Master of Art Programs in Christian Studies in Japan

The Graduate School of Christian Studies was established in April 2009 to significantly expand the Graduate School of Arts’ Program in Systematic Theology. Christianity at Rikkyo University inherits the traditions of the Anglican Church, but the Graduate School of Christian Studies does not restrict itself to particular denominations or faiths, instead of taking an ecumenical stance with an emphasis on the academic, multifaceted analysis and research of matters surrounding Christianity. A distinguishing feature of this program is that in addition to traditional academic approaches such as Bible Studies, Biblical Archaeology, Church History, Systematic Theology, Religious Studies, and the History of Christian Music and Art, there are also numerous practical skill subjects in which students can engage in Field Studies and Service Learning or Church Music such as organ performance and choral conducting. In this way, we aim to study Christianity in contact with real society, not just within the University or seminar rooms. The Graduate School of Christian Studies serves a major role within Rikkyo University as a center of research and education that relates to our founding principles and has twelve full-time faculty members providing research guidance. Through earnest research and passionate education, we explore the possibilities of twenty-first-century Christian Studies as a field that responds to the needs of modern society. Conscious of the global arena, we aim to develop the center for Christian Studies into a leading research institution for Christian Studies in Japan and East Asia. -