The possibilities and challenges of distance education for theology

Abstract

Distance education, which at first was viewed with suspicion, in recent years has come to be considered as one of the most efficient instruments for the democratization of higher education. And, when we refer to theology, the panorama is the same. No religious denomination, Catholic or Protestant, would have the financial conditions to implement and maintain face-to-face teaching institutions in all the statesof the federation. However, distance education is not a magic solution for the low access of Brazilians to higher education. In order for it to be of quality and produce critically trained professionals, it is necessary to have a solid virtual learning environment (VLE), professionals trained in distance education, and to face the social and economic challenges of the country. The article is constructed in three moments, namely, presentation of a brief historical overview, characteristics and methodologiesof the distance undergraduate degree in theology at the UNINTER -International University Center, recognized with the highest grade (5) by the Ministry of Education; presentation of some theoretical concepts and proactive perceptions for distance education in theology and, finally, the challenges and possibilities for theology in distance education