Africa-Press – Liberia. Rev. Dr. Momolu Massaquoi, President of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS), has launched the Baptist Journal of Theology (BaJoT) in Monrovia.
This momentous occasion took place during the conclusion of a two-day International Theological Education Conference on November 1, 2023, at the LBTS campus in Paynesville City.
The BaJoT is a multi-disciplinary journal published annually by the LBTS, to promote intellectual engagement and academic discourse among theologians, scholars, pastors, and students not only in Africa but also globally. One of its primary objectives is to contribute to the development of African theology by providing high-quality resources for both LBTS alumni and theological institutions across the continent.
It aspires to foster critical thinking, encourage theological reflection, and facilitate the exchange of diverse perspectives and insights through its publications. By doing so, it endeavors to advance theological scholarship, theological education, and the mission of the church. The journal seeks to serve as a platform for the dissemination of sound theological research and to create a vibrant intellectual community within Africa and beyond.
During the launch, Cllr. Eva Mappy Morgan, Vice Chair of the LBTS Board and Chief Judge of the Commercial Court of Liberia, emphasized the importance of hard work for students. She encouraged them to write and publish their papers, highlighting the significance of written contributions in a culture that tends to prioritize oral communication. Judge Morgan expressed her gratitude to Pastor Samuel B. Reeves for his leadership and Dr. Momolu A. Massaquoi for driving and launching the journal, while also urging him to include more articles in future editions.
President Massaquoi emphasized that the journal would serve as a sustainable voice even beyond the boundaries of the conference. He revealed that, a few years ago, the idea arose to establish a platform for Liberian voices in theological discourse after 47 years of the Baptist Seminary’s existence. Recognizing the scarcity of theological materials from Liberia for national development, President Massaquoi expressed his hope that the journal would contribute to theological education in Africa and enhance Liberia’s presence in the global theological community.
The vision of creating the BaJoT prompted the establishment of the annual International Theological Education Conference (ITEC), which now serves as a feeder for the journal. The conference provides an opportunity for scholars to present their research and articles which are then assessed by renowned professors for potential publication. The journal has undergone meticulous scrutiny and includes articles not only from Liberia but also from around the world. The LBTS actively seeks high-quality papers to feature in upcoming editions.
While initially launching in a hard-copy format, LBTS aims to make the journal available in both print and digital copies on ATLA, the world’s largest theological platform. This would enable broader access to the articles from the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, which is widely recognized as one of the premier seminaries in Liberia.
Overall, the unveiling of the Baptist Journal of Theology marks a significant milestone for LBTS and the Baptist Convention, positioning them as contributors to theological discourse and showcasing their commitment to scholarship and intellectual growth.
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