No, but I did peruse their web site. They have a very well-qualified faculty. The star, IMHO, is D. A. Carson. However, the tuition is a little steep. Now, the questions is "WHY?" Why do we need another D.Min. program. There appears to be plenty of opportunities all over the country. There is nothing exceptional or especially creative that makes this program different as I can see. So, why start a new program? Is there really a need? I doubt if they'll garner more than 75-100 students. IMHO, there's no justification or need. These energies could be better spent elsewhere.
You might be correct about the D.Min program. I am quite interested in the Intermediate Level Certificate: Systematic Theology.
The Intermediate Level Theology track is designed to provide the student with a solid grounding in orthodox Reformed theology.
The Intermediate Level track consists of twelve courses that can be completed in a nine to twelve-month period.
After registration, the student will be assigned a tutor to answer questions that may arise from the required reading and who will evaluate the student's coursework. An online forum will also be provided. The forum will provide a place for students in the Intermediate Level Systematic Theology track to submit questions to the tutor and to discuss course related issues with other students registered for the same track.
It will not give credits, but it might be a help to more structured studies.
Yes, they have a mission statement but I fail to see anything unique about it.
Ligioner Academy, a branch of Ligioner Ministries, is undoubtedly a parachurch organization.
If it was the teaching arm of a local church, I could see a rationale for its existence.
On the other hand, the last thing that I think we need is another parachurch seminary with declining enrollments and budget cuts at some of the larger schools.
If they offered an unique perspective or methodology, then we may rationalize a reason, but the "same old, same old," I don't think so.
These may be good guys but I cannot find a good reason for another school except it's the fad.
You will remember the Christian day school movement.
When Christian day schools became popular, every church and pastor wanted a Christian day school regardless whether there was a need or whether they had the resources.
Many of these schools turned out to be poor schools and closed in time.
They hurt the Christian day school movement.
Now, it seems that every parachurch ministry wants a seminary or university.
What's the motivation?
Isn't it a fair question to ask the rationale?
There ought to be a reason for its existence.
To start a new hospital, one has to show the need.
What about a seminary?
More may not always be better if it distracts and weakens other flourishing works.
What do you think?
I think this is actually VERY unique: it is definitely filling a singular niche. I cannot think of too many soteriologically
reformed seminaries, which is neutral in regards to ecclesiology and eschatology. Most reformed seminaries are either affiliated with a particular denomination (PCA, etc.), or are dedicated to a particular eschatology (Amillenialism, Preterism, etc.)
This school appeals to the "Together for the Gospel" crowd, who desire to unite around the 5 Doctrines of Grace, and a reformed view of instruction.
==I have never taken a course through them. However if you have the interest and the money then I see no reason why you could not try it out. Being that the program is connected to RC Sproul I can't see how you would be disappointed.
I think it might be something worth praying about.
So, is there a real need for such a school? This seems to be a pretty narrow niche.
Do we want a seminary for every degree of doctrinal variance?
Elsewhere on the board, we were discussing how our preparation for ministry is often too narrow and restricted.
Do we have to agree on every detail?
There are independent Reformed seminaries without denominational ties, which ought to fill the need of the "Together for the Gospel" crowd. Well, we'll see; time will tell.
I have started the layman study at Ligonier Academy. So far very good.
I am taking the Intermediate Level Certificate in Systematic Theology. I expect to ger a solid grounding in orthodox Reformed theology.
It is not Baptist, but I think it is Baptist compatible. I will supplement with som good baptist reading and at the same time learn how to explain the Baptist distinctives compared to a more reformed understanding of church and sacraments.
To try to really understand the five points of calvinism will of course be interesting. Will a change from four points to five, or will I really be able to explain why I still hold to four points?
That is a good question. A question I have to ask myself since I did choose a more expensive alternative when there was cheaper alternatives present. On the other hand, I would do the same again, but can not explain why.
I have reason to think that Calvin was not a 5 pointer in his commentary on John and his little book on predestination. Personally if limited atonement is defined as
"intended for the elect but ample for all,"
then I have no problem with it. BTW, I like Hodge's Christology
much better than Grudem or Erickson, but I'm a Conservative Baptist.
I am looking for a home study program that teaches through the entire bible.
The only ones I have found like this is the Legonier certificate courses and another one is Liberty Home bible Institute.