Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
What's the solution here?
Quality Christian higher education is important. If we cease investing in teachers and learners, we regress and fail to move forward. Centers of incestuous academia, where students are really just converts being told what to believe doesn't fit the mold of what college is all about. The importance of students being grounded in theology that has good hindsight and inspired forward-sight is critical.
So here's the rub. Many bible students eventually become pastors. These young singles and married people leave school to serve the mission of God in a unique way, and do so with sometimes as much as $50,000 in debt (if they've obtained a Th.M, MDiv, etc).
Serving God's people is not a vocation. It's not a career. It's a unique call. It's not about "cashing in" on the degree in terms of money, but in terms of people. Colleges that are affordable have under-qualified instructors, colleges with the best-of-the-best in professors tend to be over-priced.
In fact, many major theological seminaries have a profit-seeking business office like any other school. They tax you for every dollar. The book prices are off the charts.
So what's the solution to this?
I write this post to those who already acknowledge and appreciate ministers who understand education to be a piece of the preparation that goes into it.
Thoughts? Should churches have regular giving to local schools and students submit to being worthy of that church's scholarship? Should scholarships be more readily available (they are bleak for theology students generally)? Should we just continue on as we do?
|
I don't have a formal education religious education, I believe God will make a way if someone is really called.
That said, I WOULD love to be able to attend a seminary or Bible college.
I wanted to attend a UPC Bible school, but was never able to, due to having a family very young. (Now I'm thankful for not going to a UPC Bible school, since they are unaccredited, and nearly everyone who did seems to regret going, and most don't even believe "the doctrine").
I would be interested in another venue, and where I live the most reputable school is Southwestern Theological Seminary, which is a Baptist school. But I cannot go, first off, because I am priced out of it , and secondly, because though I could be agreeable enough on most of the requirements to get in, affirming belief in the trinity is a requirement I cannot affirm.
Theres not really any other options as I really don't like the idea of online school, and I still have the responsibility to make a living for my family and help in the church, so full time school isn't an option.
Nevertheless, I think one can go pretty far in self education if they will commit themselves to reading the word, prayer, commentaries, word studies, etc.
Sometimes they are better off for it, because they don't have the indoctrination factor.
Threaded Mode
