The Top Theological Schools

HERE is an unscientific list of some of the top theological schools in North America according to the "First Things" website (which is a source I generally enjoy reading).

Though not exactly a numerical ranking, it does name Duke Divinity School and Notre Dame as the top two programs on the continent. Both have remained on top for years he says because they have consistently hired "intellectually exciting professors who are committed to students and care deeply about the future of a decidedly orthodox and church-oriented vocation of theological scholarship."

One of the questions that often gets asked about some of the other United Methodist divinity schools (besides Duke) is whether the academic explorations going on are really in service to the Church's Biblical mission, or only to the academic aspirations of the faculty (though the two may indeed walk together at times). This is, I think, a fair question.

After these Princeton Theological Seminary and Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto are praised for their various strengths. The article also notes that unfortunately a number of traditionally fine Jesuit colleges, as well as many of the oldest and most revered Protestant schools have become enamored with various types of contextual theology or "innovations" such that, while they still have much to offer academically, the commitment to Christian orthodoxy and strengthening the Church's mission has become more marginal - though he does list some exceptions.

The institutions affiliated with Catholic University (such as the John Paul II Institute and Dominican House of Studies) get high praise, on the other hand, for focusing on Christian vocation hand-in-hand with serious theological study.

He closes out his list mentioning the excellent work by notable faculty at The University of Dayton; my own seminary, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (which I am glad to see made this list); Baylor University; and the Dominican School of Philosophy and theology at Berkeley which make them all solid options for graduate studies.

So that's the list at First Things. What about you? Any other suggestions on the Top Theological Schools in North America?