Union Theological Seminary NY 10027

C

Carl Petter Opsahl

Union Theological Seminary is one of the greatest seminaries in the world, making highly needed connections between the gospel and what's going on in the world. Some of the greatest theologians in modern time, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer and James Cone has taught here. And the worship training here is extra-ordinary, providing the students with liturgical skills for a changing world. I spend a year here, a year that changed my life in profound ways.

E

Ed Walsh

I have devoured all recordings in the Delighting in the Trinity series. Most recordings I've listened to more than once and some three or more times. For the last three years, the one man in the whole world I would most like to spend time with is Dr. Michael Reeves. See you in D.C., May 1, 2025. Thank you for everything, Ed Walsh

D

Dr. Elizabeth Rios

As someone who was raised in the Pentecostal (Assemblies of God) tradition and pursued both a Master's and a Doctorate in Ministry at a Pentecostal seminary, I sought to deepen my understanding of social justice by enrolling in Union Theological Seminary for an MA in Social Justice. Union has long been a bastion of social justice, known for producing advocates who are driven by their faith to make a difference in the world. This made it a natural choice for someone like me who is passionate about merging faith with justice-oriented work. At Union, I had the privilege of learning from some of the best theologians and historians in the country. The depth and breadth of knowledge that these professors bring to the classroom are unparalleled. Their teachings have not only expanded my understanding of theology but have also reinforced my commitment to social justice. One of the things that I appreciate most about Union is its inclusivity. The seminary embraces a wide range of beliefs, which may be shocking to some, especially those from more conservative backgrounds. However, I find it puzzling that inclusivity and diversity of thought would be seen as anything other than a reflection of the gospel's core message of love and acceptance. My time at Union has only strengthened my faith, not weakened it. For those who worry that attending a seminary like Union could lead to a crisis of faith, I would argue that any seminary experience is designed to challenge you. It's a place where deep, critical reflection occurs, and this process can be unsettling. But if one's faith is strong and rooted, it will not be easily shaken. There is a narrative that some people lose their faith at Union, but I believe this speaks more to the individual's initial faith foundation than to the seminary itself. Union is a place of intellectual rigor and spiritual growth, but it does require bravery. It's not about losing faith; it's about refining and deepening it, sometimes even questioning long-held beliefs to arrive at a more mature and nuanced understanding of God. Union Theological Seminary is a great institution with a rich history and professors who have left an indelible mark on theological education. For those who are passionate about social justice and seeking to integrate that passion with their faith, I encourage you to be brave and consider Union. My experience here has been transformative, and I am confident that it can be for others as well.