Seeking the depths of truth, expanding the boundaries of faith: In-depth research, growth, and dedication.
To deepen theological research, cultivate academic excellence, and promote unity among the institutions serving all churches.
TGTU Taiwan Graduate Theological Union is a local, innovative higher theological education institution jointly established by seven interdenominational theological education and research institutions in Taiwan. Through its cooperation and alliance with the Asia Pacific Theological Union (APTU), it offers doctoral degree programs in Taiwan. It aims to create a dynamic platform for learning, research, and collaboration. TGTU is committed to deepening theological research, cultivating academic excellence, and promoting unity among institutions serving the church. Its mission extends beyond academic education—we also strive to share resources, cultivate leadership, and respond to the unique challenges faced by member schools across different denominations, cultures, societies, and missions.
By fostering collaboration, dialogue, and innovation, TGTU aims to equip the next generation of Christian leaders and to support churches in promoting transformative ministry across the diverse contexts of Taiwan and the Asia Pacific region.
Keen analytical skills, practical wisdom, and a profound commitment to building a community of faith.
The TGTU doctoral program aims to provide theological researchers with a critical environment for advanced research and equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become influential leaders in churches, academic institutions, and public and civil society organizations. This program seeks to cultivate "organic intellectuals"—those with keen analytical skills, practical wisdom, and a profound commitment to building a community of faith, enabling them to practice the values of God's Kingdom in a globally interconnected world.
One of the key principles of this course is the pursuit of genuine Asian and Taiwanese theological knowledge. The theological and biblical framework shaped by colonial legacies has long been replicated in the Asia-Pacific region, hindering the formation of truly Asian theological discourse and a unique Asian Christianity.
The abilities this course aims to cultivate：
• Ability to understand and reinterpret the sacred texts themselves and their history of interpretation, and to use the challenges of the Asian context as a perspective and driving force for interpretation.
• They possess the Ability to critically identify and reconstruct a colonial mentality, and can decontextualize, contextualize, and recontextualize theological truths.
• Ability to analyze social, economic, and political systems and their ideological roots, and to use this understanding to construct theological perspectives that promote radical social transformation.
• Ability to possess a deep understanding of culture and its multiple interpretations, and to engage in dialogue with cultural traditions in an exploratory manner.
• Ability to lead a community in exploring the meaning of life and to build an inclusive community that respects the inherent value of all created life—including nature and humanity.
• Cultivate theological sensitivity aimed at eliminating discrimination and oppose any form of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, language, race, or class.
• Develop theological capacity to walk alongside disadvantaged groups, especially the poor, sexual minorities, and people with disabilities, so that theology can become a tool for promoting comprehensive social transformation.
• Develop excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to teach in both theological and secular academic environments, to be competent in teaching at the graduate level and higher, and to guides future scholars in their theological research journey.