Alpha Institute offers comprehensive theology courses to promote serious study and research in the various fields of theology and religious sciences. Courses are guided by the renowned scholars of international reputation whose academic excellence and theological insights have shaped many through various courses. It is our desire to promote serious study and research in the various fields of theology while focusing on the personal integration of the individual and the Church on theological, spiritual, religious, psychological and social levels.
Our vision is to impart a strong theological, ecclesial and biblical foundation to the faithful, having in mind the multiplicity of belief systems in a pluri-cultural global context in such a manner that would be suitable for widespread use by others beyond our own locality.
The diploma course is the introductory course in theology. It introduces the students to the various branches of theology with special attention to the Sacred Scripture. The course could be completed with the minimum duration of two semesters.
In the three year Bachelors Program, a broad and gradual elucidation of catholic theology is offered in the form of courses and seminars. The program aim’s to equip the student with the competence necessary to reflect in an integrated and systematic fashion on all major branches of Theology. To this end it provides specialized courses in all the principal fields of sacred Theology
Masters Degree in Theology which comprises of two years provides the students with opportunities to specialize in the Biblical Theology (Malayalam).
The research programme is oriented to assist competent students to make personal contribution to scientific and theological research through completion of the research program and the writing of a dissertation, which is to be accomplished under the guidance of a competent professorial staff, within a reasonable time-limit. The research degree (DRS) obtained at the completion of the programme is awarded under the competency of Alpha Institute.
Academic Profile:
18 May 2016
Alpha Institute is doing a wonderful service in our country for the theological training of the laity and the religious. The Students of the Alpha Institute include catholic faithful from all the three catholic rites of the nation, namely, Syro-Malabar, Latin and Syro-Malankara. The Students from other Christian denominations are also making use of the courses run by the Institute. The pedagogical methodology of the Institute that makes use of every modern social communication facilities including the regular theology classes telecast through Shalome television network had in fact made Catholic theology more popular in our region. The Syllabus followed as well as the faculty of the Institute is of reputable excellence.
10 December 2013
As the President of the Catholic Bishop’s conference of India (CBCI) I write this letter to recommend Alpha Institute of Theology and Religious Science, Tellicherry. Alpha Institute is doing a great service in our country for the theological training of the laity and the religious. The pedagogical methodology of the Institute that includes modern social communication facilities including the regular theology classes telecast through television network.
Another motivation for the launching of Alpha Institute is to make the opportunity for theological pursuit to the laity who are interested in learning theology. The Indian Theology Institutes are mainly meant for the formation of the priestly candidates. Consequently, the laity get little chance to pursue their theological aspirations. More over the time-schedule in the seminaries are not applicable to the laity who are working throughout the year. As Alpha Institute is erected with the sole purpose of theological studies and research, it opens new horizons in the field of academic excellence irrespective of the life statuses availing the time schedule according to their convenience.
I, George Valiamattam, Archbishop of Tellicherry, by the power invested in me by the grace of God and the consent of supreme Pontiff of the Holy See hereby declare the reaction of Alpha Institute of Theology and Science for the Theological formation of the Catholic laity and the religious. The following are the mandates for the Institute:
The aim of the Alpha Institute is to promote study and research in the various fields of Catholic theology with special emphasis to Asian Christian theology. The research program is intended to bring about personal integration in the life of the individuals and the church on theological, spiritual, religious, psychological and social levels. The Institute is intended to foster harmony of the three levels of Christian life, namely, devotion, knowledge and action.
The institute is intended to teach solid Catholic theology in its spotless originality. The higher academic council headed by the Arcb- bishop of Tellicherry will be verifying the content of curriculum annually. The Institute is erected with the goal of encouraging clear and creative thinking, in consonance with the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church and the dictates of the Gospel, in tbe context of the Asian religious and Spiritual traditions, conducive to an experience of the supreme Truth through selfless service and loving commitment.
The institute is erected with the goal of defending the Catholic faith from the ever increasing challenges raised by the modern atheistic and agnostic ideologies. The creedal dilemma among the faithful caused by the various sectarian groups must be timely clarified.
The theological training that Alpha Institute is providing to the laity and the religious is authentically catholic. The syllabus followed as well as the faculty of the Institute is of reputable excellence. As the institute is rendering theology classes via global television networks and availing modern social communication media, the students are able to profit globally out of its study programs. Students of the Alpha Institute include catholic faithful from all the three catholic rites of the nation, namely, Syro-Malabar, Latin and Syro-Malankara. Admitting the students from “the sister-Churches” such as Syrian Orthodox and Orthodox Syrian, Alpha Institute has become a centre of ecumenical communion.
The theological programs of the Institute are oriented towards preparing priests, religious and laity for an effective and active pastoral ministry, to attain a greater awareness of the spiritual, social, political, economic, religious, and ideological systems and traditions that influence the lives of Christians and their fellow – seekers of God.
Empowerment of the church through the theological empowerment of the laity and the religious is the proposed aim of the Institute. Serious attention must be paid in shaping the future leaders of the Church in solid catholic faith.
His Grace Archbishop Mar George Valiamattam, the former vice-President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) founded this Institute in 2006. His Grace Archbishop Mar George Njaralakatt, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tellichery is the present chancellor of the Institute. Both KCBC and CBCI had given approval to its courses.
It organizes the studies with an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach. Courses are guided by renowned scholars of international. The experienced expertise of the scholars who have accomplished doctoral and post-doctoral research in the Roman and other European universities are competent enough to guide researches in Scared Scripture, Biblical Archeology, various branches of theology and philosophy.
The research program is intended to bring about personal integration in the life of the individuals and the Church on theological, spiritual, religious, psychological and social levels. The Institute fosters the harmony of devotion, knowledge and action. While striving hard to excel in serious study and research, every student is encouraged to do his or her best to excel in the realization of the harmony of loving devotion, wisdom and activity, in a spirit of selfless service for the Holy Catholic Church.
The Institute is authorized to issue appropriate course certificates to the students who have successfully completed all the academic requirements. The board of examiners, constituted by the higher academic council of the Institute will be competent scrutinizing authority for issuing the certificates, However, in the due course of time, the Institute may approache other ecclesiastical universities for affiliation and recognition.
At present Alpha Institute has got 72 study centers across the world covering 10 nationalities.
