The Church has emancipated scientific research from the shackles of beliefs and acknowledged its independence, in terms of both curriculum and outcomes, from any authority or standard other than those of research, evidence, and experimentation. This is based on the directives of the Second Vatican Council, particularly the Declaration on Christian Education. However, it also emphasized that science, on its own, cannot adequately assess the impact of its progress on human life and dignity. Therefore, the Church has entrusted the University, in addition to its cognitive role, with a moral and faith-based mission to maintain a dialogue between the gospel and contemporary society in a state of development. This mission reaffirms the unity of reason and revelation, creating bridges between knowledge and the grace of human science and wise faith.

The Antonine Maronite Order (OAM) aspires to integrate the spiritual and scientific domains through the Faculty of Theology (FOT) at Antonine University (UA). This integration is a testament to its spiritual and religious allegiance to the Church and the believers in Lebanon and the East. Thus, the Institution remains faithful to the monastic and ecclesiastical path charted by its founders and followed by present-day monks by keeping pace with modernity and welcoming everyone while upholding the apostolic mission, a mission that focuses on educating humanity for a better society, built on the spirit of cooperation and communal living.

Despite its recentness, our Faculty has swiftly established itself and its place, owing gratitude to those who preceded me in its management, while building a distinct legacy for it that is continuously growing and expanding.

The curriculum offered by the FOT for its bachelor’s and master’s degrees recognized by the Lebanese State, both at UA’s Hadat–Baabda Main Campus and its branch in Mejdlaya–Zgharta, reflects features of the Faculty’s scientific identity. As a primarily pastoral college, it simultaneously caters to consecrated individuals, clergy, and secularists seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, and that is through the choice of schedules and teaching techniques implemented. The pastoral aspect is also evident in choosing Arabic, the native language of its students, as the primary teaching language. Furthermore, the curriculum is revised and connected to the current social and ecclesiastical needs. The FOT also dedicates a special space for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, embodying its connection to the diversity of Lebanese society.

May these words contribute to encouraging those who wish to closely acquaint themselves with the Faculty, its course offerings, objectives, and significance.

Fr. Antoine Abboud