Considering PhD studies? Check this out!!!

That article is nothing less than intellectual snobbery :laugh:

 

That's not necessarily true. I thought it was an even-handed attempt to provide the truth regarding doctoral studies. The reality is that the vast majority of individuals are not capable of PhD work. This is not to say they are inferior or stupid. PhD work is just on a different "level." Those that are capable of PhD-level work may not have the necessary desire. PhD programs at respectable institutions require major time and financial commitments. Even a gifted student without a fervent desire for the work will not be able to finish the program.

Of course, the situation is slightly different for a pastor seeking further academic training without the intent on entering the academy. The rigor remains, but the job prospect quandary is not as daunting.

 

Here is a question...

If someone wants to teach at Seminary is a Ph.D completely necessary? Can you get a teaching position with a ThD, or a D. Min?

Just curious.

 

ThD, yes. DMin- you need some solid-gold connections, a big name, or an extensive amount of experience in some area of practical theology. It's rare to see DMins teaching at seminaries.

 

The reason I ask is this>

I was looking at the Ph.D studies compared to the ThD. studies, and the thesis requirement seemed to be basically the same. What seems to be different, is that the Ph.D's in theology etc. have additional requirements like "Fluent in German or French, and Latin", etc.

 

I was not serious... entirely ... didn't you see I was laughing, well that annoying little emoticon was any way. It was a good article.

 

It depends on the institution. For example, the ThD at Harvard is through the Divinity School and the PhD is through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is slightly different in focus, but both are research degrees.

 

Oops! Sorry about that.

 

One of my profs earned his ThD at Harvard Divinity School.

 

Ivy League religious degrees...isn't that where these clowns from the Jesus Seminar hail from. How many of these guys are church planters, missionaries, soul winners?
How many of these Ivy League trained preachers are serving in evangelistic missionary supporting churches?
Somehow in my redneck mind I see these guys preaching to a bunch of pew potatoes in some old dead prestigious church to a bunch of blue noses. If you can't put the degree to work for the glory of God it is just another useless piece of paper I don't care where it came from. When compared for actual usefulness some of these less than wonderful schools might be looking a little better.

 

I think that is an over generalization. But I DO see your point.

 

Its true in many cases. My former Pastor, Greg Boyd, www.gregboyd.org is an example of an Ivy League Ph.D. who preaches Christ, though he is undoubtedly more theologically "loose" than you would like. You should appreciate he teaches the inspired Word of God and Christ crucified and encourages people toward radical Kingdom Living.

 

Oh ya, and Woodland Hills Church is in the Baptist General Conference...

 

Would that make it Calvinistic ?

 

No, that would make it Baptist ... sort of ...

The BGC has everything from Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis (John Piper, Calvinistic) to Woodland Hills Church (Greg Boyd, decidedly not Calvinistic)