Here is part of an entry that I will be posting late tonight on the Paul and Timothy Blog.
Years ago, I would have never imagined that I would ever be pursuing a formal seminary education. The christian community/tradition I was in was pretty anti-institutional in many respects. We called seminary “cemetery”, and it was only for stuffy, proud, rich young men who had turned Christianity into an intellectual pursuit, much like the other sciences. Formal theological education was only for the “hireling” who was seeking to make merchandise of the saints by applying for the CEO (pastor) position at a local hymn singing country club (typical church) so he could hear himself give speeches (sermons) to as large crowd a crowd as he could muster (congregation), hoping to make his name great.
And now, years later, after many paradigm shifts, here I am, with seminary applications in hand. And I need to ask myself honestly, ‘have I sold out? What has changed?’
Be sure to check out the rest of this post on the Paul and Timothy blog tomorrow morning. What is your opinion about formal theological education?
Wow. Can’t wait.
A little late… but better late than never? The first post of the series is up now at http://paulandtimothy.wordpress.com
Jeff, I said I would read and I didn’t forget. I feel your pain, and I think the list of reasons for attending seminary is a great list. I’ve often struggled with the notion that seminary isn’t in Scripture, and it sucks that you have to leave your faith community and go to a seminary (unless you live close to one), then come back 3-4 years later, or end up somewhere different altogether. And you’re right on the money about some seminaries being doctrinal miscreants and entirely unhelpful.
But, there are some good ones out there, and you have some good reasons to attend. For me, I just wish seminary wasn’t necessary. I wish that you could go to your local gathering of believers and be taught theology, church history, christian ethics and philosophy, and even the original languages. Maybe not on a Sunday morning, but surely a pastor could mentor up and coming pastors in these areas, if nothing more than pointing them in the right direction of private study.
But, as great of an ideal as that may be, it’s just not the case in any church I’ve ever seen. And it’s possible that a pastor could never push you spiritually and intellectually as much as a group of professors who have earned Ph.D.’s in the respective fields. I think it’s probably a great idea for you to go, and I hope it serves you well so you may serve the Kingdom well.
Might I ask where you are looking at going?
Alan,
I appreciate your comments, they are very encouraging. It is always good to connect with another like minded brother/sister and be mutually encouraged.
I’m applying to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Western Seminary, and… Bethlehem Seminary – a new Seminary which in my mind is doing seminary in a way that is revolutionary. My next post on the Paul and Timothy blog, either tonight or tomorrow night, is going to be about Bethlehem Seminary and what they are doing.
On the topic of seminary and it’s value/necessity – I think a good perspective-setting read (and short at just 90 pages!) is Helmud Thilicke’s “An Exercise for Young Theologians.” A must read. Helmud (must be smart with a name like that!) was a chair at the Tubingen Univ. theology school and required all entering graduate students of theology to read that book first. Essentially he challenged what and why they were pursuing higher education when intending to go and serve as pastors. If it was to increase they’re understanding of God’s love and show it in a way to elevate the way others experienced the fullness of God’s love – great, you can stay. If it was just to have an intellectual trump card that allowed them the right to “win” in any debate…then please go back home before the seminary kills what Jesus there is in you.