THEOLOGICAL HIGHER EDUCATION IN CUBA: A CASE STUDY OF THE EASTERN CUBA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Octavio J. Esqueda, B.A., M.A. Dissertation Prepared for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS August 2003 APPROVED: D. Barry Lumsden, Major Professor Michael S. Lawson, Minor Professor John G. Plotts, Committee Member Ronald W. Newsom, Program Coordinator for Higher Education Michael Altekruse, Chair of the Department of Counseling Development and Higher Education M. Jean Keller, Dean of the College of Education C. Neal Tate, Dean of the Robert B. Toulouse School of Graduate Studies Esqueda, Octavio J. Theological Higher Education in Cuba: A Case Study of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary. Doctor of Philosophy (Higher Education), August 2003, 186 pp., 12 tables, 11 illustrations, references, 130 titles. This research attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary within the context of theological education in Cuba and the Cuban Revolution. Three major purposes directed this research. The first one was historical: to document and evaluate the rise, survival and achievements of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary, which has continued its mission through extraordinary political opposition and economical difficulties. The second major purpose was institutional: to gain insight into Cuban seminary modus operandi. The third purpose of the study was to identify perceived needs of the seminary. This study sought to provide information that can facilitate a better understanding of Cuban Christian theological higher education. The Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary was founded in the city of Santiago the Cuba on October 10, 1949 by the Eastern Baptist Convention. This seminary exists for the purpose of training pastors for the Eastern Baptist Convention. The school offers a four-year program leading to a bachelor in theology degree. The Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention experienced the same oppression from the communist revolution as the rest of the evangelical denominations during the sixties and seventies. The worst period for the convention and the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary started in 1965 when many important people were recruited to work at the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP). Fidel Castro recognized in 1991 that the Cuban Communist Party erroneously made atheism its religion. Although the Cuban communist regime never issued an antireligious policy, in subtle ways Christians suffered the consequences of the religious ideological conflict. Nevertheless, today the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary operates independently and without the direction of the Cuban government. Communism and Christianity have learned to live together in Cuba even though they started with difficulties. Theological education in Cuba not only survived the negative effects of the Cuban revolution, but also has emerged stronger than ever. Economic resources are the primary need of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary. The seminary has been through many difficulties during its history. Nevertheless, these days represent the best time in the seminary history. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of my doctoral studies is the result of the encouragement and support of many people. It would be impossible to mention each and every person who influenced my decision and desire to keep moving in the school of life, but a few who made a vital motivation in me deserve to be mentioned: 1. Angélica, my princesa chula. Through you I found what is good and received favor from the Lord. You deserve this degree as much as I do. I love you! 2. My parents and two brothers. Papá, you are my example; mamá, you are my inspiration; Edgar and Rodrigo, you are my motivation to be better every day. 3. Kennet and Marjanna Thomas. You are more than our adoptive parents in this country; you have become an example to follow in the service to the Lord. 4. My committee members. Dr. Lumsden, you are my mentor and brother in Christ. Dr. Lawson, it was because of your encouragement and Christ likeness that I pursued this doctorate. Dr. Plotts, thank you for your friendship and the support of the Howard Center for Christian Studies. 5. All my friends at the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join you in the amazing work of God in Cuba. 6. CONACYT. My appreciation for this Mexican Government Agency that gave me a scholarship for my doctoral program considering me worthy of representing my country. Soli Deo Gloria! ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ……………………………………………………………………… ii LIST OF TABLES ………………………………………………………………………………. v LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ………………………………………………………………….. vi Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………….. 1 Statement of the Problem Purposes of the Study Significance of the Study Primary Research Questions Ancillary Research Questions 2. CUBAN PROTESTANTISM HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ……………… 8 Cuban Protestantism before the Independence Cuban Theological Education After the Independence Origins and Ministry of Protestant Seminaries Christianity in Cuba Before the Cuban Revolution The Cuban Revolution Religious Support to the Government Fidel Castro’s View of Christianity Education in Cuba Protestantism in Cuba Today 3. METHODOLOGY …………………………………………………………………. 58 Design Limitations Delimitation Procedures for Collecting Data 4. FINDINGS ……………………………………………………………………………. 65 The Historical Roots and Milestones of the Eastern iii Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary Ways the Communist Revolution Has Affected Theological Education The ECBTS Current Situation Current Cuban Policy Regarding Religious Institutions of Higher Education 5. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSIONS …………………. 138 Summary of Findings Discussion of Findings Recommendations Conclusions Appendix A. ECBTS GRADUATING CLASSES AND ACADEMIC DEGREES ………………………………………………... 153 B. GRADUATES OF THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AT THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGES IN EL CRISTO …………………. 166 C. MAP OF CUBA …………………………………………………………………….. 168 D. HYMN CUBA FOR CHRIST …………………………………………………….. 170 E. LETTER FROM THE ECBC ……………………………………………………… 172 REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………………………… 174 iv LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1. Curriculum for the Correspondence School of Theology in 1905 ……………………………………………………… 68 2. Rectors at the ECBTS …………………………………………………………. 77 3. First Seminary Faculty Members ………………………………………….. 79 4. First Administrative Staff of the Seminary ……………………………… 80 5. Faculty and Curriculum Used during the Special Course for Women ……………………………………………………… 110 6. ECBTS Official Hymn …………………………………………………………….. 115 7. Ideal Seminary Budget for the 2002-2003 Academic Year …………………………………………………………………………… 123 8. Enrollment and Student Body, 2002-2003 ……………………………….. 126 9. ECBTS Faculty, 2002-2003 ……………………………………………………… 127 10. Seminary Curriculum …………………………………………………………….. 131 11. Proposed Seminary Changes from the President of the Commission of Ministerial Preparation ……………………. 146 12. Recent Church Membership at Eastern Baptist Churches ……………. 151 v LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure Page 1. Main Building of the Western Baptist Theological Seminary ………………. 20 2. The Tabernacle Building at Los Pinos Nuevos Seminary ……………………. 26 3. Welcome Sign at the Evangelical Theological Seminary …………………….. 28 4. Nazarene Theological Seminary ………………………………………………………. 31 5. Campus of the International School of Theology ………………………………. 32 6. Campus of the International Colleges in El Cristo ……………………………… 70 7. First Graduates from the School of Theology at the International Colleges ……………………………………………………… 71 8. First Graduates of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary ………………………………………………………………… 83 9. The ECBTS Academic Building and Dormitory ……………………………………. 123 10. The ECBTS Main Building ………………………………………………………………. 130 11. The ECBTS Library in the Santiago Campus …………………………………….. 145 vi CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Cuba is a Caribbean archipelago with a population of 11 million and an area of some 11,000 square kilometers (Cantón Navarro, 1998). It was discovered by Christopher Columbus and claimed by Spain during his first voyage to the new world in 1492. Columbus described Cuba as “the most beautiful land the human eye has beheld” (Cantón Navarro, 1998). After more than three-hundred years under the control of Spain, José Martí initiated the last war of independence in 1895 and is regarded as a national hero in Cuba. In 1898 the United States intervened in the Cuban war against Spain and took control of the island under the Treaty of Paris. May 20, 1902, the United States ended its military occupation of Cuba, formally inaugurating its independence. In 1959 Fidel Castro’s guerrilla movement successfully overthrew the government of General Fulgencio Batista. As a consequence of the revolutionary movement, hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled the country. In 1960 the United States imposed an economic embargo on Cuba. In 1961 Cuban president Fidel Castro announced close relationships with the Soviet Union and declared Cuba a communist state. Cuba became the first socialist country in the western hemisphere and has continued with this political system until now. After being involved in many changes during the last century, with the same president for more than forty years, and with the loss of popularity of communism in the world, Cuba’s future remains uncertain. 1 During the late 1800s many protestant denominations started their missionary work in Cuba. In November 1898,