023), 49-63.

An Introduction to Hindusim Cultural Anthropology in the context of Religious Nationalism

Christian Theology

Qualifying note

Required Qualification Note

The applicant should have at least B Grade (60%) average and B+ Grade (65%) in a minimum of three Theology and Ethics papers at B.D. level. B.Th. up-graders should have at least B- Grade (52.5%) in at least two Theology and Ethics papers, or have successfully completed the Senate of Serampore M.Th. Qualifying Examination. At least one B.D.-level language paper in Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Syriac, or Sanskrit (other than the Preliminary Course)with Exegesis is also required.

Books:

1. Boyd, Robin. An Introduction to Indian Christian Theology. Delhi: ISPCK, 1984

2. Migliore, Daniel L. Faith Seeking Understanding. Grand rapid: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1991

3. Vashum, Yangkahao. Faith Seeking Transformation: Rethinking Faith, Theology and Mission in North East India. Delhi: Christian world Imprint, 2021.

Articles:

1. Laltlanliana, Andrew H. “A Study of Karl Barth’s Theological Anthropology Amidst Sexism: Towards A Theology of Human Wholeness”

2. Laldingluaia, “Mind the Gap! Some Methodological Issues in Reading Calvin’s Institutio”

Missiology

Qualifying note

Required Qualification Note

The applicant should have at least B Grade (60%) overall average and B+ Grade (60%) in the branch of specialization. Normally, at least two Mission Studies papers completed during B.D. studies are required, or the applicant should have successfully completed the Senate of Serampore M.Th. Qualifying Examination with at least B Grade (57.5%).

Books:

1. Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. New York: Orbis Books, 1996.

2. Philip, T.V. Edinburgh to Salvador: Twentieth Century Ecumenical Missiology. Delhi: CSS & ISPCK, 1999.

Article:

1. Lalnunmawia, H. “Cultural Anthropology in the Context of Religious Nationalism”

Old Testament

Qualifying note

Required Qualification Note

The candidate should have passed at least two Hebrew papers at B.D. level, excluding Preliminary and Advanced Hebrew courses, securing Second Class B Grade (60%) average and Second Class B+ Grade (65%) in Old Testament Hebrew papers.

I. Selected Text for Translation, Parsing, and Grammar test

1. Genesis 1:1-5; 26-28

2. Exodus 3:4-8

3. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

II. Thematic Portion

1. General History of ancient Israel

2. Formation of the Pentateuch and the History of Pentateuchal criticism

3. Origin and development of Prophecy and Role of prophets in ancient Israel

4. Characteristics of Wisdom Literature and their main teachings

5. Classification of the Psalms and their theological significance

III. Recommended Readings

1. Ronald E. Clements ed. The World of Ancient Israel: Sociological, Anthropological and Political Perspectives. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

2. Norman Karol Gottwald. The Hebrew Bible: A Socio-Literary Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 2002.

3. Anthony R. Ceresko. Introduction to the Old Testament: A Liberation Perspective (Revised and Expanded Edition). Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2012.

4. K. Jesurathnam. Introduction to Old Testament: A Dalit Liberation and Hermeneutical Perspective. New Delhi: CWI, 2023.

History of Christianity

Qualifying note

Required Qualification Note

The applicant should have at least B Grade (60%) average and B+ Grade (60%) in a minimum of three History of Christianity papers at B.D. level. B.Th. up-graders should have at least B Grade (57.5%) in at least two papers, or have successfully completed the Senate of Serampore M.Th. Qualifying Examination. No Biblical or Classical language is required for admission, but working knowledge of languages needed for primary historical resources is expected.

Summary of BD History of Christianity course:

Major Themes in the History of Christianity – First Century Background, St Thomas Tradition, Schism of 1054, Reformation and Modern Ecumenical Movement.

Book Review/Report – Any one of the following books:

1. Vanlalchhuanawma. Christianity and Subaltern Culture: Revival Movement as a Cultural Response to Westernisation in Mizoram. Delhi: Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (ISPCK), 2006.

2. Downs, Frederick S. History of Christianity in India. Vol. 5, Part 5: North East India in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Bangalore: Church History Association of India, 1992.

3. Thomas, V. V. Dalit and Tribal Christians of India: Issues and Challenges. Nilambur, Kerala: Focus India Trust, 2014.

Readings

1. Webster, John C. B. “The History of Christianity in India: Aims and Methods.” In Historiography of Christianity in India, 1–25. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2012.

2. Mundadan, A. Mathias. “The Changing Task of Christian History: A View at the Onset of the Third Millennium.” In Enlarging the Story: Perspectives on Writing World Christian History, edited by Wilbert R. Shenk, 22–53. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books,

2002.

Mundadan, A. Mathias. “Changing Approaches to Historiography.” Indian Church History Review XXXV/1 (June 2001): 28-61.

3. Frykenberg, Robert Eric. “Introduction: Christians, Christianity, and Christendom.” In Christianity in India: From Beginnings to the Present, 1–20. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.