Ecumenical theological seminary in Andhra Pradesh, India
This article is about UGC-recognised undergraduate courses (for the Clergy) and diploma, undergraduate and master's courses (for the Laity). For other uses, see Bethel Bible College.
Bethel Bible College was founded on November 4, 2000,[12] by Gospel Missions of India,[1] a registered Society under The Societies Registration Act, 1860, founded by The Rev. P. N. S. Chandra Bose,[3]CSI. The institution existed since 1984, offering Diploma level programmes in theology. In year 2000, Bethel began with M.Div.[12] courses accredited by Asia Theological Association (ATA).[12]
University affiliation
Over a period of time, the management felt the need to streamline the College by affiliating it with a recognised University and sought the guidance of Old Testament Scholar,[13] The Rev. G. Babu Rao, CBCNC,[14] who proposed affiliating Bethel with Senate of Serampore College (University), also providing leads to appoint suitable Theologians to take forward process of affiliation. Following his guidance, the management of Bethel took on board BishopPeddi Victor Premasagar, CSI, a Cantabrigian and a Theologian of international repute in 2003. He led the affiliation process of Bethel with Senate of Serampore College (University) during tenure of The Rev. Dondapati Samuel Satyaranjan, IPC as Registrar of University. Bishop Premasagar led the College for three years until his passing away in 2005, which led to appointment of The Rev. Selvam Robertson, CNI, a Scholar in Vaishnavite Studies, who was then teaching at Serampore College, Serampore.[citation needed]
Memorial lectures and visitors
In honour of its founding Principal Bishop Victor Premasagar, CSI and Founder The Rev. P. N. S. Chandra Bose, CSI, Bethel conducts annual memorial lectures[15] in their honour on December 1 and 9th, respectively.[citation needed]
Bethel has had notable personalities visit its campus in Guntur, ranging from Bishop T. B. D. Prakasa Rao, CSI, The Rev. Mani Chacko, CSI, The Rev. Y. T. Vinaya Raj, MMTSC and other Theologians.[citation needed]
As per Senate of Serampore College (University) stipulations, Bethel offers a variety of diploma, undergraduation and postgraduation programmes in the discipline of theology, both in residential and distance modes. Except for Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip. C.S.), which is open to people of all faiths, the rest of the courses are for Churchgoers with requisite qualifications as mandated by the University from time to time.
Faculty members[20] of Bethel represent diverse linguistic cultures and Church traditions from across the country. While most of the faculty are postgraduates (M.Th.), some of them earned doctorates (D.Th.).
Bethel has a holding of over 20,000 books and journals for reference and borrowing among its students. The library also houses a personal library collection of its first Principal, Peddi Victor Premasagar, ranging from theological treatises to language learning materials in Latin, Biblical Greek and Biblical Hebrew. The library facilities are overseen by a qualified Librarian led by Smt. Selin Rani-Robertson.[21]
Notable faculty and alumni
Notable faculty
Bethel has had many faculty members over the years.[8]
↑ G. Babu Rao, Content Analysis of Theological Syllabi – Old Testament in Religion and Society, Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, 3 September 1985.
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